Notes-by hand or laptop?

chuy
Wed, 11 Jun 2008 08:36:06 +0000

Seems to be split pretty evenly…so which method do you think is “healthier,” however you guys interpret that? Some people made good point that writing by hand helps memory recall and such, but I don’t know whether this is scientifically backed.



Handwriting is probably “healthier” since it keeps your handwriting sharp (although how much does anyone handwrite anymore anyway) and you don’t have to lug the laptop around. That’s not as much of a problem for me since mine is really light, but I could see lugging a big one around being annoying.

I think the memory thing is because your brain has to process the information one more time if you’re handwriting. If you’re typing you can go straight from “Professor said it” to “type it.” If you’re writing you have to go “Professor said it” to “is it important to write down” to “write it” since it takes longer to write something than to type. Both methods have their strengths and weaknesses. It’s a lot easier to organize your notes if you do them on a computer, as well as being easier to go back and change/add to your notes.