Digital Notes vs Paper Notes for 2026: Benefits of Taking Notes by Hand
Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist
Learning methodologies have evolved over the decades, with many students and teachers swapping their notebooks and pens for tools such as laptops, mobile devices, and software applications (EdTech, 2018). The digital note taking approach to education has further intensified when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. In 2020, schools shut down, forcing educators to rely on the Internet and electronic devices to facilitate classes. As more schools acclimate to this setup, it seems that many have also realized the benefits of having a digital note taking device, with research suggesting that online learning promises increased information retention and that it could be here to stay (Li & Lalani, 2020).
Whether online or in-classroom, note-taking is a critical component of learning. It is also one of the best practices for exam preparation. The incorporation and utilization of electronic devices have been altering classroom dynamics in several ways, including how students take notes. Research is mixed on taking notes by hand vs computer. However, findings suggest that although devices such as laptops may improve students’ note-taking abilities, it may also hinder learning efficacy (Stacy & Cain, 2015). In fact, in recent years, psychologists have also been studying what is the best age to own a mobile phone as it may have effects on a child’s development and well-being. This is why experts and educators leave us with a learning secret: Don’t take notes on a laptop.
This article takes a closer look at the ongoing debate on handwritten notes vs digital notes to hopefully help students realize the benefits they can potentially reap should they decide to choose writing over typing.
Note-Taking in the Modern Classroom Table of Contents
- Digital Notes Vs. Paper Notes
- The Role of Note-Taking in Online Learning
- Why Longhand Note-Taking is Better
- Note-Taking Best Practices for Students
- How Can Efficient Note Organization Optimize Learning Outcomes?
- What Emerging Technologies are Shaping the Future of Note-Taking?
- How Can a Hybrid Note-Taking Approach Enhance Cognitive Processing?
- How does the environment you study in impact your note-taking effectiveness?
- Is Digital Note-Taking Secure and Private?
- Exploring the Interplay Between Note-Taking and Learning Goals
- How Can Adaptive Note-Taking Bridge Academic Success and Career Growth?
- How Can Institutions Support Enhanced Note-Taking Skills?
- Can Personalized Note-Taking Strategies Accelerate Degree Completion?
According to the latest data collated by the National Center for Education Statistics, as of 2017, 90.8% of U.S. households have members who own a computing device, including desktops, laptops, and smartphones (NCES, 2017). Meanwhile, a study of community college students conducted by ECAR in 2019 revealed that 91% of the respondents have access to a laptop, and 97% of them personally own the device (Gierdowski, 2019).
Is it better to take notes on paper or computer? In a 2011 study of the University of Michigan students, 53% of the respondents stated that their laptops helped them learn more, with 25% strongly agreeing that their attentiveness increased. Open-ended comments also revealed that students believe that “laptops do help with taking notes a lot." However, there are also students who think that while typing on a laptop allows for quicker note-taking, it can also be a source of distraction when someone uses their device for unrelated activities (Zhu et.al., 2011).
Perception of Students on Laptop Use in the Classroom
As many students feel that typing is more efficient than writing, digital note-taking has become commonplace. On the surface, this does not seem like a big deal—taking notes is taking notes, after all. However, a number of research and studies show otherwise.
Digital Notes Vs. Paper Notes
As more institutions expand their online learning programs and more educators incorporate interactive learning trends into their lectures, it only makes sense that students also turn to computers and other digital devices and apps for enhancing their learning experience. It is not surprising that out of 88% of students who own a laptop, 63% use it during their classes (McGraw-Hill Education, 2017). In fact, there is an increasing number of school organization apps for note-taking available these days.
However, while a computer or laptop can help improve learning by allowing students to efficiently research, communicate, and collaborate (McGraw-Hill Education, 2017), these devices may not be as helpful when used in note-taking regardless if these are the best laptop for students.
Will digital replace handwritten notes? Several studies have shown that laptop note-takers perform worse on conceptual exam questions compared to longhand note-takers (Mueller & Oppenheimer, 2014). The studies also reveal that even though students can type more on their laptops, they tend to simply transcribe the lecture verbatim. This robs them of the opportunity to process and grasp information in such a way that they can reframe it in their own words, unlike when writing notes on paper.
The results of the studies can be likened to learning impairment. Essentially, the students hear and capture the lecture’s content. However, they might not be able to absorb and digest it effectively. Because of this, they are left with notes that may include facts, but without conclusions drawn from the lecture. As a result, they find it a challenge to answer conceptual and open-ended questions.
The Role of Note-Taking in Online Learning
Effective note-taking is crucial for students pursuing the cheapest online college bachelor degree or other programs as it directly impacts learning and retention. Unlike traditional in-person classes, online learning requires students to be more self-reliant and engaged. Here’s how note-taking can play a key role in enhancing the online learning experience:
- Enhanced Understanding and Retention:
- Note-taking forces students to process and rephrase information, which helps deepen understanding. When attending an online class, actively summarizing content in your own words ensures the material is better retained.
- Using handwritten notes or digital note-taking tools with stylus pens allows students to balance the cognitive benefits of traditional note-taking with the convenience of digital access.
- Organization of Information:
- Online courses often include multimedia content such as videos, readings, and interactive activities. Note-taking helps organize these resources coherently, making reviewing and locating important points easier.
- Digital tools, like Notability or OneNote, enable students to tag, search, and categorize notes efficiently, supporting a structured study approach.
- Improved Focus and Engagement:
- Note-taking can keep students focused during online lectures by engaging them more actively with the content. This is particularly important for online learning, where it’s easy to get distracted by other tabs or notifications.
- Taking notes during a class session helps maintain attention, ensuring that students remain engaged throughout the learning experience.
- Preparation for Exams and Assignments:
- Well-organized notes serve as valuable study material for exams and assignments. They provide a quick reference to key concepts and help students create study guides that cover all essential topics discussed in the course.
- Students can reinforce their learning and prepare effectively for assessments by regularly reviewing and updating notes.
- Flexibility and Adaptability:
- Online learners often juggle multiple responsibilities. A robust note-taking strategy allows them to capture important information at any time, whether during live sessions or when revisiting recorded materials. This flexibility is essential for balancing coursework with other commitments.
Why Longhand Note-Taking is Better
Taking notes on iPad vs paper: which is better? Note-taking methods have already evolved together with technology over the years. Handwritten notes were supplemented, if not replaced, by word processing tools, personal digital assistants, digital notebooks, note-taking applications, audio recorders, voice-to-text programs, and other technologies. However, not all of these pen-and-paper alternatives are seen as very beneficial, particularly laptops.
So, what does old school note-taking get right that its digital counterpart lacks?
It is quite simple: quality over quantity. In Mueller and Oppenheimer’s study (2014), longhand note-takers wrote significantly fewer words than those who typed on their laptop. It was also found that 14.6% of the laptop notes were verbatim, whereas the longhand notes only had 8.8% verbatim overlap.
An average adult can write around 13 words per minute (Bledsoe, 2011). Meanwhile, the average typing speed is around 40 words per minute (Typing.com, 2017). Thus, it is not a surprise that laptop note-takers record more words from the lecture than longhand note-takers.
This goes to show that longhand writing potentially slows down the note-taker, giving them extra time to absorb information more effectively. As a result, they can draw conclusions on their own and add side notes of their own. They can even make diagrams out of their own conclusion, signifying a deeper understanding of the lecture. On the contrary, typing on a laptop can make the note-taker too focused on typing, making sure they transcribe every word right. This results in a shallower, superficial understanding. In other words, typing can be likened to simply recording but not completely understanding lectures.
Note-Taking Best Practices for Students
According to adult learning theories as well as new research on note-taking, taking notes during class lectures and reviewing them have a positive impact on learning (DeZure, Kaplan, & Deerman, 2001). At this point, it has already been established that longhand note-taking trumps laptop note-taking. This, however, does not mean that all technology generates negative results.
While classic pen and paper note-taking can be considered ideal, we cannot deny the influence of technology in the modern learning environment. For students to leverage the benefits of taking notes by hand and technology, methodologies and practices that combine them need to take the stage.
Touchscreen Devices and Stylus Pens
What are the benefits of online note-taking tools? If typing on a laptop is detrimental to learning, how about using a handheld touchscreen device that allows users to mimic writing? Tablets and smartphones that support stylus pens and digital notebook or note-taking applications allow students to take notes using longhand writing while also enjoying the benefit of storing their notes digitally. As 93% of students own a smartphone while 56% own a tablet (McGraw-Hill Education, 2017), incorporating this note-taking method in class should be easy.
Some of the mobile applications that can be used for digital longhand note-taking are the following:
- Notability Available for iOS and macOS, it allows handwriting, sketching, and adding notes on digital files.
- Penultimate from Evernote Available for iOS (iPad), it is a digital handwriting app with additional search features.
- Goodnotes Available for iOS and macOS, it turns Apple devices into digital paper.
- OneNote Available for touchscreen Windows devices, this program’s Draw feature can convert handwriting to text.
Mobile Handheld Device Ownership Among U.S. University Students
How Can Efficient Note Organization Optimize Learning Outcomes?
Efficient organization of notes is pivotal for reinforcing memory, reducing cognitive overload, and ensuring seamless retrieval. Practical strategies include systematically categorizing notes by topics, employing color-coding for key themes, and using concise summaries that condense complex ideas. Integrating digital tools with advanced search capabilities and cloud synchronization further enables learners to access and cross-reference material with ease. Adopting these practices not only streamlines review sessions but also lays a strong foundation for integrating academic insights into professional skill development, as seen with certification programs.
What Emerging Technologies are Shaping the Future of Note-Taking?
Recent developments in artificial intelligence and natural language processing are paving the way for innovative note-taking solutions that go beyond simple transcription. Smart applications now offer real-time organization of information, automatically highlight key concepts, and recommend follow-up actions based on analysis of learner behavior. These technologies are not only enhancing the retrieval of information but also reducing cognitive load by summarizing and categorizing content efficiently. Moreover, the integration of wearable devices and cloud-based collaboration tools is setting the stage for more personalized learning experiences that align with evolving academic and professional demands, as seen in modern interdisciplinary research. Institutions and learners alike may explore the benefits of this blended approach alongside legacy techniques, much like pursuing studies in the easiest PhD programs, to ensure that note-taking adapts to the fast-changing educational landscape.
How Can a Hybrid Note-Taking Approach Enhance Cognitive Processing?
A hybrid strategy blends the cognitive benefits of handwriting with the organization and accessibility of digital tools, effectively addressing the limitations inherent in each method. Handwritten notes encourage deeper processing and synthesis during the note-taking process, while digital platforms facilitate rapid organization, retrieval, and the integration of multimedia resources. For instance, by combining both approaches, students can annotate and revise their notes with ease and precision, much as learners might benefit from the structured flexibility found in an online trade school. This balanced approach not only accommodates diverse learning styles but also promotes long-term memory retention by encouraging active engagement with course material.
How does the environment you study in impact your note-taking effectiveness?
While much of the discussion surrounding digital versus handwritten note-taking focuses on the tools and methods, the environment in which students take their notes plays a critical role in learning outcomes. An often-overlooked factor, the physical and mental environment can significantly affect the efficiency and quality of note-taking, regardless of the method used. Here are some key considerations:
- Minimizing distractions: Whether using a laptop, tablet, or pen and paper, the environment should be free from distractions such as noise, social media, or people moving around. Distractions can lead to fragmented attention and shallow note-taking, reducing the effectiveness of either method.
- Comfort and ergonomics: The physical setup of the study space, such as the type of chair, lighting, and posture, impacts a student's ability to focus for extended periods. Poor ergonomics can lead to fatigue, discomfort, and reduced concentration, making it harder to capture and process information effectively.
- Digital interruptions: For those using digital devices, notifications and other online distractions (emails, messaging apps, or social media) can interfere with note-taking. Setting devices to “Do Not Disturb” or using focus-enhancing apps can help limit these interruptions.
- Study location: Different environments, such as quiet libraries or bustling coffee shops, can either enhance or hinder concentration depending on the student's preference. Some learners may thrive in quieter spaces, while others might find background noise helpful for maintaining focus.
- Mental preparedness: Your mindset plays a significant role in how well you absorb information. A calm, focused mind, free from external stressors, leads to more effective note-taking and learning retention. Techniques such as mindfulness exercises before study sessions can improve concentration and note quality.
Traditional Note-Taking Techniques
There are also several note-taking methods that students can do without having to ditch their laptops or other electronic devices. The following can be done using pen and paper, laptop, smartphone, or tablet:
- Outline Method Instead of typing or transcribing a lecture verbatim, students can organize their notes in an outline format, where ideas are divided into main topics, sub-topics, and supporting information. This is best used for lectures with a clear structure.
- Cornell Method In this method, students need to start with a template that will allow them to specify keywords (main ideas) and questions (their thoughts about the lecture). This method also encourages the note-taker to review their notes after a lecture to create a summary. This method is recommended for all types of lectures and meetings.
- Charting Method Students can use a spreadsheet or insert a table in a word processing document for this method. Here, they can use columns to separate main ideas and the cells beneath them for adding supporting facts and information. This is best used for lectures that involve a lot of information, especially data and figures.
- Mapping Method This method encourages note-takers to create a diagram that relates facts and ideas to a central idea or topic. Unlike in an outline, ideas in a mind map is presented in a non-linear manner. Mind mapping is best used for content-heavy lectures that have many subtopics.
- Sentence Method This is a simple note-taking method where every new idea is written in a bulleted or numbered sentence. This method is most effective if the student composes their own sentences. Use the sentence method of note-taking in long lectures with lots of facts and ideas that can be tied together in sentences.
Is Digital Note-Taking Secure and Private?
Digital note-taking platforms require vigilant attention to data protection, as risks related to unauthorized access and data breaches exist. Students and educators should verify that digital tools utilize robust encryption, enforce strict access controls, and implement two-factor authentication to safeguard sensitive academic information. Reviewing app privacy policies, seeking independent security audits, and consulting with institutional IT support can further fortify these practices. For learners in dynamic programs such as fast paced bachelor degree online, aligning digital note-taking with secure data practices ensures both productive and safe learning experiences.
Exploring the Interplay Between Note-Taking and Learning Goals
One crucial aspect that learners often overlook when evaluating their note-taking methods is their alignment with specific academic and career goals. Effective note-taking is not a one-size-fits-all practice; instead, it should cater to the unique needs of diverse educational pathways, such as online degree programs or traditional classroom setups.
For instance, students pursuing an online accelerated bachelor's degree often face condensed timelines and dense material. This scenario demands an adaptive note-taking method that balances efficiency with comprehension. Organizing notes using frameworks like mind maps, Cornell note-taking systems, or summary sheets can support quick revision and deeper understanding—crucial for success in such fast-paced learning environments.
Moreover, understanding the scope and objectives of your educational program can help refine your note-taking approach. STEM students might prioritize diagram-heavy notes to conceptualize technical theories, while humanities students may find narrative-driven outlines more beneficial. This strategic alignment not only aids in academic performance but also develops skills transferable to professional contexts. As note-taking evolves, its optimization remains a cornerstone of effective learning, adapting to both the demands of the program and the goals of the learner.
How Can Adaptive Note-Taking Bridge Academic Success and Career Growth?
Adaptive note-taking techniques that align with individual career objectives empower learners to apply classroom insights in professional contexts. By systematically integrating key concepts with real-world scenarios, students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that serve both academic and vocational pursuits. This approach not only streamlines study processes but also provides a foundation for lifelong learning, making it easier to reconnect concepts during skill upgrades or career shifts. For instance, many working professionals enhance their academic credentials and practical competencies through online degrees for working adults, ensuring that their note-taking methodologies remain relevant as they balance continuous education with professional responsibilities.
How Can Institutions Support Enhanced Note-Taking Skills?
Educational institutions and colleges can play a pivotal role in developing advanced note-taking skills by integrating structured training, customized workshops, and ongoing support within their curricula. Such institutional initiatives not only familiarize students with a variety of note-taking techniques that align with their learning styles but also expose them to emerging technologies and methodologies. Collaborations between academic advisors and learning centers further help in establishing best practices, ensuring that note-taking becomes a transferable academic and professional asset. For example, exploring programs offered by open enrollment colleges online can provide students with diverse opportunities to refine these essential skills while promoting lifelong learning.
Can Personalized Note-Taking Strategies Accelerate Degree Completion?
Effective note-taking practices, when tailored to individual learning styles and academic timelines, can streamline study processes and expedite comprehension. By implementing structured review sessions and targeted note organization, students can quickly identify and address knowledge gaps. This strategic approach not only enhances retention but also supports accelerated academic pathways, as covered in our article on the fastest degree to get. Integrating personalized note-taking strategies with disciplined study practices enables learners to set measurable progress milestones, ultimately contributing to timely degree completion and sustained career readiness.
The Bottom Line: How Students Digest Their Notes is More Important
Taking notes, whether digitally or manually through writing, has long been proven to be a valuable part of the learning experience. However, in the end, how students digest the notes they take is what is more important. To support this, a study of 21 subjects with comparable academic abilities showed that both computer and handwritten note-takers performed equally well on tests given to them (Beck, 2014). This is also somewhat supported by the study conducted by Mueller and Oppenheimer (2014), which showed that participants performed equally well on factual-recall questions.
Indeed, several other studies suggest that longhand note-taking is superior in terms of helping learners process and retain information, and answer conceptual questions. However, the fact that digital electronic devices are here to stay and are now an inevitable part of the modern learning environment needs to be seriously considered when recommending note-taking methods. Furthermore, as digital devices and programs continuously improve, stakeholders should maximize the opportunity to come up with more interactive methods and applications that can effectively combine the benefits of longhand and digital note-taking.
Ultimately, we leave you with a learning secret: don’t take notes on a laptop if you plan to simply transcribe the lecture. How much you learn from your class is more important than how many words you capture.
Key Insights
- Prevalence of Digital Note-Taking: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital note-taking as schools shifted to online learning. Research indicates that digital note-taking is now a significant aspect of modern education.
- Mixed Research Findings: Studies show conflicting results on the effectiveness of digital versus handwritten notes. While laptops may enhance note-taking efficiency, they can also distract and hinder learning.
- Student Preferences: Many students prefer digital note-taking for its efficiency. However, some acknowledge that it can lead to distractions and a superficial understanding of lecture material.
- Benefits of Longhand Note-Taking: Handwritten notes are linked to better information processing and retention. Writing by hand encourages students to rephrase and summarize information, leading to deeper comprehension.
- Integration of Technology: Touchscreen devices and stylus pens offer a compromise, allowing students to write by hand while storing notes digitally. Applications like Notability and Goodnotes facilitate this method.
- Effective Note-Taking Techniques: Various methods, such as the Outline Method, Cornell Method, and Mapping Method, can be employed using both digital and traditional tools. These techniques help organize and process information effectively.
- Importance of Note Review: Regardless of the method used, regularly reviewing and digesting notes is crucial for reinforcing learning and improving exam performance.
References:
- Beck, K.M. (2014). “Note Taking Effectiveness in the Modern Classroom," The Compass: Vol. 1: Iss. 1, Article 9. Arcadia University
- Bledsoe, Jr., D. (2011, October). Handwriting Speed in an Adult Population. Advanceweb.com
- DeZure, D., Kaplan, M., & Deerman, M. (2001). Research on Student Notetaking: Implications for Faculty and Graduate Student Instructors. https://crlt.umich.edu/sites/default/files/resource_files/CRLT_no16.pdf
- EdTech (2018, February). What Is a Modern Learning Environment?. EdTech
- Gierdowski, D. (2019, May). ECAR Study of Community College Students and Information Technology, 2019. EDUCAUSE
- GoodNotes (2018, May). The Best Note-Taking Methods. GoodNotes
- Li C. & Lalani F. (2020, April). The COVID-19 pandemic has changed education forever. This is how. World Economic Forum
- McGraw-Hill Education (2017, October). 2017 Digital Study Trends Survey. https://s3.amazonaws.com/ecommerce-prod.mheducation.com/unitas/highered/explore/sites/study-trends/2017-digital-trends-survey-results.pdf
- Mueller, P. & Oppenheimer, D. (2014, April). The Pen Is Mightier Than the Keyboard: Advantages of Longhand Over Laptop Note Taking. SAGE Journals
- NCES (2017). Number and percentage of households with computer and internet access, by state: 2017. NCES
- Paperlike (2020, June). Why Digital Note-Taking by Hand is Better than Using a Laptop. Paperlike
- Stacy, E. & Cain, J. (2015, September). Note-taking and Handouts in The Digital Age. NCBI
- Typing.com (2017, March). What is a good typing speed?. Typing.com
- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (n.d.). Common Note-taking Methods. UTC.edu
- Zhu, E., Kaplan, M., Dershimer, R., & Bergom, I. (2011). Use of Laptops in the Classroom: Research and Best Practices. CRLT Occasional Paper No. 30. ERIC
Other Things You Should Know About Digital Notes And Paper Notes
Handwritten note-taking is believed to enhance information processing and retention because it forces students to summarize and rephrase information in their own words. This process leads to a deeper understanding and better recall of the material.
Laptops can be distracting if used for non-related activities during lectures. Additionally, students who type notes tend to transcribe lectures verbatim, which can result in shallow processing of the material and poorer performance on conceptual questions.
Yes, touchscreen devices with stylus pens allow students to take handwritten notes digitally. This method combines the benefits of handwriting, such as improved information processing, with the convenience of digital storage and organization.
Effective note-taking techniques include the Outline Method, Cornell Method, Charting Method, Mapping Method, and Sentence Method. These techniques help students organize and process information, making it easier to review and retain.
Reviewing notes helps reinforce the material and enhances long-term retention. It allows students to fill in any gaps in their understanding, make connections between concepts, and prepare more effectively for exams.
Digital note-taking applications like Notability, Goodnotes, and OneNote offer features such as handwriting recognition, search functionality, and easy organization of notes. These tools help students keep their notes accessible and well-organized, which can improve study efficiency.
The main advantage is that handwritten notes lead to better conceptual understanding and retention. Writing by hand slows down the note-taking process, allowing students to process and reframe information in their own words, which enhances learning.
