Taking notes using a keyboard instead of longhand has become a common practice. However, while using a keyboard is quick and easy, psychological studies show that laptop note-taking is less effective for skill and ability. memory than taking long notes. Manual note-taking is also important because it has lifelong benefits for aging as well as for learning and performance outcomes. Taking notes by hand and using a keyboard is a worthwhile area of study for long-term benefit.
In looking at the differences, I found a number of studies (see links below) that concluded that students who took notes on laptops did worse on conceptual questions than students who took long notes.
Keyboard note takers tend to transcribe lectures and other information in writing rather than manually processing the information and restating the information in their own words. Keyboard notes are less effective in learning than handwritten notes. In short, laptop note taking takes the story directly from the speaker to the computer without much analysis from the recorder’s head. Handwritten notes are more effective and thought provoking. So let’s find out what it means.
Research on the psychology of learning to take handwritten notes shows that:
Handwriting increases memory — Electroencephalogram (EEG) studies show that when students write words by hand, compared to typing, the brain’s semantic processing improves, word learning improves, and memory improves.
Handwriting activates wider brain networks – FMRI studies show that handwriting activates areas of the brain involved in reading acquisition, while typing does less.
The manuscript supports higher order thinking – Students who write notes by hand are more engaged in conceptual processing, selection and synthesis of information than in word translation. This leads to improved long-term understanding, memory and learning.
My personal experience and conclusions are that handwriting involves deeper cognitive processing, more efficient use of memory, and is actually more of a psychomotor process than keyboarding. Therefore, handwritten notes are more memorable, memorable and lead to increased learning. In addition, the use of fine motor skills is necessary to learn the exercises and keep them all nerve networks in the brain. This is especially important in old age, because handwriting gradually declines with aging and taking notes for the physical therapy to treat depression. Self-writing is a complex cognitive and motor skill that results from the activation and exercise of the brain as well as a person’s physical abilities.
Although research shows that handwriting is a key practice in supporting lifelong learning, most schools no longer teach course writing. However, we do know that handwriting is key to handwriting development, and lifelong note-taking by hand helps with learning and acts as therapy for brain and psychomotor fitness. My opinion is that cursive writing should be reinstated in our education system because it has benefits. In my opinion, course writing opportunities, workshops, and courses should be offered in elementary, middle, and high school. education levels. It’s never too late to achieve a level of improvement.
Maintaining the use of handwriting is the key to better learning and is an effective physical therapy in aging. Having been a coach and family therapist for over sixty years, my recommendation is that each of us continue to work on our lines and “keep course notes for life!”
