Okay, so I’m starting college in the fall, and I’m trying to figure out the best way to take notes. I really want to go paperless, but I’m feeling overwhelmed by all the options.
Specifically, I’m wondering:
- What are the best apps for taking notes on a laptop (Windows, specifically) and a tablet (I’m planning on getting an iPad)? I’m thinking something that allows me to organize notes by subject, easily search, and maybe even integrate with cloud storage like Google Drive or OneDrive. I’ve heard of OneNote and Notion, but I’m not sure which is better for student note-taking, or if there are even better alternatives.
- Should I just stick to typing, or would it be beneficial to get a stylus for the iPad and handwrite notes? If handwriting, what are some good styluses besides the Apple Pencil, considering budget? And what apps work best for handwriting on an iPad for note-taking?
- How do you actually manage taking notes in class on a computer/tablet without being distracting or seeming like you’re not paying attention? I’m worried about looking like I’m just browsing the internet. Are there any specific strategies or techniques for effective digital note-taking in a lecture setting?
- How do you deal with subjects that require drawing diagrams or complex equations, like science or math? Is it still feasible to take digital notes in those classes, or should I just resign myself to using paper for those? If it is possible, what tools or techniques make it easier?
- Are there any keyboard shortcuts or specific features in different note-taking apps that are REALLY helpful for students? I’m looking for efficiency tips!
Answer
Taking notes on a computer or tablet offers a variety of methods and advantages over traditional paper-based note-taking. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best approach for your needs:
I. Software and Application Options:
-
Dedicated Note-Taking Apps:
- Evernote: A popular, feature-rich app available on multiple platforms (desktop, web, mobile). It excels at organizing notes with notebooks, tags, and search functionality. You can include text, images, audio recordings, web clippings, and even handwritten notes. Evernote also offers optical character recognition (OCR) to make text within images searchable.
- OneNote: Microsoft’s note-taking app, integrated with the Microsoft Office suite. It provides a free-form canvas where you can place notes anywhere on a page. OneNote uses a notebook, section, and page structure for organization. It supports text, images, audio, video, and handwriting, and syncs across devices.
- Notion: A versatile workspace app that combines note-taking with project management, databases, and wikis. Notion is highly customizable and allows you to create interconnected pages and databases. It supports a variety of content types, including text, code, images, and embedded content. It’s particularly well-suited for complex projects and collaborative work.
- Bear: A Mac and iOS-only app known for its elegant design and focus on writing. Bear uses Markdown for formatting and tags for organization. It offers a distraction-free writing environment and supports inline images and attachments.
- Simplenote: A minimalist, free note-taking app focused on speed and simplicity. Simplenote uses tags for organization and offers real-time syncing across devices. It’s ideal for capturing quick notes and ideas.
- Roam Research: A networked note-taking tool that emphasizes connections between ideas. Roam Research allows you to create bidirectional links between notes, making it easy to explore relationships and build a knowledge base. It’s popular among researchers and knowledge workers.
- Obsidian: Another powerful networked note-taking app that stores notes in Markdown files. Obsidian allows you to create local "vaults" of notes and link them together using internal links. It offers a customizable interface and supports plugins for extending its functionality.
- GoodNotes (iPad): A popular iPad app for handwritten notes. GoodNotes allows you to write, draw, and annotate PDFs using an Apple Pencil or stylus. It offers a variety of paper templates, handwriting recognition, and search functionality.
- Notability (iPad): Another leading iPad note-taking app similar to GoodNotes. Notability allows you to create handwritten notes, annotate PDFs, and record audio synced to your notes. It offers a clean interface and supports multi-note views.
-
Word Processors:
- Microsoft Word: A powerful word processor suitable for creating detailed notes and documents. Word offers advanced formatting options, grammar and spell check, and collaboration features. It’s well-suited for creating structured notes and reports.
- Google Docs: A free, web-based word processor that allows for real-time collaboration. Google Docs automatically saves your work and allows you to access your notes from any device. It offers a variety of formatting options and supports comments and suggestions.
- Pages (Mac): Apple’s word processor, known for its elegant design and ease of use. Pages offers a variety of templates and formatting options, and integrates well with other Apple apps.
- Text Editors:
- Sublime Text, Visual Studio Code, Atom: These are powerful text editors primarily used for coding, but they can also be used for taking notes in plain text or Markdown format. They offer features like syntax highlighting, code completion, and customization options.
- Notepad (Windows), TextEdit (Mac): Basic text editors that are pre-installed on your computer. They are suitable for taking simple, unformatted notes.
II. Hardware and Peripherals:
- Computer: Any laptop or desktop computer will work for typing notes. Consider the screen size, keyboard comfort, and portability.
- Tablet: Tablets like the iPad or Android tablets are ideal for handwritten notes using a stylus. They are also portable and can be used for typing with an external keyboard.
- Stylus: A stylus is essential for taking handwritten notes on a tablet. The Apple Pencil (for iPad) and the S Pen (for Samsung tablets) are popular choices. Other styluses are available, so research compatibility with your tablet.
- Keyboard: An external keyboard can improve typing speed and comfort when using a tablet for note-taking. Bluetooth keyboards are a convenient option.
- Mouse/Trackpad: A mouse or trackpad can make it easier to navigate and edit notes on a computer or tablet.
III. Note-Taking Methods and Strategies:
- Linear Note-Taking: Taking notes in a sequential, chronological order. This method is suitable for lectures or presentations where information is presented in a linear fashion.
- Cornell Note-Taking: Dividing your page into three sections: notes, cues, and summary. The notes section is used for taking notes during the lecture or presentation. The cues section is used for writing keywords or questions related to the notes. The summary section is used for summarizing the main points of the notes.
- Mind Mapping: Creating a visual representation of information by starting with a central topic and branching out with related ideas. Mind mapping is useful for brainstorming, organizing thoughts, and understanding complex relationships. Software like MindManager or XMind can assist.
- Sketchnoting: Combining handwritten notes with drawings, symbols, and visual elements. Sketchnoting is a creative and engaging way to capture information and improve memory.
- Outlining: Creating a hierarchical structure of notes using headings, subheadings, and bullet points. Outlining is useful for organizing information and creating a clear and concise summary.
- SQ3R Method: A reading comprehension method that involves surveying, questioning, reading, reciting, and reviewing. This method can be adapted for note-taking by focusing on the key questions and answers.
IV. Tips for Effective Note-Taking:
- Be Prepared: Before a lecture or meeting, review any relevant materials and create a basic outline for your notes.
- Listen Actively: Pay attention to the speaker and focus on the main points.
- Use Abbreviations and Symbols: Develop a shorthand system to speed up your note-taking.
- Paraphrase: Don’t try to write down everything verbatim. Summarize the information in your own words.
- Organize Your Notes: Use headings, subheadings, bullet points, and white space to make your notes easy to read and understand.
- Review Your Notes Regularly: Review your notes soon after taking them to reinforce your learning and identify any gaps in your understanding.
- Use Cloud Syncing: Ensure your notes are backed up and accessible across multiple devices by using a cloud-based note-taking app or syncing service.
- Tagging: Employ tagging liberally to connect different notes together. This makes finding related information significantly faster in the long run.
- Date Your Notes: Always include the date of the note for context and easy reference.
- Customize Your Workflow: Experiment with different note-taking methods and tools to find what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to switch between applications or techniques to optimize your productivity.
V. Advantages of Digital Note-Taking:
- Organization: Digital notes can be easily organized using notebooks, tags, and folders.
- Searchability: Digital notes can be quickly searched for specific keywords or phrases.
- Accessibility: Digital notes can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.
- Editability: Digital notes can be easily edited and updated.
- Collaboration: Digital notes can be shared with others for collaborative note-taking and editing.
- Multimedia Integration: Digital notes can include images, audio recordings, and video clips.
- Backup and Security: Digital notes can be backed up to the cloud to prevent data loss.
- Environmental Friendliness: Digital note-taking reduces paper consumption.
By exploring these options and experimenting with different techniques, you can find the best way to take notes on a computer or tablet that suits your individual needs and preferences.
