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I have repeatedly tried to convert over to pure digital note taking, but have not been able to. This is in the context of active learning (classroom, live video

I have repeatedly tried to convert over to pure digital note taking, but have not been able to. This is in the context of active learning (classroom, live video lecture, etc. where I cannot pause). As you said, there is nothing like the convenience of sketching out a graph, quick comments on the margins, drawing arrows to point at stuff, etc. I know there are digital solutions to everything I mentioned, but none of them have felt as natural or productive as old-fashioned note taking, especially when at the mercy of however fast the teacher is teaching. So, I usually hand-write notes as I'm learning. As a part of my studying method I digitize the notes as I'm studying them. I find re-writing out the notes verbatim helps me solidify what was learned and clarify any areas I'm not 100% with.

cameronbrown 8y ago
Active learning is definitely a weak area for digital note taking. When I use a computer in this context, I tend to 'take notes' with extreme shorthand and polish it up later - however at that point I've struggled/failed to remember to include some key insight or diagram.
- alidcastano 7y ago
  This is actually an area I'm working on. As @ziddoap mentioned, the main drawback to digital note-taking and learning is that it is not as natural to engage with your notes (drawing, making comments, etc). But there are other aspects of digital notes that make them superior to hand-written ones when it comes to learning. It's just that, imo, it hasn't been optimized for yet. Specifically, take spaced-repetition. One of the most proven ways to improve memory. It'd be easy to integrate such a system inside a note-taking app - and that would help ensure note-takers self-test themselves and periodically review their notes. But no note-taking app is doing that, at least not built-in. So that's why I've started working on this myself. The app is called Studbits (http://studbits.com http://studbits.com), and the idea is simple: we let you create flashcards alongside your notes and then remind you to review them with a spaced-repetition system.

cameronbrown 8y ago

Active learning is definitely a weak area for digital note taking. When I use a computer in this context, I tend to 'take notes' with extreme shorthand and polish it up later - however at that point I've struggled/failed to remember to include some key insight or diagram.

alidcastano 7y ago
This is actually an area I'm working on. As @ziddoap mentioned, the main drawback to digital note-taking and learning is that it is not as natural to engage with your notes (drawing, making comments, etc). But there are other aspects of digital notes that make them superior to hand-written ones when it comes to learning. It's just that, imo, it hasn't been optimized for yet. Specifically, take spaced-repetition. One of the most proven ways to improve memory. It'd be easy to integrate such a system inside a note-taking app - and that would help ensure note-takers self-test themselves and periodically review their notes. But no note-taking app is doing that, at least not built-in. So that's why I've started working on this myself. The app is called Studbits (http://studbits.com http://studbits.com), and the idea is simple: we let you create flashcards alongside your notes and then remind you to review them with a spaced-repetition system.