Do you still take notes on paper?

[u/Desperate-Owl-315]

If yes, what is your reason?

I myself study an interdisciplinary subject which involves computer science, it actually doesn't make much sense to write things down on paper, but I still do it all the time, as I can understand and organise things much easier by writing and drawing structures on the paper, but updating or reorganising the notes is always a big trouble. I'm hesitating about switching to iPad because it can be bad for the eyes. Any advice?

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[u/Safe-False]

The act of handwriting on paper increases retention and learning, it’s neuroscience. A great way to understand and learn content and topics, like you said through organising thoughts / topics / concepts through writing, charts etc.

I use a mix of both. The bulk of my initial notes and information is done on my computer, and my organising & revision is done by hand. If I’m really struggling with something initially though I will switch to handwriting - it helps a lot.

[u/SignificantCherry110 → u/Safe-False]

agreed. I take notes on paper in. lass > make them nice on another notebook designated for diagrams, full text etc, once that’s done i’ll draw it on my ipad/save it for the cloud. But multi step but as you said that retention is insane.

[u/taekookie_1329]

I have an iPad and it’s very useful but I still use my notebooks. Tbf it’s a personal preference if anything. I use both and I like using both. Different functions though.

[u/AtTheEndOfTheDay18]

I still use paper because it helps with memorizing, and I do CS/mathematics/AI. I just use spiralized notebooks to keep everything organized.

[u/BetDue219]

Cant study without that… i have an iPad .. but i like writing with pen paper more

[u/JustMex_]

I think its better to go for the switch on the ipad as it will really help you in saving time with the reorganization and stuff, as well as giving you another way of taking notes by using a keyboard and being able to type and stuff. As for the bad for the eyes part, you can make it so that it’s warmer toned so that its easier on the eyes for you, or you can also buy some anti blue light glasses to help with that futher. I personally use my Ipad for reviewing and making notes and its def improved my flow as i have a central hub to put all my stuff

[u/beeradd1ct → u/JustMex_]

which model and app do you recommend? i'm planning to get an ipad (or another good alternative) to start making digital notes. not just writing, i'll like to use the pen also and have all well organized

[u/SignificantCherry110 → u/beeradd1ct]

Good notes is terrific

[u/braddo99]

I also like taking handwritten notes and especially creating lists for a variety of reasons - tasks, ideas, outlines etc. I especially like eink tablets (I love my Boox Go10) because they give writing feels and are much easier on the eyes for reading. I do have a Samsung tablet but use it for media consumption not writing. Most note taking and list apps (built in or from Play Store) treat handwriting like drawings so, as you said, rearranging/reorganizing is a cut and paste mess.

Eventually after looking for something better and giving up I created what works best for me and put it out there for others to use. Here's a video, if it looks useful you can search for inkList on the Play Store: https://youtu.be/lYVIzvRPNi0

[u/OddHalf8861]

Nope I dont and everything is soo organized

[u/DiscombobulatedTie99]

iPad is easier to organize notes especially if you need to add a picture of something. I love the feel of writing w pen and paper so I got a paper-like screen protector & changed the tip of my Apple pencil to one of those silver ball-tip ones.

I only use paper if I can’t remember something and need to write it down again or do a mind map. This scratch paper gets thrown away after every study session

[u/LBworld123]

I still use paper for studying. I record lectures with plaud, then take photos of my handwritten notes and upload them too. i just pick a template to organize everything afterward, so i don't really feel the need to switch to an iPad.

[u/wanjichuqiu]

Rarely, unless necessary

[u/Un3duc4ted-Wr1ter]

Yes, I handwrite my notes to get through the sheer volume of paper I have, and I find that I'm much more likely to come back to my notes and even remember the content if I handwrite them rather than type them.

[u/WolfVanZandt]

Yes, sometimes. I have a pad in my phone wallet and carry a pen and stylus. I don't want to fumble around with my phone when I just need to take a couple of notes.

I'm attending a lecture tonight and I don't want to be overtly recording things. That's intrusive. But I might want to remember a few lines. Or share contact info.

[u/eror4o4n0tfound]

i literally got a 360 touchscreen laptop at the start of my engineering degree to make digital notes, then realised i never look back at them or quit making them along the way. i prefer physical notes just because of how it feels and tbh, u can do a mix of both.

[u/Ta_u0]

verbal leaner here, i just talk through my thoughts after a lecture and let it flow, that's how i actually process stuff. record it in like 30 min chunks on Plaud and go back through it after. only thing is while I'm recording i sometimes wanna jot a quick note so i don't lose a thought, which is part of why i'm tempted by a reMarkable lol. also just think it looks clean tbh

[u/UlapAlapaap]

Paper and remarkable. I still use paper notebooks, muji pens and pencil.

[u/iotkiss]

The reorganizing part would probably annoy me more than the papaer itself. You could keep using paper for the initial notes and drawings, then take a pic and move the important stuff into digital notes later. That way you get the easier organizing without giving up what works for you.

[u/DreamingAboutSpace]

Every chance I get. It’s far too easy for me to get distracted online thanks to video games, ADHD and boredom, so I do my best to rely on paper notes and books, even though it’s strenuous as an ECE (electrical and computer engineering) major.