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Writer's pictureVirtual Edge Connection

[updated for 2024] Why taking notes is still better than using a recording device

Contrary to common belief, note-taking has not vanished; rather, it has been transformed. Note-taking may seem archaic to some, yet its importance in learning is undeniable. So, why is it so crucial?


"Researchers discovered that significant information conveyed in notes had a 34 percent chance of being remembered," according to the study. There was just a 5% probability that information not found in notes would be recalled" (Howe, 1970, in Longman and Atkinson, 1999).

Note taking or recording? Notes still winning. Image of crowd cheering a speaker.

7 Important Advantages of Taking Good Notes

Effective note-taking has been shown to improve academic performance, but does it go further?


  1. Enhances concentration and attention to detail. Developing note-taking abilities requires a student to concentrate and pay attention to detail, and as we all know, the devil is in the details!

  2. Encourages active participation in learning. Students actively participate in the learning process by taking effective notes, giving it a purpose and enhancing productivity.

  3. Improves comprehension and memory. Note-taking has been shown to improve memory recall and comprehension by breaking down knowledge into manageable chunks for students to digest.

  4. Instills the ability to prioritise tasks. It is critical for a student to be able to pick significant material and dismiss extraneous content, which is often ignored in its importance. This improves their ability to organise and think creatively.

  5. Increases the duration of one's attention span. Proven to increase a student's attention span, this is an essential tool in any classroom!

  6. It aids in the development of organisational abilities. A student gains crucial organisational skills by prioritising content and organising properly. Organization is crucial, as teachers are well aware.

  7. It boosts your inventiveness. Students can utilise their initiative to increase creativity and invention if they have the capacity to organise their thoughts properly, focus on a certain subject, and expand on ideas through knowledge retention.


The History of Taking Notes


Since then, notes have migrated from the page to the screen. Note-taking has become even more important, and virtually a requirement, for students and instructors alike, thanks to e-portfolios and e-notes. E-portfolios are now commonly utilised as online learning records, as part of a learning management system that allows students to engage in successful self-assessment while also allowing educators to quickly track and record progress. E-notes have made it easy to maintain and share your notes while also increasing their accessibility.


New Age Note-Taking


Picture this: a digital sanctuary where your notes, tasks, projects, and ideas coexist in perfect harmony. Enter Notion, the all-in-one workspace that's reshaping the way we organize our lives. With its user-friendly interface and endless customization, Notion turns your daily chaos into a symphony of productivity. Whether you're a solo dreamer mapping out your next big idea or part of a collaborative team, Notion adapts to your workflow, making it effortless and enjoyable. Say farewell to the hassle of juggling multiple apps and embrace the simplicity and power of Notion – where scattered thoughts find their true home.


So, now that we've proved its significance, why not give the next generation of note-taking a try?


Write, plan, organize and play with Notion: next generation note-taking

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