[mnhawki]

I didn't get any responses in the other forum so I thought I would try you guys. I just wanted to poll people and see how many of them actually took their computer to class to takes notes. Do you think it is necessary or overkill? Give me your thoughts.

[catcolalex]

overkill, nothing quite as annoying as keypad sounds while youre trying to listen, well, a cell phone might be more annoying.

[texanjj]

I started out taking my laptop to class and found that I listened better and took more away from class by just taking regular notes on the powerpoints presented in class. Though some of my classmates do still use their laptops (I've noticed that some of them have the capability of "writing" on their laptops, they seem to like it) Find what works for you and stick with it. Good luck!

[Halinja]

I've taken mine a few times, but found that a) the noise made me self conscious. Not only does the keyboard make noise, but the fan comes on and makes it harder to hear. I felt like that wasn't fair to the people around me.

b) in trying to take notes on the computer I found I retained less. I often found myself trying to put things into nice tidy formatted form, instead of concentrating on the material.

In the end, I learn better from hearing and seeing, and the kinesthetic learning of writing, all at the same time. It's just better for me to take notes. And...a lot of our professors type out their outlines/notes for us to use during lecture, and I find I learn less that way as well. I think..I don't need to retain this, I'll read the notes later. Then looking at the printed notes I think, I wonder what she was talking about. I know, a little off topic, but sort of related. All in all? Taking notes on a computer didn't turn out to be a good idea for me.

I use it CONSTANTLY for everything else, BTW.

[tddowney]

Originally Posted by mnhawki

I didn't get any responses in the other forum so I thought I would try you guys. I just wanted to poll people and see how many of them actually took their computer to class to takes notes. Do you think it is necessary or overkill? Give me your thoughts.

I use mine for note-taking often. In part because I can't read my own hurried scribbling later, and in part because I can go back and add in material from internet or other sources and have it in order.

I have most of my textbooks on my laptop, so I use the thing all the time.

Quite a few of my classmates also use laptops, we tend to be in the front and sides of the room--where the power outlets are--and I've not noticed others having trouble hearing the instructors.

[CuriousMe]

I'm not in a CRNA program, just doing my pre-reqs for nursing school.....but I do use my laptop in every class. I have one of the ones that you can write on, and use that in classes like math and A&P because either the symbols or my crazy drawings would be difficult typing(in fact for my
A&P class, I just import her powerpoint slides and write on them on the computer), but other classes like Writing or Psych, I use it as a standard laptop and type. It's the best thing I ever bought for school without a doubt. My fan isn't loud, even my keyboard is pretty quiet.

Peace,
Cathie