Notebook computers???

maeyken · Apr 17, 2003

I think that really depends on how much you think you'd regularly use a computer. I know for myself a computer in lecture would be pointless cuz I suck at typing! Also, I find that drawing arrows and stuff all over the place is how I learn best, and therefore a computer would not work as well for me.

Also, my program is not a "typical" nursing program. We're mostly in a non-lecture setting- we work mostly in tutorial groups of 7-10 students. With this sort of set-up, it's more interactive "problem-based, self-directed" learning. Also, for the few lectures that we had, (a&p, micro, pharm...) the powerpoint slides were posted on the web for us to look at later, or print off.

So in conclusion, I really have no great advice for ya... maybe other people will have better advice!! I'd say, see if you can find other people who are already in the program, and see what they say. I know that's sometimes easier said than done!

~ maeyken

PS: I looked at your "wedsite"- absolutely gorgeous! I loved the black and white pics. Congratulations!!

PS#2: I'm from Ontario too... what school are you planning to go to? I'm at McMaster.

meandragonbrett · Apr 17, 2003

I can type faster(120wpm) than I can write but I write my notes now because I don't have my notebook yet. I will probably continue writing them out, then typing them when I get home.

Brett

FutureNurse2005 · Apr 17, 2003

Thanks for the replies. I think I will ask at the open house next weekend. The instructors and current students should be able to offer some advice!

Thanks again:)

NICU_Nurse, BSN, RN · Apr 17, 2003

When I was in nursing school, I used a notebook computer to type lectures. I type over 100wpm and i was just easier for me this way. I had to get permission from the instructors beforehand to ensure that my typing wouldn't be too much of a distraction. Warning: EVERYONE wanted a copy of my notes when I was finished. :>) I ended up (being nice!) making one copy on disk, giving it to one person, and letting them be responsible for emailing it to whoever asked for it. It worked out nicely, because me typing faster than I write allowed me to really get down what they were saying. Didn't use it for all lectures, but those I did use it for- well, it REALLY came in handy.

Dublin37 · Apr 17, 2003

Hey Kristi, I've thought the same thing about myself. I do type faster then I write, and I could get more from what they're saying. Although I have to say, I really like to use different colors while taking notes, for emphasis or areas, lots of arrows, stars etc. If I tried to do that with a desktop, it would probably really slow me down or get me confused. And in my classes we draw A LOT did you do that separately?

Did all of the other students stop taking there own notes, and let you do all the hard work? I hope they paid you! I'd love to sit in class, and then get notes from someone else! Anyway, that is great that you shared. I may give it a try. Heather

Angelica · Apr 18, 2003

I personally did not want a laptop because I really didn't think I'd use it. I'm glad I didn't because it would have been something of a waste in my class. Plus they can still be kind of big to lug around. I have a PDA that I bought for Christmas, though, and I love it!! It's a Dell Axim. I have all kinds of nursing stuff on it (drug guide, lab guide, etc) and I can stick it in my labcoat pocket at clinical. I also have books on it and do a lot of other things with it as well.

BellaTerra2002 · Apr 18, 2003

Angelica, can you tell me where you get all of these programs that you have on your Dell? I'm a little computer illiterate. Thanks.

Angelica · Apr 18, 2003

There are a lot of great PDA software sites. A couple that come to mind are: http://www.handandgo.com and http://www.skyscape.com. A google search will get you a lot more, for sure.

Dublin37 · Apr 18, 2003

I have a palm pilot too with a key board but it wouldn't hold more than a page of notes. I don't know exactly where I should be putting them (what compartment) it's a palm pilot m105. Do I need a different one?

Now I don't know which way to go....... I know you can download lots of nursing stuff onto palmpilot, should I get a newer in color one? Heather

BellaTerra2002 · Apr 19, 2003

Thanks, Angelica. I had no idea software like this and which could be dlownloaded into a handheld even existed. The sites you gave were great. Thanks again.

Angelica · Apr 19, 2003

Heather,

I'm really new to PDA's. Mine is a pocket pc; I don't know anything about palms so I can't help you there. There are some interesting palm threads on this bb you might consider doing a search on.

My PDA is in color and it's gorgeous! A lot of people are very content without color, though, so it's a personal decision.

BellaTerra2002- I'm also amazed by all the available software, not to mention all the books that can be downloaded. I'm glad my PDA has both an SD and CF slot, so there's plenty of room!