Laptops and taking notes

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Hi ALL!

I just bought an Apple Blueberry ibook from ebay. I thought it was a good idea since all I want it for is to re-write my notes and write papers. Do any of you take notes on a laptop during class? Thanks!

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I don't take notes on a laptop, but one of my classmates does. The only advice I have for you is to make sure your keys are quiet. My classmate uses his laptop and bangs those keys. All you can hear during lecture is TAP TAP TAP!!! Extremely annoying, and most of us have conspired to end that little laptop's life soon. For the consideration (and sanity) of your classmates, type quietly!

Best of luck! :)

:nurse:

aimee

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Thanks. I am still not sure if I will take it to class but if I do I will remember you and be CONSIDERATE. *smile*. I was wondering if note taking was more efficient with a laptop or if it was just frustrating.

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Specializes in LTC & Private Duty Pediatrics.

GraceyB:

I use my laptop more for exam preparation than for actual note taking.

I develop my study guide for the exams as the course progresses and type them into the laptop.

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My eventual goal is to be able to do a complete "brain dump" of my exam notes. Meaning, given a blank sheet of paper - I can recall all of my class exam prep notes.

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I take the laptop and drive to the r.r. station here in town. And watch trains while in car. The car seat leans back and is extremely comfortable. Won't work in winter - too cold and won't work in summer days -- too hot.

And I put my feet up on dashboard and put computer down on lap and basically type the words/sentences a 100 or more times. Then pull up a blank screen or new document and type what I have written from memory.

I keep repeating the process over and over until the document is memorized.

Being in the car keeps me totally focused. When a train comes, I take a break. I keep timers, one for time between trains and another for total time studied. Goofy!!! Sure. But it breaks up the monotony without the risk of getting totally sidetracked.

With this study routine, I don't feel like I am caged in a library. Since I am already on a "roll" or "habit" - when bad weather strikes I am motivated to go to library to study.

Does it work? You bet. This is how I studied when I went for MS-Comp Sci. It is also how I study for ceritifcations in the computer industry. Also how I plan to study for A&P classes - at least the memorization and regurgitation part.

John Coxey

([email protected])

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Specializes in Adolescent Psych, PICU.

I have a laptop and really dont use it as much as I thought I would.

I learn better just writing it all out on paper the old fashioned way for some reason. But if I have a big test I really need to concentrate in I will type out my notes to that all 50 pages (lol) are in some kind of sensible order.

Marilyn

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Specializes in LTC & Private Duty Pediatrics.

marilynmom:

- For memorization. I can't just stare at a piece of paper and repeat it over and over again...as I fall asleep in about 10 minutes.

- For writing. If just writing notes once - then fine.

- But for repeating over and over - I used to write over and over - but fingers kept getting cramped. I still have big callouse on my one finger from all the writing from undergrad and grad school.

- Now I just use the keyboard for typing over and over. The typing keeps me from falling asleep. Crazy, I know...but it works. I guess everyone needs a system. This just happens to work for me.

John Coxey

([email protected])

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JP, I like your way of studying! I find that taping the lectures, listening to them at least three times and going over the written notes while listening to the tapes helps immensely. I have tried typing my notes over onto my computer but I get killer cramps in my wrists!! Gracey B, I think that getting a laptop will help you alot, especially when it comes to pharmacology and memorizing psych medications and disorder. Good luck!

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Thank you! These ideas really help out. I don't want to be the snob in class with the laptop, LOL. I thought about writing in class and then typing up notes so that I can have them neat to study from for an exam. I'll let you know how things for me. Thanks again.

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Originally posted by John Coxey

GraceyB:

I use my laptop more for exam preparation than for actual note taking.

I develop my study guide for the exams as the course progresses and type them into the laptop.

------

My eventual goal is to be able to do a complete "brain dump" of my exam notes. Meaning, given a blank sheet of paper - I can recall all of my class exam prep notes.

-------

I take the laptop and drive to the r.r. station here in town. And watch trains while in car. The car seat leans back and is extremely comfortable. Won't work in winter - too cold and won't work in summer days -- too hot.

And I put my feet up on dashboard and put computer down on lap and basically type the words/sentences a 100 or more times. Then pull up a blank screen or new document and type what I have written from memory.

I keep repeating the process over and over until the document is memorized.

Being in the car keeps me totally focused. When a train comes, I take a break. I keep timers, one for time between trains and another for total time studied. Goofy!!! Sure. But it breaks up the monotony without the risk of getting totally sidetracked.

With this study routine, I don't feel like I am caged in a library. Since I am already on a "roll" or "habit" - when bad weather strikes I am motivated to go to library to study.

Does it work? You bet. This is how I studied when I went for MS-Comp Sci. It is also how I study for ceritifcations in the computer industry. Also how I plan to study for A&P classes - at least the memorization and regurgitation part.

John Coxey

([email protected])

John, that's pretty cool darlin'. :D I wish I had a way to study like that....I think that would definitely help me concentrate! :) But, after reading your post, I think I will find a way to study efficiently! Thanks!

~Kacy

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Originally posted by GraceyB

I thought about writing in class and then typing up notes so that I can have them neat to study from for an exam.

I am a senior in high school, and that's what I do now. The teachers don't have a prob with me bringing my laptop to class; however, I find that by writing them first, I tend to comprehend them better when I type them up later! So, Gracey, in short, this idea is what I would do. :) Good luck!

~Kacy

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For some reason, I retain things better when I type them (not to mention the fact that I type much faster than I write).

I also (don't laugh) pull my book apart (literally) and take only the chapters out that we use. They are put into a binder. That way I don't have to carry a 5lb book with me and I can take just one chapter out at a time when I'm studying. It really works for me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

For some reason, I retain things better when I type them (not to mention the fact that I type much faster than I write).

I also (don't laugh) pull my book apart (literally) and take only the chapters out that we use. They are put into a binder. That way I don't have to carry a 5lb book with me and I can take just one chapter out at a time when I'm studying. It really works for me.

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