Taking notes on a laptop?

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I have a laptop available to me while I'm in school and wondered if anyone else uses a laptop in class to take notes on?? Is this something that is helpful? I can type about 70 wpm, so keeping up isn't an issue, but I'm wondering if I'll end up reverting back to writing my notes....

I'd love to hear opinions on this...

Sonya

Class of 2008

Specializes in ICU, ER, HH, NICU, now FNP.

I have used tablet pc's - Im just not that impressed - I can type a LOT faster than I can write!

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I am interested in typing my notes in class; however, being such a paper and pen person I am wondering how long it will take me to get the hang of listening and typing. Do any of you feel that it is hard to listen and pay attention to the lecture while trying to type. Also, do most of you type directly onto the downloaded power point presentation or onto MS Word? My laptop is my husband's old one from work and it makes a noise periodically that I think sounds like it is "revving up its engine". I am afraid that would be more distracting that hearing my fingers clicking the keyboard!

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Specializes in Pain Management.
I have used tablet pc's - Im just not that impressed - I can type a LOT faster than I can write!

Same here. The beauty of the tablet is that you can type notes like normal, but if there is a power point diagram [not text - my bad for being nondescript], you can draw directly on it to add your own notes.

That makes me very excited. Plus I love having reasons to justify another computer expense.:o

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Specializes in ICU, ER, HH, NICU, now FNP.

But I could do that on my PDA and then bluetooth them over to the laptop...

I just wish the tablet technology was a bit more refined...

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

It would annoy the bejeebers out of me to hear someone on a keyboard during lecture. I would be surprised at nursing professors allowing this......it's too distracting.

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The professors in our program actually reccommended us to get laptops for the start of this year. Our textbooks came in this package with this software program that contains every textbook we need this semester (and then some). We're supoused to download that to our laptops and bring them to class rather than having to lug around the 50lbs of books. This software is way cool. You can highlight text, and then later there's an option that it will create test questions from what you've highlighted..plus you can print out only what you've highlighted to make study sheets and study right from that...It outta be nice for the price we had to pay for this semesters textbook pakcage!

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Specializes in ICU, ER, HH, NICU, now FNP.

between the projectors and fans and air conditioning - honestly - you just don't hear it unless somebody is a really noisy typist!

People whispering and talking are FAR more distracting.

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The professors in our program actually reccommended us to get laptops for the start of this year. Our textbooks came in this package with this software program that contains every textbook we need this semester (and then some). We're supoused to download that to our laptops and bring them to class rather than having to lug around the 50lbs of books. This software is way cool. You can highlight text, and then later there's an option that it will create test questions from what you've highlighted..plus you can print out only what you've highlighted to make study sheets and study right from that...It outta be nice for the price we had to pay for this semesters textbook pakcage!

My school also is recommending the laptop method due to our book package software. It is WAYYYY cool - just like you have mentioned above. While I have played around with it at home, it is something else completely when I think about trying to listen to the lecture and then trying to highlight text and then type in information all at the same time:uhoh3: . I think I would go crazy. However, typing in my handwritten notes later might work - I'm just worried I won't have enough time to do it later.

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I usually have the pp on my laptop, and type the lecture notes next to what the instructor says.

I also have a quiet keyboard, which makes it easier, but my distracting thing is, a dear friend, who doesn't need to study as hard as I do, will reach over and poke at the keys to mess me up. That makes me angry, but I don't say anything in hopes she will quit. And She does after a couple of times, but still....

Then when I get home, I print out my notes from lecture and study those.

Of course, being the anal self that I am, also records the lecture to be sure I don't miss anything! LOL!

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The professors in our program actually reccommended us to get laptops for the start of this year. Our textbooks came in this package with this software program that contains every textbook we need this semester (and then some). We're supoused to download that to our laptops and bring them to class rather than having to lug around the 50lbs of books. This software is way cool. You can highlight text, and then later there's an option that it will create test questions from what you've highlighted..plus you can print out only what you've highlighted to make study sheets and study right from that...It outta be nice for the price we had to pay for this semesters textbook pakcage!

That is so cool!!! My school is so not there yet. If I get a new PDA (that actually will sync with my laptop), I plan to buy all my reference books as PDA software. One thing I wonder about this is how can you stand reading everything off the computer screen. Yes, I've read books and articles in pdf format, but I'm so distracted when my computer is on. I always need my allnurses and email fix.

Malia

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i write notes and then go home and type up my notes...this way i can draw all the arrows i want if the teacher jumps around and i can organize when i get home...i just always do handwritten for a backup.. just in case...

best of luck :)

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Specializes in Pain Management.
The professors in our program actually reccommended us to get laptops for the start of this year. Our textbooks came in this package with this software program that contains every textbook we need this semester (and then some). We're supoused to download that to our laptops and bring them to class rather than having to lug around the 50lbs of books. This software is way cool. You can highlight text, and then later there's an option that it will create test questions from what you've highlighted..plus you can print out only what you've highlighted to make study sheets and study right from that...It outta be nice for the price we had to pay for this semesters textbook pakcage!

That sounds oddly familar...and I'm very excited about the software.

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