Is It Necessary?

Baubo516, RN · May 24, 2014

I am a student WITHOUT an iPad, and I am doing quite well in my program! I DO have a laptop but I generally leave it at home when I come to class. I find that if I take notes by hand, I learn more. I bring my laptop to school only if I want to work on it in the library after class.

I am 41 years old, so I am comfortable working with technology OR without it. It is not necessary for me to learn or communicate.

lala2017 · May 24, 2014

I agree i prefer to write by hand and then maybe retype it, id wait until you start school and then see.. Ipads r fun tho :)

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses

Needles McGee, RN · May 24, 2014

We aren't even allowed to use our iPads, tablets, etc. Check your school's policy on tech in the classroom first. :)

smf0903 · May 24, 2014

I have one (must be a hubby thing...he thought I needed one too LOL), but I don't really use it for school. I use my laptop more for printing off my power points and for typing up my care plans, etc. I write out all of my notes so any type of computer is a non-issue for me as far as note taking goes.

:)

RN9742 · May 24, 2014

I bought an ipad, but never used it for note taking. I prefer the ink and paper method. However rather than printing everything, I would download it onto my ipad which was much easier to cart around than a big ole binder, or laptop. I also took advantage of apps to track grades, assignments, make flash cards, and downloaded the blackboard app which was great to have. If someone told me they had to choose between an ipad and a laptop, id say go for the laptop. However if you have the ability, and you like using technology, i do think an ipad can be beneficial, not required, but definitely helpful.

saraCOS · May 24, 2014

I'm with needles. It depends on how technology dependant you are as a student, and the tech requirements of your program. My program requires the use of a bundle of reference software that needs either a tablet or a nice smartphone to operate and be practical. I made the investment, but only because I knew I needed it and would be more successful having it.

AmyRN303, BSN, RN · May 24, 2014

We had a few people who took notes on laptops but that was not most of us. I learn better personally when I write rather than type so I didn't use one. I have one, but I didn't use it in class. The school from which I graduated is moving to e-books as of next year, and purchasing a Galaxy tablet will be part of the new student bundle. Personally, I don't have a preference for e-books over paper.

sandytoes · May 24, 2014

I use my ipad for ebooks , recording lectures , and quick lookup/google. I can't take notes that way, but it's a nice reference tool for me. I still like taking notes by hand!

osi2011 · May 24, 2014

Thanks guys for the input! I believe I will go without the ipad for now and do traditional method of learning which is pen and paper :)

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · May 24, 2014

I honestly think that if you have a smartphone, it serves the primary purposes of recording lectures, reminding you about important dates, composing flash cards, and many of the other things that you would use the iPad for. The only thing that would be difficult is note taking, but I still think the good ole fashioned pen and paper goes a long way. Good luck with your first semester!

RunBabyRN · May 24, 2014

I like my MacBook, personally. I have all of my e-books downloaded (the ATI books), I have my course notes, I use it for my papers, and I can easily haul it to Starbucks to study as needed, everything in one nice place!