The Psychology of Studying – Writing vs Typing Your Notes

 

The world is continuously evolving. Every day, a new technique or instrument is introduced to make our lives easier than before. Sometimes, they are magical. Other times, they are destructive for our natural lifestyle.

Studies are a crucial part of any student’s life. Their career depends on how they work and perform in school/college/university. Each one of them gives his best to get good results. For this purpose, they adopt different methods to achieve success. 

Mostly, they use the old school way of writing down everything. But these days, a lot of students are using computer devices to make their notes. Even though both methods look similar, they are quite the opposite. But which one is better? To get this answer, let’s compare them. 

Benefits of Writing Your Notes

Writing down your notes might seem like a big deal. But it has a lot of benefits. Some people like to write because it sets them free. Others claim that with writing, they think clearly and remember the content better. 

Many people even swear that when they are in an examination, they can recall the notes in their handwriting. Some of the common benefits of writing notes are as follows:

  • Versatility

Handwritten notes are very versatile. You can use them any way you want. Also, with handwriting, you get the liberty to customize your work. You can mention shortcuts, put reminder notes, and highlight different parts.  

  • Time-saving 

Even though it seems like writing takes more time than typing, it is opposite in reality. In the long run, writing takes half the time you usually require to type and learn your notes. Also, writing is easier than typing because a person learns to write from an early age. Like, even a 3-year-old can hold a pencil and draw or write. 

So, if you think about it, writing is one of the first things that you learn in your childhood. You can adapt to different speeds. And depending on your time limit, it will adjust.  

  • Skill Development

Writing notes is not only work. It is, in fact, an art. Not everyone can write efficiently. Writing an assignment or doing any other written task requires attention, focus, and determination. A human being requires physical touch to connect with something which is provided by the pen. When you write on a paper, your creativity shines through your work. 

  • Focus

According to research, studying with handwritten notes is one of the best options. It doesn’t divert your mind and keep your focus maintained. If you use a laptop or any other device, you can get distracted. But with handwritten notes, there is no chance of distractions. 

  • Proper Learning

According to a study, writing helps in proper learning. It is observed that people who prefer to write important stuff on a paper have a better memory. 

The students who learn with handwritten notes retain the information for a long time. This is why they can nail any test without even revising.

Benefits of Typing Your Notes

With everything advancing, it is only fair to upgrade the educational system as well. These days, everything can be stored in a single microSD card. Then, why would someone want to own piles of books when you can have everything in your hand. 

Typing your notes is the new way of studying. More or less, it is the future of education. It may look fancy, but it is quite a powerful way of studying. 

Some of the benefits of typing your notes are as follows.

  • Convenience

In this day and age, typing is the most convenient way of business. You can store, edit, and send your assignments anywhere. With this, you do not have to worry about journals. All you need is a laptop, PC, or even a mobile phone, and you can do everything. 

With the help of technology, you can create efficient content. You can build your research on recent studies and update your notes according to it. Instead of reading a 500-page book, you can search the topic on the internet. This way, you will come up with a solution in half the time.

  • No Bad Handwriting

If there is one thing that computers have solved, it is the hassle of reading bad handwriting. Every student has felt embarrassed about his writing at least once in his career. Imagine giving your notes to someone just to receive bad compliments on your writing. 

Well, when you make your notes on a computer, you do not have to deal with this issue.

  • Easy to Carry

Typed notes are extremely easy to carry. In reality, there is no need to carry it. All your data is stored in a device. You can save it in anything – be it your phone, memory card, or a USB. You can also upload it on a cloud and then access it from anywhere. 

Because of the advancement in technology, it is nearly impossible to lose something when you have a soft copy. On the other hand, if you ever lose your handwritten work, you can only pray to have a spare copy of it.  

  • Multiple Uses

Typed notes can be utilized for a lot of purposes. You can use them for assignments, presentations, quizzes, and whatnot. Unlike written notes, here you just have to copy it. This saves you time and extra effort.

Which One is the Better Option?

Different studies have been put forward to resolve this matter. Some people believe that typing is better. On the other hand, some people favor writing down on paper. But do we have enough data to come up with a solution? 

According to research, typing produces chances of distraction and diverts student’s focus. While writing does the opposite and increases attention. In the same study, it was concluded that a student could retain a lot more information when he writes as opposed to when he learns from a soft copy. 

However, typing can be a faster approach. Students who write need extra time to finish their work. While those who type, complete their tasks much quicker.

Choosing between typing and writing your notes can be a tough decision. But in the end, it depends on the student. It is totally up to you to see what is better for your studies. The research is done on a limited number of people, and every individual is unique. What works for others isn’t bound to work for you too. 

This world is a complicated place. It has millions of species with their specific qualities. Every brain functions differently. For some people, despite the studies, typing works better. Thus, you have to choose what is good for you. Try to experiment with different ways until you come up with a technique which proves to be suitable.

Conclusion

Education is an essential part of any student’s life. The way you make your notes can have a great impact on your score. You must decide what works for you.

Instead of fighting with what is better among writing or typing, you should come up with a technique that is best suited for you. In the end, it is your work and your notes. Do what you like best. 

Experience with a combination of various techniques and create your unique combination to secure success.