Computer vs. Handwritten notes: Which is superior 

Starting with COVID-19, schools had to rely more heavily on technology, leading to the majority of students using typing notes, thanks to online lectures. However, since then, some professors have banned technology in class and enforced handwritten notes, but why? In an increasingly technologically driven world, students should be encouraged to utilize technology more effectively to advance their learning. So, why are some professors and teachers mandating handwritten notes?

Laptop or computer notes are easy and efficient, but can hinder learning (1). Students often type verbatim what the teacher says so they can capture all the information, and since typing is so easy, they can record it accurately. However, this method has an inherent problem: students don’t interpret the data themselves. Instead, they mindlessly copy what the professor is saying, hoping to grasp the material. This, in turn, leads to students merely memorizing all the information without any actual understanding of it, as they were too busy trying to copy it down and didn’t spend any time interpreting the data itself. 

On the other hand, handwritten notes might be slower and less efficient, but they help enhance understanding of the material. Students demonstrate that they can recall information 25% faster when using handwritten notes compared to typed notes (3). This is because when you are writing notes by hand, you don't have enough time to copy down everything the professor says, so you need to determine and summarize the vital information(1). This leads to students remembering better because they must first interpret the data and then record it, rather than simply writing down everything. However, problems arise when handwriting is too slow to keep up, causing you to miss key information that typing could have captured.

However, a third option has recently combined the best of both worlds: iPad notes. Students can write notes on an iPad with things like the Apple Pencil (2). This method makes it easier for students to organize their notes, with apps like Notability being particularly effective for organization and overall usability. It also has the same benefits of enhancing students' memory and understanding of a specific topic. In an article, it is noted that “Typing speed was over five words per minute (wpm) faster than handwriting for both memorized and copied passages”(

In my personal experience, typed notes are superior. They are more efficient; you can type faster and more easily. They are also easier to organize, as you can pair them with tools like Google Drive, and are more enjoyable to use. I would rather type than handwrite notes. However, it is only beneficial if students use the same methods with handwritten notes, rather than simply typing notes verbatim, interpreting the information first, and then typing it. Furthermore, it is much easier for students to get all the information they need, as it is generally much faster and easier to type, so when you might not have time to interpret the data, you can quickly jot it down. Also, with the notes being online, you can utilize different study tools that you can't with handwritten notes, such as plugging them into AI for a quick way to help you study something such as a vocab test, putting them into a quizlet, or even formatting them differently once the class is over to make them more suitable for future learning.