Courtesy of UTokyo

Side-by-side comparison of digital notes vs paper notes.

As technology becomes more integrated into classrooms, students constantly find themselves using different study techniques to maximize their learning. The question of whether to use a Stylus with a tablet or write on paper with an old-fashioned pen or pencil has puzzled teachers and students alike; each method brings a separate set of advantages and shortcomings.

Paper and pencil

Many students prefer writing with a traditional method of paper and pencil to avoid potential distractions coming from a digital device such as an iPad. These students also find themselves thinking about what they write before cementing their thoughts onto paper, as physically erasing becomes a pain they keep in the back of their mind. Taking paper notes helps them slow down their pace of thought, allowing them to process information thoroughly.

Students interviewed by The Falcon also agree that writing with pencil and paper comes down to individual preference. 

“I prefer paper notes better because it feels smoother and I’m able to write more precisely,” junior Kathy Bui said. “But I also like how I can erase quickly without leaving any marks behind on an iPad.”

However, while digital notes may increase efficiency, questions regarding the legitimacy of students’ work can also arise. Science teacher Cheryl Lenz mentioned the possibility of notes being shared when only one student does the work as a prevalent concern.

IPad and Stylus

That being said, digital notes also provide their own advantages with organization and environmental sustainability. Students can edit, reorganize and file through notes with ease without needing stacks of papers, saving waste. 

Math teacher PJ Yim personally uses the app Notability while teaching Algebra 2 Honors and Precalculus Honors, so as to not worry about sorting his notes into three-ring binders and having more than 10 big binders per class.

For Yim, digital notes are especially more convenient when it comes to readability; he’s noticed that students writing on paper often have illegible handwriting when scanning their homework to submit.

“[Students] take pictures of the homework with bad lighting and I can’t see them. It’s terrible,” Yim said. “I think we should have Scanning 101 as a mandatory course in high school.”

As technology advances, some students still find benefits in writing on paper with pens and pencils. However, as more transition from paper to their devices, many find it easier to navigate through digital notes.

“When I was little, I used to draw, so that paper feeling has always been like what I like and appreciate — but over time, I’ve gotten more receptive to using devices and iPads,” sophomore Aryan Swamy said.

Students who seek digital solutions have many options, such as GoodNotes, Notability and FreeNotes. While these digital options are all viable, the one recommended most by both teachers and students is Notability. Despite costing $19.99 per year, its interface is simple with easy-to-understand features. 

Yim said students who take online notes with apps such as Notability are more likely to be organized. He sees a correlation between online note-taking and better grades — not because of the app itself, but rather the students and their habits.

He compares the trend to parenting; rather than success being a result of resources and materials, he sees it as a result of motivation and a drive to constantly learn. 

“People who want to be a good dad may ask for a lot of advice; they might even buy a book,” Yim said. “But I don’t think it’s the book that makes them better dads. It’s just that they’re willing to learn to achieve that goal.”