Tips for Taking Notes on Your Laptop

These days, taking notes by hand is no longer a requirement at most colleges, universities and continuing education programs. If you have a laptop, you can bring it to class and type your notes directly into your work processing program. This makes sense for a number of reasons: First, most people can type about fifty words-per-minute more than they can write by hand, so you're bound to be more efficient. Second, taking notes on your laptop allows you to go back and rearrange.

Still, even if you are taking notes on your laptop, note-taking skills don't always come naturally. Many students struggle with taking proper notes and realize that their test scores are suffering. If you don't know how to pick out key topics and words as your professor gives his lecture, you're going to write down unimportant information and leave out the crucial stuff.

Look at Your Screen

Rather than staring at your professor or instructor when taking notes on your laptop, look at the computer screen and simply listen to what is being said. This allows you to focus your attention more clearly and you won't run the risk of typing gibberish because you weren't paying attention to what your fingers were typing. The only time when your eyes should leave the screen is when you need to look at a diagram, illustration or list on the white board or overhead projector.

Listen for Repeats

When your teacher repeats a phrase or tidbit of information, it is probably important. Anything that is said more than once should find an automatic home in the notes on your laptop, regardless of whether or not you feel that it's important. Professors and instructors know that taking notes can sometimes be overwhelming and they'll repeat information that might find its way onto an exam.

Don't Worry About Organization