The Importance Of Taking Hand-Written Notes In An Internet Age

� 2005 By Kevin Ronkko
All Rights Reserved. Printed with Permission

One of the convenient aspects of taking an online class is the utilization of software applications in order to get your work done and to communicate with fellow classmates quickly and efficiently. Software applications and operating systems can only help you to learn so much though. Here is a way to learn, by getting away from the computer, just for a moment, while you study on-line:

One of the best ways to study is to take handwritten notes, especially to help memorize key points that you want to learn. This concept works, no matter what the course you happen to be taking.

As with anything in life, the more organized you are, the better your chances for success will be. Some great ways to organize for virtual schools are:

1.) Have a notebook for each online class, clearly designated for that class. A small, inexpensive notebook selected for each subject, perhaps in different colors, can be very helpful to your organizational skills. With a marker, or a Sharpie, write the course title on the front of each notebook (a several subject notebook could also be used, with the class names written on tabs inside).

2.) Write out homework assignments, along with the due dates, and the requirements before starting the assignments. This is sometimes called lining your ducks up in a row. By getting yourself clear about what the assignment is and the expectations, you can save yourself time later on, because you can more easily get to work, knowing what to do making it easier to reach the due date required.

3.) Keep a hand written log of vocabulary words you want to learn with definitions. Vocabulary words are generally a large part of the learning curve. By keeping a log of these words, you will memorize them quicker, and more readily understand the concepts being taught in the class. Though you might not officially be tested for knowing these words, the teacher and your classmates will like it if you are learning these words.

4.) Jot down key things that the instructor is looking for specifically in your work. When an instructor makes a point to tell you what he or she is looking for from you, make sure to take notes about whatever the critiques may be. This is crucial, because you are in class in order to grow. By paying special attention to these points from the teacher, you can gain the disciplines that you are seeking to gain from being in school. Your instructor will also appreciate that you are getting something from the class.

5.) Make notes of important ways that you can improve. Ultimately it is up to you to find ways to find success. Through the use of your textbook, the world wide web, and your own work, you should be noticing ways in which you can do things better and more efficiently. By taking hand-written notes, you can eventually begin to see patterns in your working behavior, and then you can work to correct flaws within those patterns.

Note taking by hand might seem like a strange approach to learning in this modern, fast-paced, computerized age, but it is a tried and true learning method. Call me old fashioned, but I�m no technophobe. I just know a good way to learn, one that has worked for me for some time now. If it works for me, it can work for anyone willing to do the work. Sometimes, by slowing down just a little, you can actually pick up speed in the long run.

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Kevin Ronkko is the author of "The Singing Drummer: Add Vocals to Your Beat," published by Windstorm Creative LTD. He is also a member of the Vic Firth Education Team and has taught many students the art of drumming. His web site is https://www.pumpingbeat.com. Kevin, ever a student, is currently a student at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh -- Online Division and plans on earning a BS in interactive Media Design.

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