At the beginning of each semester, when I cover the
course syllabus, I always expect (and indeed receive) a few groans from
students when they learn that I do not post notes or power point presentations
on Blackboard for SOC 101. I inform them
that they are expected to take detailed notes in class of what they see on slides and anything else I write on the board. Most students are fine with this – but the
occasional few plead and beg for the notes to be made available. Nope.
Not going to happen.
I tell the students that I require note-taking in class because research suggests that students think about and recall information better if they do. This link is interesting because it discusses taking notes electronically – via lap tops. This is something I’ve struggled with over the past few years as more and more students have electronic devices such as lap tops and tablets. I used to not allow these devices to be used in the classroom. For the last two years, however, I’ve relented. My students are allowed to utilize lap tops and tablets (provided they are not online at any time during the class and are only taking notes). It’s easier. It’s faster. I type much quicker than I write…so why not?
I tell the students that I require note-taking in class because research suggests that students think about and recall information better if they do. This link is interesting because it discusses taking notes electronically – via lap tops. This is something I’ve struggled with over the past few years as more and more students have electronic devices such as lap tops and tablets. I used to not allow these devices to be used in the classroom. For the last two years, however, I’ve relented. My students are allowed to utilize lap tops and tablets (provided they are not online at any time during the class and are only taking notes). It’s easier. It’s faster. I type much quicker than I write…so why not?
This short article brings up an issue I’ve never
thought about before. Is it possible
that my students using these devices aren’t retaining the information as well
as those who hand write notes? I don’t
keep a record of who uses these devices and I’ve certainly never thought to see
if there is a connection between examination scores and the way my students are
taking notes?
Very intriguing to say the least! So…what rules on note taking do you have in your courses? Does this article make you rethink allowing students to use devices?
Very intriguing to say the least! So…what rules on note taking do you have in your courses? Does this article make you rethink allowing students to use devices?
