Some schools no longer teach cursive writing. Most students use tablets or computers. Now studies are finding that those who hand-write their notes are better able to remember and do better on tests. Those typing their notes tend to capture the teacher’s words, but those using written notes tend to include a more thoughtful selection of what is learned.

I used to write notes continually in a journal or paper calendar.  Now it’s all on a computer. I seldom went back to my notes, but when trying to recall a meeting or key points, I pictured the words I wrote in my notebook. I believe I remembered better. Studies now show it was probably true.

David Sax, in his book, “The Revenge of Analog“, describes all the ways we are seeing the myth of the digital utopia and moving back to analog. Vinyl records are one noticeable example.  More people are going back to journals, particularly for doing creative work.

Handwriting is becoming a more common feature of computers. Handwriting on computers is not new. I have had computers that capture handwriting for over fifteen years. The two computers on my desk both have pens and writing capability. I use Windows 10 tablets/laptops by Lenovo and Microsoft. The newer iPads have a pen option.  There are even “digital paper” units that are like paper and the notes are captured on a computer.

The recognition and search-ability of handwritten computer notes provides a nice combination of benefits. Most of us find someone taking written notes rather than typing on a computer to be more personal.  Using handwriting on a computer tablet is a great compromise. If you haven’t tried it, I encourage you to test it for yourself.