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When it comes to studying computer science no taking is a little different. What’s the best way to take notes and study when it comes to the subject There’s a more efficient to note. Take on paper or electronically and why??
Computer science note taking. What’s the best way to take notes?
There’s so many different ways but what’s the most effective way to study data , language and all things computer science?
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13 answers
Updated
John’s Answer
Concentrate on understanding the concepts in class. Make sure your attention is on the material; it's easy to worry about what to write, but focusing on the lecture is crucial.
Notes are still important, so jot down key details you find important. Keep your notes high-level during the lecture. These notes will help you remember when you review and study, but they can't replace paying attention and staying engaged in class.
Notes are still important, so jot down key details you find important. Keep your notes high-level during the lecture. These notes will help you remember when you review and study, but they can't replace paying attention and staying engaged in class.
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Avinash’s Answer
Computer Science mainly focuses on programming and data structures. No matter what field or branch of engineering you're in, these skills are important.
Writing things down on paper is a great way to remember them. As you write, you also think about the information, which helps you learn better. Plus, your notes are safely kept in one place. If you choose to write and store notes electronically, it's convenient, but remember to back them up to keep your work safe.
Writing things down on paper is a great way to remember them. As you write, you also think about the information, which helps you learn better. Plus, your notes are safely kept in one place. If you choose to write and store notes electronically, it's convenient, but remember to back them up to keep your work safe.
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Blaine’s Answer
Practice summarizing things in your own words. Focus on main points, and one or two details.
I've found that a lot of people communicate in a not-so-organized pattern. You need to be able to "buffer" what they're saying, and re-organize it in your head once you figure out the point(s) they're trying to make.
Learn to filter or separate out emotions, exaggerations, and opinions from facts. It's good to take note of those other parts - that's what gives you a clue to their emotional state and point of view.
I've found that a lot of people communicate in a not-so-organized pattern. You need to be able to "buffer" what they're saying, and re-organize it in your head once you figure out the point(s) they're trying to make.
Blaine recommends the following next steps:
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ian’s Answer
Tenna, I got you !
Let me tell you something — we humans are very kinesthetic; we tend to learn and process information through many senses: touching, observing, and feeling.
Digital tools are perfect for when you are on the move, traveling, or simply need to quickly save a voice note or jot down a draft when you do not have your notebook nearby. They serve as a great way to capture ideas quickly.
However, when you already have a sketch, a plan on paper, or summarizing the topic you are studying, that is where the real magic happens. That is usually where you structure everything you are going to learn or accomplish.
You can have a simple planner to track your weekly tasks, or even organize daily and monthly goals.
Using calendars, highlighting habits with little stars, and physically crossing out tasks with a pen gives you a much stronger dopamine boost than simply checking something off digitally — and it is a fact!
Plus, writing things down when studying, by hand helps your brain process and retain information better, because you are actively engaging your memory and senses at the same time.
If you use digital tools, yes, it might be faster than handwriting, but they work more like a quick guide to review your tasks right before leaving work.
From my own experience, tools like Evernote, Notion (which is amazing too), or Microsoft To Do are helpful, but eventually, I always find myself going back to good old pen and paper.
Try organizing your agenda on paper — you will see it feels more personal, unique, and smart to manage.
And if you ever feel lazy about typing your notes or drafting a project digitally, do not worry! You can just take a picture of your handwritten notes using an OCR (text capture) app and transfer everything to your digital tools easily. Problem solved!
Let me tell you something — we humans are very kinesthetic; we tend to learn and process information through many senses: touching, observing, and feeling.
Digital tools are perfect for when you are on the move, traveling, or simply need to quickly save a voice note or jot down a draft when you do not have your notebook nearby. They serve as a great way to capture ideas quickly.
However, when you already have a sketch, a plan on paper, or summarizing the topic you are studying, that is where the real magic happens. That is usually where you structure everything you are going to learn or accomplish.
You can have a simple planner to track your weekly tasks, or even organize daily and monthly goals.
Using calendars, highlighting habits with little stars, and physically crossing out tasks with a pen gives you a much stronger dopamine boost than simply checking something off digitally — and it is a fact!
Plus, writing things down when studying, by hand helps your brain process and retain information better, because you are actively engaging your memory and senses at the same time.
If you use digital tools, yes, it might be faster than handwriting, but they work more like a quick guide to review your tasks right before leaving work.
From my own experience, tools like Evernote, Notion (which is amazing too), or Microsoft To Do are helpful, but eventually, I always find myself going back to good old pen and paper.
Try organizing your agenda on paper — you will see it feels more personal, unique, and smart to manage.
And if you ever feel lazy about typing your notes or drafting a project digitally, do not worry! You can just take a picture of your handwritten notes using an OCR (text capture) app and transfer everything to your digital tools easily. Problem solved!
Updated
Avinash’s Answer
It depends on each person's mindset. Some people take notes after studying or listening to a lecture, while others do so during the lecture. My suggestion is to focus on writing down only the important things as key points while reading or listening. This way, you won't miss the main ideas. Later, you can expand on these key points in your own words.
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Angelo’s Answer
There is no easy way to put this, since every one of us is different, however, I can tell you that your brain processes the information you write by hand through our senses. You transmit what you see/hear from your brain to your hand, and back again through reading.
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David’s Answer
Effective studying is so personal that no single / generic answer is going to fit everyone. Try a few things and reflect on what works well for you and what doesn't. In cases where hand written notes help you stay focused, that's great. Stay curious and definitely follow up on your notes afterwards - find a pattern that works for you of how you mark followup tasks, things to research and understand, or key points that you'll need to remember. It might stick with you for your whole life.
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Pam’s Answer
I prefer taking notes because it helps me remember details and serves as a useful review tool later.
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Hana’s Answer
Hi Teanna, I would recommend writing things down and utilizing flashcards where necessary!
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Vidhya’s Answer
Good question! Writing notes by hand helps your brain understand the information better. Electronic notes let you take notes faster, especially in classes where you need to type a lot. Use both methods! Write notes by hand to stay focused, then turn them into electronic notes to organize and review them more easily.
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R. Ulises’s Answer
I'd say
That pick whatever you feel comfortable.
There are various studies relating the retention/learning rate depending on the way of taking notes.
But every person learns in a different way and then keeps the data in a different way.
I would say that try several ways to do it, and do a quick check which one you think you learn the most. You can use AI to leverage an evaluate your knowledge in an specific topic.
That pick whatever you feel comfortable.
There are various studies relating the retention/learning rate depending on the way of taking notes.
But every person learns in a different way and then keeps the data in a different way.
I would say that try several ways to do it, and do a quick check which one you think you learn the most. You can use AI to leverage an evaluate your knowledge in an specific topic.
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Handwriting is still the best way to remember in my opinion. That is, if you are paying attention to what you are hearing and what you are writing. If you're distracted, it won't matter. As others have said, try to comprehend what is being said/conveyed as you write your notes, then as you write things out, you can add question marks, exclamation points, etc. Sometimes just a little doodle/sketch next to a key point is enough to help tie the memory of the concept to the point in time when you wrote the note. These connections have made it surprisingly easier to recall when reviewing the notes and eventually remembering the content.
Because you are going to be taking computer science classes, I know handwritten notes will be a little trickier or tough to keep organized with printouts, digital presentations, and code examples. So, first, you'll need to be organized. Always date your notes, write down the class. Even add things like "in person", "guest presenter", "sat in front", "virtual presentation", etc to help tie in the experience and context. One tool that has been helpful to me is OneNote from MS. You can record audio as you type in your notes and OneNote will make bookmarks in the recording that you can go back to for a specific note. This is so helpful when you can't understand the context of a given note. You can also copy paste content quickly, insert screen grabs, and use a pen. Just make sure you have a laptop with enough battery power and storage. I'd make sure I have a touch screen too if you can afford it. If you use a mix of OneNote and written notes, then reference each in your OneNote page and also your paper notebook. This way you know you have more context to cross-reference.
Good luck!
Because you are going to be taking computer science classes, I know handwritten notes will be a little trickier or tough to keep organized with printouts, digital presentations, and code examples. So, first, you'll need to be organized. Always date your notes, write down the class. Even add things like "in person", "guest presenter", "sat in front", "virtual presentation", etc to help tie in the experience and context. One tool that has been helpful to me is OneNote from MS. You can record audio as you type in your notes and OneNote will make bookmarks in the recording that you can go back to for a specific note. This is so helpful when you can't understand the context of a given note. You can also copy paste content quickly, insert screen grabs, and use a pen. Just make sure you have a laptop with enough battery power and storage. I'd make sure I have a touch screen too if you can afford it. If you use a mix of OneNote and written notes, then reference each in your OneNote page and also your paper notebook. This way you know you have more context to cross-reference.
Good luck!
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Jeffrey’s Answer
Great question - I'm old school and would write things down. with advancements in AI I would consider that to be the middle ground. I would try having AI summarize my notes with class information and turn those into flash cards.