The Cornell Method on note taking is easy to follow: Draw a vertical line on the middle of a paper, jot down the main points of a lecture on the right side, come up with questions on the left side, and then make your own conclusion (on the bottom of the paper). Many college students bring a laptop to the lecture room, which makes note taking easier to do. There will be some changes, though.
Technology prompts you to adapt to modified rules in note taking, which means that the Cornell Method is no longer effective. There's no need to ditch a tried-and-tested approach in note taking, but paper and pen (or pencil) have its downside. If your professor happens to be a fast talker, then there's a high chance that your (writing) hand is subjected to pressure of writing fast. You can end up not writing legibly or doing it for some time can have an effect on your fingers. (Imagine a swollen middle finger, if not a slight hump.) A computer keyboard will relieve the pain, but it will be pointless to stick to the old method.
5 Ways to Catch Up With Your Professor
There should be a blank page on your computer screen (and nothing else). There's no need to log into the Internet and connect to social media, as the lecture requires your utmost concentration. You can type the important points (of the lecture) on the page, and then come up with the questions later. You can type it on the bottom of the page, but you can still do the old way. (A change of settings will enable you to see a vertical line separating the page. You might be unfamiliar with the outcome, so you can opt for a horizontal line.) You can type the conclusion on the next page if there are too many notes.
You must be able to discern which ideas are important (to type in the blank page) and which ones are not. The syllabus should give you an idea of what topics to be discussed during lecture hours. You must be able to read the text related to the subject matter. (If you're a BA English major student, then you should have a general idea of the novel. You must have read the author's background and the significant events during his/her lifetime.) It will be indolence on your part (if you don't do it). Doing your homework will enable you to listen to what your professor is telling you (and your coursemates). Listening and taking notes is not easy as you think, so type the new ideas only. Anything that needs clarification can be noted with a question. You can clarify it with your professor (or coursemate) later.
The rules are slightly changed when you bring along an iPad. You can still take notes, but you might have difficulties in drawing a line. You can type your notes on one page, and then look at it later. Use another page for the questions. You might be tempted to check your inbox, if not look at the latest (Instagram) photos. You better do it at night time, if not weekend.
Don't forget a notepad and pen (or pencil). You might be confused on how to type a mathematical equation or scientific formula unless your coursemate would have taught you on the different functions of Control C. You may illustrate a pie chart, if not a graph unless you have done prior work (using charts and graphs). There are other uses for the notepad and pen (or pencil), which you'll figure out during the lecture. You have a laptop (or iPad), so you don't have to rely on it a lot during the lecture.
Keep it simple, as you opt for plain words. It will help you recall the lecture immediately. You're not trying to impress anyone while the use of plain words will save you lots of time when you look at it. (If you understand it, then you might not have to think of questions.)
Don't Forget the Following
Don't be afraid to ask questions, which shows that you've been listening to what your professor is saying during the lecture. It won't be a good idea to do it during lecture hours, as it can disrupt your coursemate's concentration. If you want to ask your professor, then you might have to rephrase it. Your professor might interpret it differently. (You're not listening at all.)
You might need a chewing gum. If your morning coffee is not enough, then you might have to chew a gum during the lecture hour. This will help you in your concentration, but your professor might find it rude and inconsiderate of you to do such a thing. This can be an unconventional approach, if not a part of your quirky side. If your explanation is not good enough, then you might have to try to keep your focus. If your eyes get heavy, then do a thing or two to keep yourself awake. (Shaking your head may be one.)
Don't tap your pen (or pencil). Don't even play with the (computer) keyboard. Don't try anything using your fingers. (Snapping it might offend someone.) Rubbing your palms seems safe enough.
Don't panic if you're unable to type down a note. It happens to everyone, and there's a good chance that you recall one word. Type it and ask later.
Allot an hour or two on reviewing your notes. This will give you a chance to arrange the ideas, which you can go back when you prepare for an examination. If you're not able to finish the task, then do it the following day. A long day can be exhausting, which won't help you recall the lecture properly.
