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Comment by kebman | Hacker News Reader

This has been common knowledge among pedagogy professionals for some time. I haven't read this particular study, though, but I've theorized that the reason for the disparity might simply be that there are so many other things fighting for your attention on a computer screen. Meanwhile if you sit down with only a pencil and a blank sheet of paper while listening to a lecture, there just isn't much else to do than pay attention.

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For me I believe it comes down to being able to type fast enough to just regurgitate what's been said word for word into the computer.

When I take handwritten notes I have to mentally parse it and decide what's important enough to write down.

Handwritten notes on a tablet work much better than typing for me, despite having the same availability of on-screen distractions.

I've had countless discussions with teachers about this. They all have seen that handwritten notes consistently result in better learning outcomes for students of all ages. There are lots of theories and nobody seems to really know why but the effect is strong and consistent.

I wonder if this benefit extends to handwriting on a tablet?

That might make for an interesting study. Although, the tactile sensation of writing on a tablet still doesn't match that of pencil and paper. So there's a big confounder there.

My trick to staying awake during meetings is volunteering to take minutes.

Later, I served as secretary for an org. No one wants to take notes, so generally it's unfilled slot. It was a low commitment way for me to add value while learning a new domain. It also made me popular and increasingly relied upon for answers.

> there just isn't much else to do than pay attention.

I don't disagree with anything you wrote but, for some, paying attention just doesn't work that way. Take ADHD, for an example.

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