Why You Should Write Instead of Type

Artwork: Lysander Colindres

Ironic that I am typing this blog, I know. And, like many others, I generally reach for my computer to do anything and everything. It's faster, more organized, and definitely more convenient. Trust me, I, too, roll my eyes when teachers tell the class that it is a tech-free classroom, and we have to handwrite our notes. So, who am I to tell you that you should use a pencil and paper instead of typing? Well, I’ve done a little research, and here's what I’ve found:

It’s Slower

Duh. That's the worst part about it. The teacher is flipping through slides on the board and, even if you are typing notes, you probably can’t get everything down. When you have to slow down to write it by hand, you are actually building a stronger conceptual connection to the material you are learning. So, if you have to go back to the slide deck to take the notes at home anyways, consider using your notebook and a fun pen or pencil.

There are No Distractions

Let's be honest, you are not just typing your notes or writing your essay. You are probably writing a few sentences of your essay and then see that an email came through. You go to check it, and it's a clothing brand sending you an ad. You delete the email because you don’t need whatever they are selling, but then you remember that you need to buy a new ice tray from Amazon, so you head to Amazon, and 30 minutes later, you are trying to remember what you were even doing in the first place. If you completely eliminate the internet as a factor of distraction, you have made yourself more focused and attentive — two things that help produce higher quality work and higher retention of information.

Creative Freedom is Practically Endless on Paper

When you’re typing on your computer, generally, you are in Microsoft Word or Google Docs. With these platforms, you are able to have a simple bulleted format for notes, but what if you want to make a table, or a venn diagram, or draw a little doodle? These are all tools that can help the brain remember and process information. Maybe, you are feeling spontaneous and want to write your notes in a fun shape. Maybe, you tally how many times your teacher says her catchphrase that she probably doesn't even know she has. These little quirks are going to break the salience of your day-to-day note taking, possibly making you remember that topic a little better.

What Does this Mean for You and Your Computer?

Now, I’m not saying you have to completely get rid of your computer; I love having my notes in an organized Doc that I am able to “command + f” in. I also am not saying to stop typing your essays. Having technology has made life much more streamlined, and I think we should all use it to our benefit. However, I am saying that you should consider picking up a pencil next time you are struggling in a class or feeling like you are creatively stumped. Think about ways to implement a pencil back into your life, even if it's just doodling while watching your favorite show. This might just make you a more creative person.