By Rocco Garcia

In a world of gadgets, it might seem strange that some students continue to use pen and paper for taking notes. The intricate and sound digital note taking should make it very easy for students to maintain notes for classes. But students choose notebooks over digital options.

According to Woodfountainpens, a pen company, handwriting has some surprising benefits. Studies say writing notes by hand helps students remember contents better than typing. Johnny McGarry, a Ponte Vedra High School junior, said, “I prefer handwritten notes because having a whole laptop in my backpack is not very convenient, and I would not want to break it.” So, for some students, writing notes down becomes a helpful exercise for the brain, especially when screens are everywhere.

Then, there is the trusty reliability of paper. Unlike digital devices that can glitch or crash, notebooks offer a sense of security. One will not lose notes because of some technical issues. In some fact, college students still prefer of using paper notes rather than digital. The ability for students to doodle and write side notes on paper notes makes it easier for subjects like math and science formulas. Paper notes are like building a safe archive of an academic journey without worrying about losing hard work. Personalization is another big reason. Ashtan Augusta, a junior at PVHS, stated, “I use handwritten notes because I can make little side notes, underline important stuff, and even doodle.” It makes notes unique, turning these notations into visual representations of a student’s learning journey.

Better yet, why do some students prefer digital notes? Searching for information, easy access, and collaboration are all great. Roberto Guerrero, a student at New York University stated that, “Digital notes are very handy because I can store information easy and organized by files, it also spares me from a large pile of paper.” However, the downside is the distraction. Digital devices have notifications and online content that can mess with focus.

In the end, it is a balancing act within the usage of paper notes. Students choose between the benefits of handwriting, the reliability of paper, and the personal touch it brings. Some may still prefer digital because it may be easier to store contents rather than having a stack of notes. The decision is not just about convenience but also about finding the best way to learn in a fast-changing world of education.