The intent of this short post is simply to point you faithful (and new) readers of the Academic Blog to a very helpful resource, if you are considering upgrading to Logos 8. [Read more…]
Vintage notes
I love technology. In particular, I love computers. In more particular, I love macs.
That said, I think it might be time to unplug the drug and start taking notes the old fashioned way… with pen and paper.
“Crazy” you say. “Next you’ll suggest we use a quill and ink… or maybe we should go back to stone tablets!”
Well, before you get out the pitchforks and torches, hear me out. Here are my top 6 reasons to leave the computer at home and just bring a pen:
- Your Professor isn’t on facebook – That’s right… I know you’re looking at facebook, or myspace, or checking your email, or reading articles on goingtoseminary.com… I know it and so does the professor. The fact is, if the computer is there then the odds of you getting distracted are good. Come on everyone, confession time, who has surfed the net during a lecture?
- You can record the lecture if you want a transcript – When you have the computer you can get A LOT more information down then with pen and paper… but more isn’t always synonymous with better. When all you have is your pen and paper then you are forced to write wisely. Not every word is going to make it on your paper. You are now thinking about what is being said and evaluating its worth. No more mindless typing, rather thoughtful writing is now occurring.
- Do you even know what your professor looks like – If you’ve ever preached you know that eye contact is worth its weight in gold… is anyone actually listening? Give your professor some nonverbal feedback. Look him in the eyes. With the computer gone there is no longer this 15″ screen between you and the professor. The air is clear… now he is talking to you and not the back of your screen.
- You type too loud – It might not be you, but someone does… It’s like small arms fire in that room. click, click, click, click, click, click, click, click… How annoying. Lets have some quiet in here, I’m trying to listen to the lecture.
- You can’t draw – No, this isn’t about your artistic ability… rather, some things are just better captured in a chart or diagram with arrows, lines, and smiley faces… ok, not that last one… but you get the gist. Yeah, you can do all that on the computer, but by the time you open the other program, make you chart or whatever, import it into your notes… sheesh, the class is over. Taking notes on paper make it easy for you to switch from the right to left side of your brain while listening to the lecture.
- Your hero used a pen – Your theological heroes all used pens. Whether it is Calvin, Lewis, Wesley, Augustine, Paul… they were pen and paper guys. Join with all the great men and women of old and take note taking back to its roots. Leave the computer at home and start taking vintage notes.