Is the Pencil Mightier than the Keyboard? A Meta-Analysis Comparing the Method of Notetaking Outcomes

ABSTRACT

This meta-analysis compared the educational impact of the method of notetaking in the college classroom – hand written or using electronic device. The findings involved 14 studies combining 3,075 participants demonstrated that using electronic notetaking methods reduced measured outcomes (average r = −.142). Using the Binomial Effect Size Display, results indicated a decline of 25% of students scoring below the mean when electronic devices when compared to using handwritten notetaking. The study considers explanations for the decline and makes recommendations about the use of technology for notetaking in the classroom as well as paths for practical and pedagogical implications.

KEYWORDS:

• Notetaking
• laptop
• handwriting
• retention
• distraction
• instructional strategies

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. This term is correctly spelled utilizing either note taking or notetaking.

2. For the sake of brevity, the term “laptop” will be used to describe all means or forms of notetaking that uses some form of electronic device.