4 August 2025
Online learning has become the new normal, and while it's convenient, it also comes with its own challenges—like staying focused and retaining information. One of the biggest game-changers? Effective note-taking.
Taking notes in a virtual class isn't the same as scribbling in a notebook during an in-person lecture. There's screen fatigue, distractions, and sometimes, an overwhelming flood of digital resources. So, how do you make sure your notes actually help you learn rather than become a jumbled mess? Let’s break it down!
- Stay engaged – Writing things down forces you to actively listen.
- Retain information – Studies show you're more likely to remember things you write down.
- Create a study resource – Your notes become your cheat sheet for exams.
- Improve focus – When you're jotting down key points, you're less likely to wander into social media black holes.
But wait—simply taking notes isn't enough. They need to be organized, clear, and useful.
1. Main Notes – Jot down lecture points.
2. Keywords/Questions – Write key terms or questions on the left margin.
3. Summary – Conclude each section with a brief summary.
- Main Topic
- Subtopic
- Supporting details
This keeps everything neat and hierarchical.
- Use split-screen mode – Keep the lecture on one side and your notes on the other.
- Turn off notifications – Nothing kills concentration faster than a buzzing phone.
- Stick to one note-taking tool – Switching between apps creates unnecessary distractions.
Use abbreviations and symbols to speed things up:
- "b/c" for because
- "→" for leads to
- "w/" for with
- "vs." for versus
This not only saves time but also keeps your notes readable.
- Blue for definitions
- Green for examples
- Red for important points
- Yellow for things you need to revisit
Color coding makes skimming through notes a breeze during revision.
But here’s the catch—don't rely on recordings alone. Set aside time to review and annotate them. Otherwise, they’ll just pile up in your storage, untouched.
- Fill in gaps – Sometimes, you'll miss details. Fix them while everything’s fresh.
- Summarize in your own words – This helps cement the material in your memory.
- Categorize by topic – Use folders or tags in apps like Notion or Evernote for easy access.
- Flashcards (Anki, Quizlet)
- Teaching it to someone else (If you can explain it, you know it!)
- Writing a one-paragraph summary from memory
The more you interact with your notes, the better they’ll stick!
- Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox).
- Sync across devices for easy access.
- Consider exporting a copy monthly for extra safety.
1. Study for 25 minutes.
2. Take a 5-minute break.
3. Repeat.
This keeps your mind fresh and prevents burnout.
The goal isn’t just to take notes—but to create a system that makes studying easier and more effective.
all images in this post were generated using AI tools
Category:
Online LearningAuthor:
Monica O`Neal