Is it easier to take notes by hand or by using a laptop? Is a laptop really necessary? Also, are we allowed to record the lecture or does it depend on the prof?

Originally Posted by kanvi_v30

Also, are we allowed to record the lecture or does it depend on the prof?

Lol, what do you mean exactly by that? You want to set up a camera in the back of the room and record?

Originally Posted by MacAttk

Lol, what do you mean exactly by that? You want to set up a camera in the back of the room and record?

I meant audio record.

Recording a lecture is pretty much pointless for the most part unless you have a decent quality video.. I can imagine audio maybe help clarifying if you missed something in your notes, but having to search through an audio recording for clarification on a specific concept is very tedious. If you intend on doing this, you have to ask permission to do so from the professor.

I can imagine something like a critical analysis of a novel would make recordings useful, but in that case I would just type as the prof talks.

As RyanC said, recording lectures is pointless. You'll go through a ton of effort for recordings you likely will never use. The biggest bulk of learning you'll do will be independent homework and practice problems.

And as for laptops for notes, it depends on the class. Word heavy classes, sure. Math and formula classes, no -- it's much faster to use a pad and paper.

Depends on the class, if you have a lecture w/o skeleton notes and can be recorded in only text, go for typing it on a laptop. If you have a lecture where its best to make small drawings, go for writing on paper or use a writable touch screen laptop.