Taking Better Notes
Although some note-takers prefer typing, studies show that writing
notes with pen and paper increases comprehension because it forces note-takers
to slow down, focus, and think. Simplicity is also an advantage of handwritten note-taking
--- log-ins are not required and multi-tasking (e.g. checking e-mail) is not a
temptation. Analog alternatives include outlining, diagramming, and dividing
pages into columns[5].
To accommodate different note-taking styles, legal pads and wirebound notebooks
are available in a variety of rules, spacings, and margins that are suitable
for counselors and litigators.
Digital Tools
Several digital tools are available to facilitate keyboarding,
keyword searches, online saving, and sharing with others. Word processing
software like Apple Pages and Microsoft Word can be used for note-taking on desktops,
laptops, and mobile devices. Note-taking apps like Apple Notes, Evernote,
Google Keep, and Microsoft OneNote can be used for note-taking on smartphones and tablets. Digital pens can be
used to write notes on Apple's iPad Pro, Microsoft's Surface, and pen-friendly
PC's. "Smart" notebooks like Moleskin's Smart Writing Tablets,
Rocketbook's Wave, and Wacom's Bamboo Folio can be used to write notes on
special paper and then transmit them to others or to online storage.
Audio Tools
Audio recordings free users from handwriting and typing
notes. Single-purpose apps for recording with smartphones include Apple's Voice
Memo, Griffin's iTalk, and Searing Media's Parrot. Dual purpose apps that facilitate recording and
transcribing include Audionote, Evernote, and Microsoft's OneNote. For
heavy-duty recording, consider using a dedicated voice recorder made by Olympus,
Phillips, or Sony. Although smartphones
are useful for occasional recording, dedicated voice recorders are more
versatile and have better recording quality, longer battery life, and greater storage
capacity. Also, smartphones can only capture voices within 3 feet of the phone.
Transcription software like Dragon
Naturally Speaking can be used to transcribe recordings into text.
Saving
Whether note-taking on paper or a digital device, index your notes by
numbering the pages and writing a table of contents on the first page. Carefully
save your notes so they are accessible when needed. Alternatives for saving paper notes include using
separate legal pads for each client, storing notes in binders or folders, and
retaining them in a computerized database. Paper notes can be scanned into
PDF's to facilitate search and retrieval of information. Scanning can be
accomplished with a computer or smartphone and the resulting PDF can then be uploaded
to a storage service. Storage services like Google Drive and Evernote use
optical character recognition to facilitate text searches.
Reviewing Notes
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