Write To Retain, Type to Record
The effectiveness of our note-taking may depend on the method, rather than the medium, we use to record our notes. Many note-taking techniques, such as mind mapping and the Cornell system, require us to translate information into our own words and make connections between different pieces of information. This helps us better understand what we note down, instead of merely scribing or recording.
Reviewing our notes is also an important part of the retaining process. We forget 50% of new information just one hour after learning it. This means that good note-taking does not benefit our memory in the long run if we do not revisit the new material.
It is also important to look at the context of our note-taking. In work meetings, for example, we may take minutes simply to jot down discussion points. When our main goal is to record rather than to remember, methods such as mind mapping may not be necessary, and simple verbatim note-taking may suffice.
Ultimately, whether writing or typing is better depends on what you want to achieve. Look at the aim of your note-taking, then choose the best method and medium to fulfil it.