There have been recent research studies comparing paper-based and digital processes (reading, note-taking). Those showing a superiority for the paper-based experiences seem to generate the most attention. I hope this isn’t simply a way to legitimate doing things the way they have always been done.
I recently described a study arguing that paper-based note-taking was superior. The argument was that paper-based note-taking was more demanding as those using this approach are slower and this forced them to think more carefully about what they wanted to record. More thoughtful behavior was argued to be beneficial.
I have long endorsed digital note-taking especially in college classes. This is partially based on a personal perspective that values the long-term value of being able to search notes taken and unique applications available in the digital environment such as being able to take notes that are linked to an audio recording. This approach allows a notetaker to listen again should the notes taken be incomplete or confusing.
Here is a recent review of the paper-based and digital note-taking research. This meta-analysis analyzed results from 36 articles comparing digital and longhand note-taking. Overall, the study found no effect for note-taking approach. The authors that while the results of some studies show a benefit for longhand notes this type of outcome may have resulted from the opportunities for distraction associated with the use of a digital device.
Voyer, D., Ronis, S. T., & Byers, N. (2021). The Effect of Notetaking Method on Academic Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 102025.