Watch my notes transform!
After taking notes during class/ while reading my textbook my notes are ugly and hard to read because of my handwriting. After sitting down and taking some time to review my notes I am able to organize them better and study from them. 1 just recently got an iPad and still figuring out how to use good notes and make my notes better so far I think I'm doing a great job but would love to hear some tips from everyone :)
It's amazing how much a good note-taking system can change your entire study experience! When I first started using my iPad for notes, I was really focused on making them 'cute' – you know, that 'Watch me make my notes cute!' vibe. But I quickly realized that aesthetic notes aren't just for show; they're a powerful tool for study success. For anyone wondering how to take notes aesthetically while still making them effective for learning, here are a few things I've found incredibly helpful with Goodnotes: Color Coding is Your Best Friend: Don't just pick pretty colors; assign meaning to them. I use one color for definitions, another for key concepts, and a third for examples. This makes reviewing super fast, as my eyes automatically gravitate to the important information. Goodnotes' custom color palette feature is fantastic for this. Digital Highlighters & Pens: The smooth digital ink in Goodnotes makes handwriting so much neater, even for someone like me! Experiment with different pen styles and highlighter shades. I love using pastel highlighters to make important sections pop without being overwhelming. Use Templates: Goodnotes comes with a variety of templates, or you can import your own. Having a consistent layout, whether it's Cornell, grid, or dotted, instantly makes your notes look more organized and professional. This contributes a lot to the 'aesthetic' feel. Integrate Images & Stickers: Visual aids are game-changers. I often screenshot diagrams from my textbook or lecture slides and insert them directly into my notes. Digital stickers can also add a fun, personalized touch, helping to break up text and emphasize points. Beyond just looking good, these aesthetic choices directly contribute to 'study to success notes.' When notes are visually appealing and well-structured, your brain processes information more efficiently. This makes active recall easier and helps cement concepts. For example, when tackling complex academic topics like 'education, social goals of public schools, sexuality regulation, children's health, and religious beliefs in schools' (which, by the way, were some of the denser topics in my recent chapter!), having clear headings, bullet points, and color-coded key terms makes all the difference. It helps to break down overwhelming information into manageable chunks, ensuring I don't miss crucial details or misinterpret nuanced discussions. The ability to easily search my digital notes in Goodnotes has also been a lifesaver when I need to quickly reference specific points related to these detailed subjects. Another tip I've picked up for Goodnotes is utilizing the lasso tool to rearrange, resize, or even change the color of handwritten text after it's been written. This is perfect for fixing layout issues or emphasizing points later. Also, don't forget the split-screen feature on the iPad – it's brilliant for taking notes while simultaneously viewing a textbook or lecture slides. I'm still exploring features like flashcards and audio recording, but just these few changes have made a world of difference in how I approach studying. What are your favorite Goodnotes or iPad note-taking tips?
