NOTE-TAKING HABITS OF ONLINE LEARNERS: A POSTPHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY

Abstract

Academic literature discusses various aspects of note-taking and a variety of tools for taking notes and their benefits and challenges. What is the meaning of note-taking and its related technologies for graduate students in an online university? This qualitative study explores the lived experiences with note-taking for online students and the intertwined human-technology connections using a postphenomenological design. Data collection includes interviews, reflective activities, and artifacts. Data analysis includes thematic analysis, variational analysis, and visual research methodology. The study revealed that note-taking is not only about recording and storing information but also individual preferences of online learners. Such preferences affect the choice of note-taking strategies and technologies for taking notes. Online learners take both digital and pen and paper notes. Also, online learners strive to be successful in their graduate studies and balance life and school activities finding in their busy schedules the place and time to study which may be less than perfect.