Abstract:

Note-taking is one of the most common techniques used by students during lectures as a powerful supporting tool that can enhance their learning experience. However, not much attention has been given to investigating note-taking using technologies that are currently available, specifically Web 2.0 technologies. In addition, with the current high penetration of mobile devices and their rapidly increasing role in social life, little research has been conducted on exploring the use of mobile devices and Web 2.0 technologies for note- taking, but more specifically micro note-taking. In this research, micro note-taking can be defined as a small-sized class of remarks that serve as an initial reservoir of present information for its future uses. The present study set out to explore the possibility of integrating the features of social network sites, the new types of interaction, collaboration, and distribution of information, into micro note-taking applications to facilitate note-taking activities for students on their mobile devices. An exploratory survey was conducted at the University of Warwick, UK, predominantly involving first-year students in the department of Computer Science and Warwick Business School. 105 usable responses were used for the analysis. No statistically significant evidence was nonetheless found between Computer Science students and Warwick Business School students according to how they perceive the importance of note-taking during lectures. Most students, according to the findings, do tend to share notes with their friends either during or after lectures. The findings show that most Computer Science and Warwick Business School respondents do share their notes. Our findings indicate that social network sites have been used to share notes during lectures by the majority of Warwick Business School respondents. The findings also show that most students have their classmates within their list of social networks, with the highest rate of usage amongst students being on Facebook. Moreover, the findings also show that the majority of Computer Science and Warwick Business School respondents have used Facebook as the common social network platform during lectures. Based on the data collected, it was concluded that applications with social interaction features would enhance students’ current note-taking practices during lectures. The results also indicate that micro-note taking features can be regarded as added service on top of existing social networks; exploiting the functionality of these networks to include features such as note sharing for educational purposes.

Keywords:

Note-taking, micro note-taking application, mobile device, web 2.0 technologies, social networks, education.