NOTE-TAKING HABITS OF ONLINE LEARNERS: A POSTPHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY
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Supervisor(s) and Their Department(s)
Examining Committee Member(s) and Their Department(s)
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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.