Read-It-Later vs. Note-Taking vs. My Learning Approach

Starting from a moment, I realized that just reading books isn’t enough for a fast-paced digital world. We’re obligated to consume a vast amount of information daily to keep up with the turbulent and ever-evolving world.

But with limited time at our disposal, the challenge isn’t just about accessing information, but also effectively managing and internalizing it. Enter the realm of “read-it-later” tools and note-taking apps: digital solutions that promise to help us organize this flood of information. But do they really aid in learning and retention, or are they merely complicating things?

Read-it-later? When’s later? Is later free?

There’s an abundance of “read-it-later” products; Their popularity stems from a shared sentiment:

“I don’t have time now, but this content is worth revisiting later.”

But is this approach merely a delay tactic, or are we under an illusion about our future time availability? Often, we believe our future selves will be less occupied, but in reality, tomorrow is just as busy as today. Consequently, these saved items frequently get lost in the digital abyss.

That’s probably why many read-it-later apps are pivoting toward “find next reading.” I mean… if they have enough data to predict what a user might want to read next, then why not?

Note-taking? Just don’t make it complicated

Note-taking apps have become the answer for many. These platforms, with their ability to categorize and store information, offer a semblance of order.

My personal journey with note-taking has evolved into a customized system, primarily aiding in organizing life events such as travel plans, holiday gatherings, and grocery lists. It’s been helpful, as long as I keep everything simple. Complexity can lead to inefficiency.

However, there remains a gap: translating the note platform into effective learning systems.

I’ve decided my learning approach

I once ventured into creating a dedicated learning space within my note-taking realm. While the idea seemed promising, its practical application fell short. Reflecting on the reasons why:

1. The subjects I listed weren’t immediately applicable, so I lacked urgent motivation.My solution: Focus on current, pressing skills or knowledge areas. Consider what I genuinely need right now.
2. Often, I’d stumble upon a topic online that intrigued me, and I’d hastily start a new learning project for it. Later, I’d forget about it or even why I wanted to learn it in the first place.My solution: Before committing, evaluate how the new topic complements existing learning goals and how it fits into my current learning trajectory.
3. While note systems can organize learning resources, they don’t effectively link resources and knowledge.My solution: Design a learning system that connects knowledge. For instance, if I majored in marketing, how can I combine books on psychology with my understanding of marketing?
4. Simply collecting resources often didn’t prove beneficial.My solution: After each learning session, take a few minutes to summarize and reflect, turning fragmented information into a cohesive understanding.

In light of these reflections, I’m prepared to refine my learning system, hoping for a more structured and efficient approach.

And I’ll value it based on my learning and working outcomes rather than the system’s construction because effective learning leads to change, be it behavioral or cognitive.