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Notes? Not a Joke. Java Learning Boosters Detected!

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More likely than not, you're already armed with lots of different tutorials and resources on learning Java. But how to keep all that information in your head without getting overwhelmed with it? The solution may sound like being from the Jurassic period. However, still, it exists and even remains one of the most effective ways of successful Java learning to date — taking notes. Lots of notes. You can even take notes inside your code, as you know! Notes? Not a Joke. Java Learning Boosters Detected! - 1We're going to shed light on the trusty methods of "handwritten" techniques as well as more modern computer tools that will help you create useful notes, schemes, interactive boards, study plans. After reading this article, you'll be able to find a method that's most effective for you.

Old-School Methods Alive

If you're one of those who prefer writing things down manually, you're not alone. Many students still make notes in ink in their textbooks or notebooks all the time. This tried-and-true method helps many of us remember things better and allows us to flesh thoughts out. It's like creating your own internal dialogue. Do Java learners take notes differently than, say, math students would? Yes and no. Whereas some like to record everything chronologically and try to get every bit of information down (like in lecture note-taking format), others write down only the most important things which seem not too intuitive or easily forgettable. We recommend sticking to the latter method since it's proved to be more effective and less time-consuming.

How to Take Handwritten Notes

When it comes to note taking techniques, there are some tried-and-true methods that prove their effectiveness year after year. Ahead, we’re shedding light on the most popular and the most suitable strategies for Java learning:
  1. Cornell Note Taking Method. Devised in the 1950s by professor Walter Pauk of Cornell University, this method is still very popular. It involves students dividing their paper into two columns and a row across the bottom. The left portion should be around 7 cm (or 3 inches) wide, and it's typically called the Cue / Questions / Keyword Column. In this section, you should write down subheadings, which should be written as questions. The right column is larger and is intended for notes. The bottom of the page is for summing up everything mentioned above in a sentence or two.

    After each topic, you should formulate questions based on the notes in the right column. Writing such questions will help you to clarify meanings, understand relationships, and establish continuity. Additionally, writing questions will set up a perfect stage for deeper analysis.

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  2. Outline Note Taking Method. It's one of the simplest note-taking methods out there, which is considered to be the most effective one by researchers and students worldwide. It's also perfectly suited for online learning since it benefits from the self-paced type of online learning. Through outlining, you'll be able to organize all the information you've got in a structured and logical manner, thus, creating a comprehensive profile of the lesson subject.

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  3. Boxing Method. Compared to the strategies above, the boxing method is a new concept. It's based on boxes that help learners visually separate topics from one another. You should write down your thoughts, ideas, and concepts on a particular topic vertically next to each other, thus, forming a topical cluster of information. And as you learn new topics, the previous topical clusters will be boxed shut, and new ones will be created. Again and again. This method is especially great for students using iPads or touchscreen laptops as they can take full advantage of digital-only features like lasso or shape insertion tools.

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  4. Mapping Method. Simply put, mapping is a graphical representation of the topics of a lesson. This method maximizes active participation and emphasizes critical thinking. It boosts comprehension/concentration skills and requires you to build a bond between each fact, code, or idea. It's one of the most difficult yet most rewarding note-taking methods.

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Modern Approaches for True Tech Geeks. Digital Notes!

That just being said, if you're a tech-forward person who doesn't want to maintain bits of paper in your life, let's talk about digital notes. Nowadays, tons of special apps offer a much more reliable and easier way to store all your notes and other stuff. And, naturally, they let you make a reference and find whatever you need whenever and wherever.
  • To start with something non-traditional, we'd like to mention Day One app. It's a personal journaling app that boasts such features as data syncing with multiple devices, markdown authoring of entries, end-to-end encryption, location, weather, date, and time, etc. Actually, it's more like a digital place to log your thoughts and notes, which can come in very handy if you'd like to start your Java learning blog later. Your journal for life!

  • Moo.do is the app claimed to be "easier to use than a piece of paper." It's highly praised among coders worldwide due to its intuitive interface with multi-pane views and simplicity of use. Moo.do offers different tasks, projects, and notes. Plus, it can be very useful for team collaboration since it allows you to tag any member to ask a question or notify that you've just solved a tricky problem.

  • NoteLedge is a classic fully-featured note-taking app that is very popular among students participating in different projects. The main perk of this program is that it lets users be creative with the way they record their ideas. For example, suppose you prefer to take video, audio, or other media. In that case, you can attach them to your custom brainstorming page in NoteLedge. Also, you'll be able to import PDFs and mark them up or even clip web pages into a unique collage to take notes in your own style. Prefer drawing? A fully-featured built-in brush set will help make all your crazy ideas come true.

  • Evernote is one more useful app that often tops numerous lists of the best software for taking notes. Yet, although it boasts numerous advantages, it still has some disadvantages for coders. For instance, the inability to selectively sync notebooks on Evernote, i.e, you can't choose which notebooks or files to keep in the cloud. This won't be a big deal for powerful computers, but for models with limited storage space, the program can put a lot of pressure on their hard drives. However, many programmers still get around this minor problem by keeping separate accounts.

  • Notion is a simple tool that can provide you with notes, kanban boards, wikis, databases, calendars, and reminders. A group of users can connect all these components to create their own system for note-taking, knowledge management, data management, and project management, which is particularly useful for big projects and big teams.

  • Among other multifunctional note tools, we can highlight Trello. It's a very handy project management tool that lets you organize anything from a business strategy to a big move and everything in-between. By using it, you'll be able to start up a board, automate complex tasks, and collaborate with your peers from anywhere (the mobile version is available too). At a glance, Trello tells you what's being worked on and who's working on what. It's something like looking at that old-school whiteboard full of sticky notes, where every note acts as a task for you and your peers.

  • Of course, we can't skip the Codegym Bookmark feature. You can find it at the bottom of each lecture, article, or task when completing our course. If you press "+," there is an option to bookmark the page. Pretty handy, agree?

Conclusion

Staying organized as a programmer can be tough! At some point, learners simply don't understand what's going on, and there is often a moment when they want to flip the desk over and quit. But good note-taking skills can help you avoid that. Notes are key to staying organized and not succumbing to burnout. So, if you'd like to make learning a whole lot easier on yourself, don't neglect to take notes. And, hopefully, owing to this list of the best note-taking apps designed with coders and developers in mind, things will get even easier for you. Has something already caught your fancy? Or, do you prefer other apps or methods of note-taking? Feel free to share your effective techniques with us! Notes? Not a Joke. Java Learning Boosters Detected! - 6
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