Question about computers/notes/hw/etc

[DancerFutureDPT]

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I have a quick question for those currently in PT school (and I apologize if this has already been a thread, but I didn't see anything in a brief search and don't remember reading anything during my time on the forum thus far).

Anyway, I wanted to know what note-taking method most people use...do you guys have notebooks and do everything by hand? To people bring laptops to class like in undergrad? Do professors have powerpoints that they make available to students/print out so you don't need to take many notes?

I'm thinking about buying a netbook (one of those really small laptops), both to use between classes now when I have time to kill and next year for classes in PT school, but I didn't know what most students use in class.

I also wanted to know about "homework" in PT school...are there take home assignments other than just studying? I'm guessing there aren't problem sets like in college (I hope). And are computers important for that? Like do you guys use anatomy software for different classes or anything of the like?

Thanks!

 

[pwrtrainer]

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[artizzle]

The PPTs are provided both digital and hard copies. Homework assignments are there, but only in a couple classes. most of the time is spent not falling behind. I am still using my PC from 2004 and it is fine. However I will be replacing it soon cause its slow. No one in my class brings a laptop. some days I have like three books and three notebooks, not to mention other stuff, so a laptop gets heavy, my patho book alone is like 1700 pages. Add that with an atlas, anatomy text and all related notebooks, it can get crazy. I would just wait unless your heart is set on getting a new comp. In that case, go for it...

Completely agree with pwrtrainer. Most of our class does the 6 powerpoint slides per page, although for some sections it can get a bit messy. However, it's important to remember to use your best method of learning and note-taking. It doesn't matter if everyone else in your class uses laptops and your best method is using a stone and chisel -- if that's the best way you learn things and it works for you, then more power to you.

 

[callmecrazy]

Thus far, everything has been on powerpoint slides that are either provided to us or we print before class. From there though, everyone does their own thing, whether that's taking extra notes in a notebook, marking up the slides, or shoving things aimlessly into their backpack. Only rarely have I seen laptops brought to class, and it doesn't seem practical in classes where you jump between lecture and lab repeatedly.

As for homework, the closest thing we've had thus far was one group presentation and few instances when we needed to find an article or more information about a topic and bring it to class. Some of our professors do make use of online quizzes though, which are taken on your own time. Your main focus is studying and practicing technique though, not "homework".

 

[MinnDasota]

I graduated a couple years ago and our lectures were a mix of everything as we had some old school profs and some new school. Having a laptop was very beneficial as many in my class typed out their notes and shared with the class through email. We used google documents a lot for research projects. There is a ton of "homework".

Get the laptop as it can make life easier. Those of you just starting school right now, you will find that you will use it a lot later on (although each program is different).

I never brought my laptop to class as I don't type fast enough. I learn better with writing notes on paper. Most of our notes and lectures were online and had to be printed out. Our program had a specific webpage where profs would drop their notes in.

 

[MotionDoc]

I personally couldn't imagine PT school without a laptop. Almost everyone uses their laptop for note taking either on the provided power points or in a separate word document.

...not to mention, it makes perfect practical sense for reference later in your career. What is easier: searching for that orthopedics notebook in a box somewhere in the basement, or hitting start --> search --> then typing in "shoulder impingement" and having every document and power point on your laptop with that word in it pop up...

 

[redmolly]

Thanks so much for this thread- I've been wondering the same - and have listened to a couple podcasts re: netbooks vs. laptops.

Seems like the advice that the hardware pros have to offer is wait. Netbooks are getting more and more powerful by the day, but many of these new Netbooks are loaded with Windows 7. Best to wait until Microsoft gets their slew of kinks out with upgrades.

Also, given what others have shared here on the posts - it would appear that a Netbook is the best choice - the lighter, the better - given the heavy textbooks.

Meanwhile, I have my old laptop from 2006 - with several hard-drives (I used to have a techie job). Anything from the netbook can just be dumped onto a $100 drive for safe-keeping and back-up.

molly