If you join or accept one of my webinars about search strategy Teaching history with the help of technology Of course, you probably know that I support two very non-technical activities. These things are reading physical books and writing in a physical notebook.
I’ve always seen that when I read physical books, at least three things happen, whether they’re fiction or nonfiction. I get new ideas in my head. I have the idea that I want to remember. I have to stop and write down my ideas. All of these things are the same and they contribute to making me a somewhat slower reader if the only measure of your reading speed is how many pages you have turned in a given period of time.
A physical notebook is almost always within my reach throughout the day. I start my day by writing in a notebook (day goals, to-do list, reminders). During the day when I want to puzzle through an idea I write in my notebook. And when I’m stuck and can’t think of anything to blog or video, I turn the pages of my notebooks (my notebooks in my office are at least ten years behind).
This summer I am reading The Last King of America and re-reading Twenty Things to Do with a computer. Both books are quickly filling up with notes. Both gave me ideas that I couldn’t find by scrolling through social media accounts or searching Google. I wouldn’t have those notes and ideas through Google search because I didn’t know what I didn’t know until I read the books. Those notes then prompt and form my next Google searches In other words, the books give me more ideas starting from the rabbit hole of investigation.
Is there a point in this post? Yes, this is to remind you to pick a good book and take notes this summer. And in the fall, do the same for your students.