With laptops and wireless Internet access available throughout campus, more students are relying on computers to take notes in class.

Abuse of the privilege for activities such as surfing the Web and e-mailing, however, have convinced some professors to ban all technology during lectures.

These technology bans have tech-savvy students stuck taking notes by hand, whereas other students simply prefer the traditional method.

Many teachers implement "no-technology" rules as a result of students who complain about being distracted by their peers checking Facebook and e-mail during class.

Freshman Kim Selling said she was surprised by the number of college students who surf the net during lectures.

"I don't think my high school even had wireless Internet, and the teachers definitely wouldn't have let us use the Web," she said. "None of my teachers have policies yet, but it's only a matter of time."

Laptop bans raise discussion about which note-taking strategy is most effective and efficient.

"For me, it's a proven fact," freshman Elliot Collins said. "Writing helps you absorb what you're listening to."

Students who use laptops for notes argue that speed and convenience are the all-important keys to taking effective notes.

"I am a quicker typist," Selling said. "I prefer to have all of my resources in one place rather than going from notebook to computer."

Although she only takes notes on her laptop, Selling is apprehensive about the potential risks involved in using a computer.

"I live in a constant state of fear that my computer will crash or get stolen," she said. "But you could just as easily lose a notebook."

Many professors on campus honor different styles of taking notes and have adopted middle-of-the-road policies when it comes to laptops in class.

Lisa Coutu, senior lecturer in communication, only allows students in the first five rows of seats in her lectures to use laptops.

Coutu said this is not in response to complaints of computer abuse, but that it is her job to make sure the classroom is conducive to learning.

Coutu also said that she recognizes and honors the fact that students have different learning styles. In her classes, however, the majority of people use notebooks.

"In a class of 400, there are only about 20 people on laptops," she said.

Selling admits professors have good reason to regulate technology in their classrooms.

"I get why professors don't want us to use computers in class," Selling said. "It's lame that some kids go on Facebook instead of listening, but I've done it too, so I can't judge."

While students will argue that their particular method of taking notes is best, a study by the Dartmouth College Academic Skills Center studied the most effective means of note taking.

According to the study, the point of taking notes is to copy down the key concepts presented in class.

Typists get into the bad habit of writing down everything the professor says. Writing forces students to go slower and think about what they put down.

The study reported that students are likely to get better use out of concise notes as opposed to a complete transcription of each lecture.

Whether students prefer computer or notebooks, being well versed in both is critical as professors crack down on technology abuse during class.

[Reach contributing writer Kyle Frischkorn at development@thedaily.washington.edu.]