Here are some of the best note-taking methods for learning from online videos, designed to improve retention and comprehension:

1. Cornell Note-Taking Method

• How it works: Divide your page into three sections: a narrow left column for key points or questions, a larger right column for detailed notes, and a summary section at the bottom.
• Benefits: Encourages active listening by identifying main ideas, details, and summaries, which is great for reviewing.

2. Mind Mapping

• How it works: Start with the central idea (the topic of the video) and branch out with related concepts, subtopics, and details, using lines or arrows.
• Benefits: Great for visual learners; helps with understanding relationships between ideas and topics.

3. Outline Method

• How it works: Structure notes in a hierarchical format, with main topics on the left and indented subpoints beneath them.
• Benefits: Effective for organizing information in a clear, structured way; ideal for detailed videos with multiple layers of information.

4. Flow Notes

• How it works: Write down ideas as they come without focusing on structure. Instead, focus on capturing key insights, concepts, and how they relate to each other. Use arrows, symbols, or diagrams to represent relationships.
• Benefits: Helps with understanding complex or fast-paced content, focusing more on grasping connections between ideas.

5. Bullet Journaling

• How it works: Write concise notes using bullets, symbols, and short phrases to capture key information quickly and efficiently.
• Benefits: Excellent for summarizing information and staying organized, especially for longer videos or courses.

6. Sketchnotes (Visual Notes)

• How it works: Use a combination of doodles, sketches, and short written notes to visually represent the key points and ideas.
• Benefits: Effective for visual learners and for retaining information in a creative, engaging way.

7. Video Timestamping

• How it works: Write notes while pausing the video and include the timestamps for key moments or concepts, so you can easily refer back to specific parts of the video later.
• Benefits: Saves time during revision by helping you locate important sections of the video quickly.

8. Active Questioning

• How it works: As you watch, write down questions that arise based on the content, and answer them during or after the video.
• Benefits: Engages critical thinking and improves understanding by addressing gaps in knowledge or clarifying key concepts.

9. Digital Note-Taking with Screenshots

• How it works: Take digital notes using tools like Microsoft OneNote, Google Docs, or Evernote, and insert screenshots of important slides or visual aids from the video.
• Benefits: Combines written notes with visual aids, enhancing comprehension and memory.

10. Summary Notes

• How it works: After watching the video, summarize the key points and concepts in your own words without rewatching it.
• Benefits: Helps reinforce learning by forcing you to recall and organize information.

Tools for Digital Note-Taking:

• Notion: Organize notes, embed videos, and create linked pages for deeper insights.
• Evernote: Capture text, images, and even record audio notes.
• Microsoft OneNote: Ideal for organizing complex topics with multiple notebooks and sections.

By choosing a method that suits your learning style, you’ll get the most out of online videos and make your study sessions more effective.