Physical Notebook or Electronic? Which Format?
Discuss your decision about whether you will create a physical notebook with printed documents and page dividers or organize the information electronically, or both.
I am also using both. I had to go buy a thicker binder for CM204. I am keepiing the complete SS 807 in it and the 132. Everywhere I go that I am not driving I read it again. I also am working on an electronic one...trying to use Microsoft Collections. Any suggestions about that would be most welcome. Is there a better way to do an electronic notebook?
J.,
Many school associates prefer the physical notebook to the electronic version. It allows them to feel something that is tangible and it allows them to provide a document to the accreditors.
Cindy Bryant
Cindy,
I feel that either or would be just fine, however, I do feel that the electronic notebook would be more effective. You are able to update easier, research easier, and share with others much faster. I would definitely make time to create a paper copy, but that would not be what I would readily reference back to as needed.
In today's world, electronic documents, to me, are much more effective when sharing information - particularly information that is constantly being updated. The ease of use and accessibility is the main weighing factor for me. How much time do you think could be saved if you were to use electronic versus a paper notebook to reference material? We are so busy in today's world, that every second counts.
When representatives are looking up information for a student, which would be more effective? Thumbing through a notebook to find the specific answer needed, or electronically locating it within a fraction of the time?
Nazaneen
We use a physical notebook and it works well for us. We can "flip" from page to page quickly using tabs and even have more than one page available to view at one time if needed. When we have the state inspectors in our office they love it. They just go thru the tabs and pick which area of the notebook they want to review and don't need us to help them. More than one inspector has stated "wish everyone would do it this way".
Sonny Shaddix, owner
Deyanira,
Many admissions representatives opt to use a variety of methods to stay abreast of regulatory changes and updates. I am sure that your director is appreciative that s/he has access tothe materials you are using to stay in compliance.
Cindy Bryant
I use both electronic and paper, I have found this works best for me because it is always accessible either to me or my school director
Jennifer,
Hi! Another great feature of the electronic version is that it is automatically updated on the internet and you can feel reasonably assured that the info is correct.
Cindy Bryant
I agree. Having the information handy in electronic format will make it easy to find information. Having information to frequently asked questions in one central place is a best practice.
Leigh,
Great Idea! I mentioned in an earlier post that I like to have a back up as well.
Cindy Bryant
I would keep both physical notebook and electronically. I think electronically is more convenient being that everything now a days is done electronically. The physical notebook i would keep on hand for easy access.
Jorge,
Great advice. I too vote for the electronic version. However...sometimes you can't access the electronic version and it is good to keep a cheat sheet.
Cindy Bryant
Cindy,
We must always remember that the information is as good as we keep it update, electronic version is my choice. We live in a world full of new technology, even thought from time to time a system can go off line, every day we see this happening less often than few years ago. The Physical Notebook is a good back up, again this is only as good as is kept up to date.
Jorge
Dorothy,
It has been proven that having information at our fingertips gives us more confidence in our ability to do our job.
Cindy Bryant
I will implement this process immediately. I think that having the notebook will give me the ability to have it on hand whenever a question arises, but also electronically is a great idea.
Clara,
Hi! I am so glad that this course assisted you in making this decision. There are many regulations that govern your institution and you would benefit by bookmarking these pages.
Cindy Bryant
I’ve used a physical notebook but believe it’s time to make the change to an electronic version. Ease in access and the ability to update without waste makes sense.
I'm going to have both just in case I'm in need of a back up. Always a good idea to be on the safe side
Priscilla,
Hi-welcome to the forum. I am happy that you will be incorporating methods from the course into your daily operations. I too have been in situations where I was not able to access critical information due to the computers being 'down'.
Cindy Bryant
I will definitely try this method as well. I like the idea of having my information handy on my computer and at hand. I have been in situations before where the internet will go out and we are left hopeless for the time being. This way there will be no wasted time.
