Many of my psychology classes have discussed the findings of this study as well. In the cognitive psychology class that Mary and I are taking, the professor always emphasizes the importance of engaging material elaborately instead of superficially. Taking notes with your hands allows you to put it in your own words and causes you to actually process the information more deeply. The same is done when we create our own analogies, examples, and illustrations of concepts learned in class.
My handwritten notes are really messy and unorganized so I still take most of my notes for classes and sermons by typing on my tablet. What I have found helpful is to basically not copy what is being said or presented verbatim. Just try to rephrase things whenever you can or relate it to anything else that you may have learned previously so that you are not just taking notes “mindlessly.” I'm interested to see if this handwritten superiority effect will be seen in future generations when using technology in learning will become more the norm at even earlier ages and students will grow up typing notes instead of writing.
Thanks for the share Jeremy!