In an recent study, Norwegian researchers funded by Microsoft discovered that using a pen stimulated more cerebral activity than typing on a computer. Drawing words makes the brain more prone to learning. From the article:

Inspired by previous studies that suggested long-hand notetaking using a pen deepens the mind’s ability to retain and process information, van der Meer and van der Weel carried out a two-month research project with students. Their project aimed to find out whether notetaking by typing versus notetaking with a pen would bring about differences in brain activity, thereby affecting a student’s ability to learn…. 

The researchers conclude that rich sensory-motor experiences seem to facilitate learning, or put simply, it is the physical movement of the pen that makes the difference. The movement is picked up by the senses and, due to their involvement, results in different neural activity that governs all higher levels of cognitive processing and learning.

Explaining the importance of the results, van der Meer says that,

“This difference in activity is really significant; it tells us that using a pen to take notes means that the brain is able to process learning in a much more effective way.”

h/t Hannah Risse and Samantha Sigler, Microsoft Media Relations

Links to Italian news reports here and here