College Advice Blog

Mar 26, 2013

Convenient Tech Options For Students


We tend to hear a lot about how much fun the college experience is, and there is of course plenty of truth in these discussions. A person's four years in college are a wonderful time to have fun, make friends, and share experiences. But sometimes the focus is so heavily on the social side of college that people forget just how hard the academic side can be. Students in today's college environment tend to have rigorous schedules, with heavy course loads and difficult work.


For this reason, it's always a good idea for students to take advantage of anything that can make the experience just a bit easier or more convenient. And one of the best ways to do this is through some very common and, by now, basic technologies that many students still don't take full advantage of. Here are a few examples to consider.


Smart Phones

By now, smart phones are very widespread, and the basic benefits for students are obvious: constant access to the Internet and email. However, many students still aren't getting as much as they can out of their smart phones. There are dozens, if not hundreds of apps specifically designed to simplify life for college students. For example, consider a few of the following:
  • Evernote - A mini-cloud for note-taking, this device syncs notes, pictures, and audio files you record during class to all of your devices, simplifying your note-taking and studying methods.
  • iTunes U - This app allows students to download notes, presentations, and course material from colleges all over the world. It's wonderful for quick research, thorough studies, and extra perspectives on topics you may be studying.
  • iStudiez Pro - This is essentially the ultimate planner for a smart phone. You can input class schedules and locations, assignments, due dates, and any other sort of information you need to stay on top of your work, all in one convenient place.

Cloud Computing

Cloud networks from providers like ShareFile offer students two enormous benefits: backup for important work and projects, and smooth collaboration with other students. When you save a document, presentation, or any other sort of work to the cloud, it is no longer dependent on a single device. This means that you can access and work on it from any device with Internet access, which in turn saves your work from being lost or destroyed if you lose a laptop, damage a smart phone, etc. Additionally, other students (say, partners in a group project) can also access your cloud if permitted, which makes group work far simpler.

Electronic Readers

Finally, there's e-readers, which so many students are still not using. In fact, even many college students who have tablets for other purposes avoid using the reading features! But the bottom line is, e-readers allow you to download books and other content for easy access, note-taking, and convenient transport. When it comes to gadgets and tech that simplify college life, electronic readers are still at the top of the list.
 

College Advice Blog Copyright © 2010 LKart Theme is Designed by Lasantha, Free Blogger Templates