Clearly, there is a rapid increase in the way we use the smartphones. We see that the jump was even higher in the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021. Experts suggest that the use of mobile and internet technologies is here to stay. Classrooms across the globe have become hybrid for good. Vishal Anand, founder and pro chancellor at Shoolini University says that they became online much before COVID-19 hit. However, since the shift due to the pandemic, they are looking at many ways to continue providing education through online mediums. At such a time, students are using their smartphones effectively when it comes to learning. However, did you know that there are several ways in which smartphones can be used to become more efficient and do things in a better manner? Although pen and paper are still in use on campuses, maintaining data online has become commonplace. Keeping your data on the phone is a much safer option instead of hardbound registers that often wear and tear.
1. Smartphones can keep track of your homework
Interestingly, there are numerous Time Table apps where you can plan, schedule, and execute all your upcoming online classes and other study events — be it your project, assignments or exams. It’s a good way students can use smartphones and apps to keep track of homework, especially if you are enrolled in different classes.
Read More: Should Kids Be Given Smartphones?
2. Find the right answers within seconds
Internet has changed the way we find information. Use the smartphone to conduct “reliable” research. There are many websites from known publishers such as nature.com, researchgate.net and several data sites such as academia.edu where you can find reliable information for your research. Gone are the days when students had to wander around teachers to clear their doubts. Nowadays, students can get answers to anything they want within seconds.
3. Smartphones improve student experience by giving reminders
Where a Time Table will help you schedule your tasks, reminders will help you keep a track of your schedule. Your to-do list will never be incomplete if you use reminders on your smartphones.
Reminders on Android
To set reminders on Android, you can use the Google Calendar app. Android phones have a facility where you go to the Google Search box and say “set a reminder”. Google will ask whether you want to add a time or a place. You can set a reminder for a time, or even club a reminder for a morning, afternoon or evening.
Reminders on iOS
iOS also has the Siri and Notes that can help you set up reminders. You could ask Siri to “Set a Reminder”. Once you do that, it will create a note with the reminder. You can also type a reminder on your notes. Do note that it’s always good to review the reminders once you have set them so you know it didn’t go wrong!
4. Cameras can help you keep references
Let’s not underestimate the power of scanner apps and collect boards on smartphones. You can capture photos, videos and audios of any important concepts that you come across. Save important websites and papers on your smartphones. Not just that, you can also download apps that can help scan documents quickly and easily. Adobe Scan and CamScanner are two of the most popular apps.
5. Note taking has never been this easy
We know that typing notes is much easier and faster than writing notes. There are numerous note-taking apps available with interesting features. Google notes is a popular one because your notes here will be saved automatically to your Google account. You can also try iOS Apple Notes and Zoho Notebook. To maintain sticky notes – which are also good for reminders – you can get the Evernote app.
6. Apps for extra study material
EdTech apps are out there in plenty. It is on us how we use them to our benefit. Don’t miss the opportunity to use apps like Udemy and Coursera where you can get some free courses from international universities. Additionally, you can also use these apps to gain new skills and enhance your learning. Their video content is particularly useful as you can watch it on your way to college, while out on a walk or simply whiling away time.
Conclusion
Smartphones can be used or misused but students can use smartphones and apps in the right manner. What you do with it is a personal prerogative. It’s time we start using technology creatively and to our benefit. Use it to enhance your productivity and increase output.