Flickr user Johan Larsson
Everyone complains that nowadays people are glued to their phone. And sure, maybe we should take a break from time to time, but the fact of the matter is, our smartphones are very powerful work and study tools. Here are some tips and how to make the most out of your smartphone, and turn into the best learning tool there is.
Install Only the Apps You Know You’re Going to Use
There are so many great free online study tools out there you might be tempted just to install them all. It’s certainly a very good idea to buff your phone with a few apps that make the whole learning process smoother and easier.
But these are just tools, and they’re only useful if you actually use them. And having more of them doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to be more efficient. Installing too many apps might make your phone run slower. It can also get you confused, or worse, procrastinate as you try to navigate through all of the apps in an attempt to find the optimal combination.
Instead, try to figure out the problems you want to solve and stick to one, maybe two solutions for each, tops. If you notice you have apps you haven’t used in a month, unless they have a very specific purpose, uninstall them.
Stay in Touch with Your Study Group at a Distance
Study groups can be immensely helpful when you’re trying to study. It easier to stick to a schedule when you know there are other people involved, and you’re also more likely to meet deadlines when your friends depend on it as well.
And you can continue to do so, even if you’re not in the same room together. Using an app like Facetime or something similar, you can continue sticking to your schedule, even when you otherwise couldn’t. And it can make sharing tasks much easier. While you’re in the library, checking out the books you need, others can prepare a list of resources you need. You can almost see this turning into a genuinely fun activity.
Breakdown Your Schedule with Reminders
No matter how annoying they can be, reminders can be one of the most powerful organizing tools on your phone. Setting clear time frames for each task is important, but you need to keep track of your progress, without having to constantly look at the clock.
That’s why you should always set up reminders, along with the entries in your calendar. Just so you know exactly how your workflow is going. Plus, it’s going to be immensely rewarding once you can tick off each newly completed task. It’s going to give a much better sense of the progress you’re making.
Install A Game That Improves Memory and Concentration
We all need a little break from time to time, and even though mobile games can be highly addictive. But there are games that get the best of both worlds. They’re fun and relaxing, but they can also help you improve your memory and concentration power.
Just make sure you never install more than one of these games at a time. Though they may be useful in the learning process, if you spend too much time with them, you’re not going to accomplish anything. And you’re going to let all of that training go to waste.
There are probably other things you do to make your phone the best learning tool you’ve got. Everyone has their own hacks that work for them, so consider experimenting and sharing your findings.
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Another great learning tool you can use on your phone? College Raptor! With our free mobile-friendly app, you can discover individualized college matches, personalized net price estimates, acceptance odds, and potential financial aid from schools around the country!
