If someone is asked what’s the thing that they can’t leave the house without, the answer used to be their wallet or their keys. These days, there’s only one obvious answer to this question, and that’s their smartphone.
The smartphone has become so advanced that its purpose has gone beyond mere communication. In fact, it has replaced a lot of things: books, cameras, TV, and even wallets. As a tiny computer, a smartphone provides access to information online and a platform for different apps with a variety of functions. With all the convenience the smartphone provides, it has been an invaluable tool that’s used by a lot of sectors, including the academe.
Many university students in Singapore, for instance, consider their smartphones and gadgets to be powerful tools that can greatly enhance their university experience. When they use gadgets that have been paired with one of the best SIM only plan Singapore has to offer, they can leverage these devices efficiently and responsibly to improve their academic performance and increase their chances of overall success. In this article, we discover how students can maximize the use of their devices for their studies, excel, and still maintain a healthy digital lifestyle.
Utilising Productivity Apps
To streamline their daily activities, students can turn to productivity apps. Calendar apps help manage schedules, set reminders, and avoid missing important deadlines. Task management apps, on the other hand, allow for the efficient organisation of assignments and study tasks. What’s great about these apps is that they can be easily personalised to cater to the student’s individual needs. Some popular examples of these apps include Google Calendar, Microsoft To-Do, and Todoist.
Using the Gadgets to Incorporate Effective Note-Taking and Study Techniques
Gone are the days of using pen and paper to take down notes. With digital devices entering the game, university students can download a variety of note-taking apps and use them to capture and organise lecture materials. Apps like Evernote, OneNote, and Notion offer features like voice recordings, image capture, and cross-device synchronisation to facilitate efficient note-taking and revision. Additionally, digital flashcards and e-books can be accessed through gadgets, enabling students to review key concepts with just a few taps on their devices.
Writing Essays, Reports, and Dissertations On-the-Go
Thanks to the portability of smartphones and gadgets, students can write their essays, reports, and dissertations on the go. They can download a variety of free word processor apps to their devices or use the existing one that comes with their smartphones. Applications like Apple Pages, Google Docs, and Microsoft Word also have handy features that can further improve a student’s work. With a bit of configuration, students can turn on the apps’ grammar and spelling checker so if the software detects any mistakes in their grammar and spelling, it can be corrected automatically.
These features, however, aren’t 100% reliable because most of them will only correct common words. As such, students who are writing long-form academic work may want to have their dissertations and theses proofread by companies that offer professional proofreading services in Singapore like Inkmypapers.
Accessing Online Educational Resources
With just a few taps on their smartphones or gadgets, students can access a wealth of information through online libraries and research tools. Platforms such as JSTOR, Google Scholar, and IEEE Xplore offer a vast collection of scholarly articles, journals, and research papers. This allows students to conduct comprehensive research and strengthen their academic arguments.
Using E-learning Platforms and Taking Online Courses
E-learning platforms have gained prominence, especially with the shift to online learning. Students can supplement their learning by enrolling on free and paid platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Khan Academy. These resources provide them with flexibility in learning, allowing students to supplement their understanding of complex topics and gain additional insights.
Maximising Online Collaborations and Discussions
Participating in online discussions and forums can enhance learning and foster collaboration. Students can use their smartphones or gadgets to actively engage with peers and professors, ask questions, and share insights. With these interactions, students can better understand lessons and gain diverse perspectives.
University students can also join online study groups or learning communities to network with like-minded individuals who share similar academic interests. Through this highly interactive digital space, students can collaborate and share resources. Platforms such as Reddit, LinkedIn groups, and university-specific forums offer opportunities to expand knowledge, build networks, and seek support from fellow students.
Staying Productive with Mindful Internet Browsing and Focus Apps
To avoid falling into the trap of unproductive browsing, students should practice mindful internet usage. It may be hard to do but students should try different strategies to keep them focused on their projects and papers rather than spending too much time on social media and other distractions. For added reassurance, students can also install focus apps that block access to distracting websites, set time limits for specific applications, or give them “deadlines” to give them a sense of urgency and encourage them to make the most of their study time.
Setting Healthy Boundaries When Using Gadgets and Smartphones
While smartphones and gadgets offer incredible convenience, students need to establish healthy boundaries. Create designated periods for focused study and allocate specific time slots for offline activities, exercise, and relaxation. By doing so, students can maintain a balance between their digital and personal lives.
In the dynamic landscape of higher education, smartphones and other gadgets have emerged as indispensable tools for university students in Singapore. By leveraging these devices with a mindful approach, students can navigate the digital landscape while excelling in their academic pursuits.
