How to Utilize Technology to Get Ahead in Class | CollegeXpress
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How to Utilize Technology to Get Ahead of the Class

Technology can be used in and out of the classroom for success. Here's how to get and stay ahead with reputable online resources and other helpful apps.

Today’s classrooms are leaps and bounds ahead of what they looked like even just a few years ago. Both students and teachers are using technology to advance learning and make the classroom experience easier. From iPads to online assignments to student portals, technology is helping more and more students take control of their studies. Technology can be used inside and outside the classroom to help you succeed. You can turn to reputable online resources, helpful apps, and cloud access to get ahead and stay ahead.

Studying online

Some teachers shy away from providing online resources to their students because the internet is full of false information. However, when approached correctly, online resources can be very valuable. For example, Quizlet allows students to input their notes, then the website generates study tools to help with memorization. It includes flashcards, quizzes, practice tests, games, and more. The site even has an app for studying on the go. 

In addition to study sites, there are also a slew of online libraries, interactive sites, and even universities that can help you get ahead. Khan Academy “provides a free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere.” Their subjects include math, science and engineering, computing, arts and humanities, economics, and much more. They can also help you prep for the SAT, AP exams, and other standardized tests. 

Related: Beyond the Textbook: 4 Places to Look for Modern Academic Resources

Helpful apps

Today’s students have access to literally millions of smartphone apps that can help them succeed. For students who are worried about their school-life balance, countless apps can track health and monitor their well-being. These apps help students know when they are pushing themselves too hard and offer easy ways to de-stress. Just as it’s important to monitor your grades in school, it’s important to monitor your health.

Some apps will help you get through college, like note-taking apps, interactive course libraries, organization apps to manage projects and deadlines, and many more. One of these amazing apps is Evernote, which helps students take notes on their computers and organize those notes into useful, easy-to-access folders. The notes also sync up with the cloud, meaning you can access your information from anywhere at any time. Evernote even has a free tier, so students can easily get ahead in class using this technology.

Access anywhere

While devices like iPads and other smart tech may seem like the future of education, what’s really helping students stay ahead in class is cloud storage and anywhere access. Before the rise of technology in schools, students would have to be in the physical classroom with an actual textbook to do their work. Today, assignments can be accessed from anywhere at any time thanks to cloud storage like Dropbox, Google Drive, and other proprietary software. This means that students can enjoy more flexible study time, which can help them make a schedule that works for them.

Related: 21 Apps to Get You Through Finals This Semester

The technical possibilities for students today are endless. Back in the day, students had to lug around physical textbooks that got outdated, could only study while in the classroom or on campus, and had much less opportunity to collaborate with classmates. But today, technology makes it easier for students to get ahead and secure their best grades because they can easily study on their schedule from anywhere, collaborate on interactive apps, and use the vast internet to find the information they need.

As technology continues to advance, make sure you stay informed on the ethics of AI if you intend to use it as a tool for your studies!

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About Trevor McDonald

Trevor McDonald

Trevor McDonald is a freelance content writer for JourneyPure Emerald Coast. He has written a variety of education, travel, health, and lifestyle articles for many different companies. In his free time, you can find him playing his guitar or outside enjoying any type of fitness activity imaginable. Check out JourneyPure's new health-tracking app here.

 

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