Smartphones have become an increasingly important tool in a college student’s life. Students are no longer just using their phones to look up directions to a party, text, tweet or check Facebook. When loaded with the best apps on the market, today’s smartphones have become the electronic equivalent of Swiss Army Knives – a single tool that can do it all. Below are five must-have apps that will not only help students ace their tests, but also keep their lives organized.
1. Evernote
Arguably the most popular note-taking app available, Evernote allows students to keep all of their notes in one place, such as those they take while watching an online lecture. Notes can then be accessed through a smartphone, laptop or tablet. Students can record audio, take pictures of handouts uploaded by professors and store the images with corresponding notes. Users can tag subjects, people and places, making the information easy to find later in the day, week or month. Students can also use PortableApps an on-the-go version of Evernote ideal for online learners. The app is available on several platforms, including Android, iOs and Blackberry.
2. GoDocs for iPhone and Google Docs for Android
These two apps allow users to access and make changes to Google documents, including word processing and spreadsheets, from their smartphones. This is especially important for online and traditional students who hold demanding jobs that may keep them away from the computers they use for schoolwork for long periods of time. GoDocs and Google Docs also allow multiple students to access the same documents, which can be very useful on collaborative projects. Students are saved from making arrangements to meet in person to discuss group work when everything can be done online.
3. Study Droid for Android
This flashcard app allows users to create and organize their own electronic flashcards, as well as choose from millions of card collections other students have created. Study Droid allows students to create and edit cards from their smartphones or within their browsers. Students can enhance their cards with pictures, which can help with memory retention. Students no longer have to worry about leaving their flashcards at home and losing valuable study time during the weekend or down time at work.
4. MyHomework
This app will help a student organize and track assignments, projects and upcoming tests. MyHomework uses color coding and tabs to keep scheduling information prioritized and easy to read. Students taking online courses and working part-time or full-time jobs will especially appreciate this app’s ability to keep their overwhelming lives organized and on task. This app is available for both Droids and iPhones.
5. Pinterest
Although there is currently only a Pinterest app for iPhones, this website, which is a vast collection of electronic pinboards, has indicated it will probably release apps for other platforms in the near future. College students will find a wealth of ideas and images for projects and papers, great suggestions on how to decorate first apartments and garner cheap recipe ideas passed on by other university students. In addition to inspiring ideas for coursework, Pinterest offers a nice break from studying, which both online and traditional students will appreciate.
From note-taking to collaborating, color-coding and pinning, these five apps can definitely help college students organize their lives, which might just result in better grades come midterm and the end of the semester.
