Want to become a better student? There’s an app for that. In fact, there are several. Whether you spend too much down time playing Angry Birds or would just like to be more organized and efficient with your time, education-enhancing smartphone apps for students are an easy and effective way to improve your performance in school and enrich your education overall.
1. TED Mobile
Gain access to inspiring educational talks and discussions by experts in a wide range of industries while you’re on the go. TED talks feature engaging discussions on the most fascinating subjects, including evolution, the history of scientific discovery, career advice, climate change, the ocean’s shifting baseline and more. No matter what your interests are or what your major is, you’re guaranteed to find a relevant and stimulating discussion that really makes you think. Not to mention, you can reference videos to gain points with your prof in your next class discussion.
2. Evernote
Named one of the top 10 must-have apps by the New York Times, Evernote allows students to have full access to all of their notes while on the go. The app syncs notes to your computer, tablet, smartphone and whatever other devices you use, so you can always pull up the information you need whether you’re at school, work or a study group session. The app features a user-friendly search feature and allows users to record voice and audio notes as well. Best of all, the app fits in perfectly with a student’s budget because it’s absolutely free.
3. Wi-Fi Finder
For tech-savvy students who are always on the move, Wi-Fi Finder provides a convenient solution for finding the nearest public location with Internet availability, so you can squeeze in a quick study session in between classes. Using the GPS function on your smartphone, this app not only identifies the nearest Wi-Fi hotspots in your area, but tells you how to get there as well. You can even customize your search according to certain Internet providers or location types (cafes, restaurants, hotels, etc.), to guarantee a perfect fit for your needs.
4. Dictionary
An instructor used an eight-syllable word in his or her lecture? Want to look well read for your next term paper? The Dictionary app by Dictionary.com provides nearly 1,000,000 words and definitions and 90,000 synonyms and antonyms that you can access to develop your vocabulary and gain a better grasp on the course material. The app also includes phonetic and audio pronunciation of each word, along with word origin, history of the word, and a voice-to-text search feature. Can’t find a Wi-Fi spot? No problem. Most content on the app is accessible with no Internet connection needed.
5. Graphing Calculator
Whether you left your graphing calculator at home or want to share and compare answers with your study buddies, the graphing calculator smartphone app turns your phone into a scientific calculator and high-resolution function plotter. This user-friendly calculator allows students to quickly plot multiple equations on the same graph, zoom and scroll to analyze graphs in full detail, and share your results with friends through email and screen shot features. In addition to offering a helpful graphing solution for class and group study sessions, the graphing calculator app allows you to get some graphing practice in while on the go as well.
Smartphone apps have truly redefined learning for the modern age, which has brought much more convenience and accessibility for the average busy college student. In addition to offering helpful and effective resources for studying and performing well in school, these apps can potentially save students hours of time in a day. For students running on five hours of sleep from all-night study sessions, these apps can provide the key to balancing school and everyday life.
