Tech Hacks for Students & Professionals
When it comes to the best ways for students to stay organized, there are several options, including apps, software programs, and even web-based solutions. Here are a few examples of tech hacks you can start implementing today in your academic life. Whether you’re an undergraduate student or working toward graduation, this list should help you increase productivity, reduce stress, and be more efficient in learning.
1. Create Your Own Workspace
You can create virtual folders on your computer or use cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox to organize documents, notes, presentations, etc. This will make it easier to find and access data quickly and easily. In addition to saving space on your hard drive, creating your own workspace helps keep your work organized and free from distractions. Keep in mind that if you have multiple workspaces, you might need additional software to make them all accessible.
2. Use Evernote
Evernote is a great tool to manage notes. It allows you to store information in categories or tags, as well as add notes and write summaries of text entries. With Evernote, you can also search for specific keywords so you can find things faster. You can also create custom folders and labels to help you organize things better. If you don’t already use Evernote, consider signing up for its paid version to enjoy advanced features.
3. Install Chrome Extensions
A browser extension is similar to a piece of code, meaning it doesn’t require installing anything on your desktop. Instead of having to download apps and plugins, you can install extensions that do the same thing for you automatically. The most popular among these include Zapier, Readwise Reader, and Notability. These extensions allow you to take notes, record audio files, convert PDFs into Word documents, and more. To learn how to install any of these, click here.
4. Get Rid Of Distractions
Distraction is the enemy of productive work. Many people spend their days scrolling through social media, checking email, or reading news instead of focusing on what they’re supposed to be doing. There are plenty of websites and apps out there that can help you deal with distractions. For example, Twitter gives you the option to “block” anyone who sends you unwanted messages. Installing and updating anti-theft software can also help with security. Additionally, some social networking sites, such as Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp, offer privacy settings to protect users’ personal information. By keeping tabs on your notifications and blocking distracting apps, you can maximize productivity and avoid burnout.
5. Plan Ahead
Planning ahead can save time and improve your overall productivity, but many students often struggle with making sure they don’t forget important deadlines or assignments. Fortunately, there are a variety of planning tools available online, such as Google Calendar and Todoist. Simply create an account, choose the task you want to be done, and enter the date and time for when it needs to be completed. From there, you can set reminders or timesheets to remind yourself of specific occasions or deadlines. Another option is scheduling tasks on calendars so you know when you’re due for an event or assignment and what can be done during that time.
6. Know How Much Time Is Spent Online
According to a recent study, around half of college students spend over five hours per week online, which means more than one hour every day. However, research also suggests that those who frequently check their smartphones are more likely to experience burnout. Therefore, knowing how much time your internet habits are spending each day can help you become more mindful of the amount of time you spend online. Using a website like Netblocks can help you track your online usage and figure out where you spend most of your time online. Taking these measures will not only benefit your mental health, but you can also improve your performance at school and in other activities, such as sports and volunteering. As always, talk to a professional advisor about what strategies work best for you.
7. Utilize Zoom Meetings
A new video calling feature in Microsoft Teams makes it simple to meet with others from anywhere with an internet connection. All participants can see each other’s faces, hear voiceovers, and participate in real-time, unassisted conversations. While it may seem like a tedious process, utilizing Zoom meetings as part of your daily routine can give you the opportunity to connect with people who share similar interests or hobbies. Furthermore, by following common Zoom policies, you can ensure everyone stays safe.
8. Don’t Forget About Email
Emails should be a priority for many students as they tend to get lost, lost in inboxes, and sent without being reviewed. Thankfully, Gmail has an email client built-in called Filters, allowing you to block certain emails from your mailbox before sending them. Similarly, Outlook Express lets you filter out all spam emails and attachments from within your mail or folder. Alternatively, you can use Gmail’s built-in filters to customize different parts of your inbox to suit your preferences, such as read receipts, signatures, etc. Remember, just because something gets blocked, it doesn’t necessarily mean it is junk.
9. Prioritize Projects
Managing projects can be overwhelming and lead to delays in progress. That’s why prioritizing projects in a calendar app like Gantt will allow you to prioritize tasks and ensure everything gets finished on time. Also, assigning team members specific tasks based on their expertise is essential for avoiding confusion and miscommunication.
10. Use Calendars
Being able to plan your time, assign tasks, schedule events, and follow deadlines can greatly benefit students who are juggling multiple classes and homework. An excellent way to do this is via Calendars, a popular project management platform that provides flexibility in project tracking while also providing teams with insight into their schedules. This functionality includes customizable templates, subtasks, shared calendars, and more. By taking advantage of this feature, you can stay focused on your goals and be more organized.
In conclusion
staying organized as a student doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By implementing these tech hacks and utilizing the plethora of online tools available, you can streamline your workflow, boost productivity, and achieve academic success. Remember, organization is key to a stress-free and fulfilling learning experience. Don’t hesitate to revisit A Pleasure MM for more helpful tips and tricks throughout your academic journey!
