9 Productivity Tools To Boost Your Learning

November 14, 2022

Are you struggling to stay focused in class and be productive? It can be hard. I know all about it. Know this, you are not alone!!!

Several students face issues being focused in classes whether offline or online. Blaming yourself won’t solve the issue. The best response is to actively search for a solution and be committed to doing so.

Being productive seems to be a challenge because the majority of your study and work lies on your mobile device and laptop. It is safe to say that the entirety of a Gen Z’s life rests in his or her mobile phone. These devices, although of good use, can also serve as a point of distraction to you.

Gen Z Smartphone Usage (source)

What do you do when you are watching a recorded video of an online class to gain the basic skills required of a social media manager, and a WhatsApp message or an email notification pops in? Be honest with yourself. Would you pause the video to view and reply to the message or continue with your video as if nothing happened?

The above scenario is an everyday occurrence. The challenge of being productive doesn’t end with just distractions. Sometimes, you can have issues keeping a track record of dates, and deadlines. Do you belong to the few percentages of people, who when an idea pops into their head, forget to write it down? In forgetting to write it down, you forget the entire idea. But, with the use of note-taking apps, you can easily jot down ideas or even voice record such ideas.

Being productive comes with strict discipline and intentionality. Thanks to technology, there are several applications developed to enable you to scale through your productivity while learning. Some of these applications include:

  1. Evernote

Evernote is a note-taking application that works on both mobile and desktop. It enables you to take notes on the go.

You can use the application to jot down points, ideas that quickly pop in, and any other kind of information. The Evernote app can capture photographs and record voice notes. When you don’t have the words to explain a concept, record using your Evernote in order not to forget. Then, you can come back to it later.

Evernote on a mobile device (source)

A great feature of the Evernote application is that the contents are stored in its Cloud service. Therefore, there is no worry about losing your notes.

2. IFTTT

IFTTT is an acronym for If This Then That. The application gets its name from the programming conditional statement – “if this, then that”.

IFTTT offers full automation in the management of all sorts of tasks and devices. Imagine allowing the internet to work for you rather than engaging with it manually.

For this to work for you, you need to create an account on the app or website to integrate all your channels. You can connect your social media profiles, smart home devices, websites, and more to this platform.

Example of an IFTTT command (source)

In using this, you build a command that executes when a particular catalyst is selected. For example, if I get an email attachment, save it in the drop box. If I get tagged in a Facebook post, let the smart bulb blink. Send iPhone screenshots to OneNote.

3. Dropbox

Dropbox is a storage application that allows you to store your homework, pictures, and documents in the cloud. You can easily access them anywhere and at any time. Also, using an IFTTT, you can connect your Dropbox to your Evernote.

A Dropbox Page (source)

Using dropbox, you can sync files with any device. It also ensures the backing up of such files.

4. Rescuetime

Do you wonder what takes most of your time or where you spend the greatest amount of time? Rescuetime is the answer.

Rescuetime Report (source)

Rescuetime tracks the time you spend on applications and websites. Then; gives you a detailed summary of your activity. It runs as a background activity on your mobile device, laptop, or desktop.

Knowing how much time you spend on certain applications and tasks helps you plan and allocate your time usage very well.

5. Win the Day

Win the Day is a chrome extension that functions exactly as its name implies. It helps you win the day!!! This chrome extension reminds you of your tasks and goals for the day by displaying it on your home page.

(source)

Your goals for the day whether big, small, or medium will be in your face each time you open the browser. You can also set your focus time to avoid distractions.

6. Clockify

Clockify has similar features to Rescuetime. It tracks where you spend your time and enables you to manage your time properly. With Clockify, you can see where you spend the majority of your time. Then, you can plan and schedule your time better.

Clockify (source)

7. Calendar

The calendar which a lot of people do not consider when it comes to their productivity is actually an interesting productivity tool. It helps with scheduling and updating your bookings, deadlines, online meetings, and so many others. With your calendar, you get to keep track of your online meeting with your coaches and mentors, your online classes, and any meeting at all. You can also record the deadline for all assignments submission.

Henceforth, will you put to use your calendar for maximum productivity rather than just checking what day and date it is?

Calendar (source)

8. Google Docs

Google Docs seems to have gained more popularity than Microsoft Word in recent times. With Google Docs, you can write, edit and collaborate on any document wherever you are.

While learning, you can use Google docs to take note of important points, write your assignments, edit your work and even collaborate with your co-learners on a document. Google docs go further into ensuring you have well-organized and arranged work.

Google Docs (source)

The document saves directly to your drive. There is no fear of loss. With or without an internet connection, you can still use the application. 

9. Self-Control

Self-Control an application for macOS. It can block your access to distracting websites and emails. It limits social media addiction.

Self-Control App (source)

You set the blockage for a period of time. You can’t access the website no matter what you do till the time has elapsed. Using this application, enables you to have a proper focus time for learning.

Conclusion

Staying focused for a long time can be challenging. However, it needs intentionality to get it right. Your lessons need not suffer just because of low performance; make use of the above productivity tools to ensure maximum productivity and output.

We trust that from now, you will be more productive in your classes and your assignments.

Do you have any other tools that we didn’t mention here? Reply to this blog post with them and also let us know your favorite productivity tool. 

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