Whether you are preparing for a class exam, an office presentation, or a more specialized exam, such as the GRE or SAT, you want your study time to be as productive as possible. From improving vocabulary to understanding complex ideas, studying can prepare you for any test and daily life. Fortunately, we live in a digital world, so we need to look no farther than the Internet for study help. The following are some of the best tools and apps to make your study time as productive as possible.
General Study Tools
StudyBlue:
StudyBlue is a collaboration study tool, which provides user access to flashcards, study guides, and other study materials. It connects users with students studying similar things and even students from the same classes. It makes it possible to form study groups, even with users thousands of miles away.
StudyStack:
StudyStack allows users to turn their notes into custom flashcards. You choose which cards you get wrong, and those cards can be repeated until you feel comfortable with them. You can also use your information to play games, such as unscramble and hangman.
Quizlet:
Quizlet is another platform through which you can create your own flashcards and games. You can also create your own diagrams and quizzes. There are also millions of ready-made study sets you can choose from if you do not have your own information.
Cold Turkey:
A major hindrance to productivity is distractions. Cold Turkey is an incredible resource that can block computers or mobile apps and notifications while it is turned on, so users can study online without worrying about other things tearing their attention away.
Marinara Timer:
Marinara Timer is a fun and effective way to implement the Pomodoro Technique during study sessions. For those unaware of this technique, it is built around the principle that humans can be more effective and efficient if they have sets of focused work time, usually 25 minutes, then taking a short five-minute break before beginning the next set.
The Marinara Timer is designed to let you know when it is time to take a break, and when you should get back to work. As though it is not useful enough, the Marinara Timer also allows you to customize your timer. It can be made to say something fun and entertaining, so when you hear it, it helps you switch gears quickly.
Study Guides and Strategies:
A common problem among students and adults is that not everyone learns the same way. And yet, most traditional materials are geared towards one specific learning style. If you find that you do not learn through traditional methods, you are not alone. Many people do not. Study Guides and Strategies is a platform that helps students discover their own learning style, and then gives tips on how to cater to that learning style. These tips include ways to study, manage your time, solve problems, prepare for tests, research, write papers, and more.
GoConqr:
For those that are visual learners, GoConqr is a great resource. It allows you to make mind maps, which is a very helpful source for visual learners. GoConqr also provides a study planner, the ability to make your own quizzes, flashcards, and more.
Illustrate- The Video Dictionary:
Regardless of the test you are taking or studying for, vocabulary is going to play a major role. Increasing your everyday vocabulary and studying for specific terms can improve your verbal and written skills and test scores. Illustrate is a large group of animated videos and real conversations that include more than 5,000 words test-takers are likely to see on the GRE, SAT, and more.
This tool is an interactive way to study words you already know and learn new words, but it is more than just learning the definition. You also dig in to learn the context of words and comprehend them. It also provides questions and words of the day to make studying a habit and to increase your learning.
Khan Academy:
Khan Academy is an excellent study resource and learning tool for anyone from the youngest of students to college level and above. There are courses in all basic subjects, such as math, science, and history. You will also find specialized courses in other subjects, such as coding and test prep. Whether you need to brush up on some multiplication and history facts, or you need to go a bit farther, Khan Academy has more than 3,000 courses that should provide what you need.
Test-Specific:
For those searching for more test-specific study help, there are quite are many options. The following are four of the top ones:
Magoosh:
Magoosh provides specialized help and prep for both the GRE and the GMAT. It provides video lessons on math, verbal work, and writing, as well as test format prep. There are expert tutors to help assist you in your study time and detailed explanations about concepts that you need to know. It also allows you to track your progress so that you will know what you need to work on more and when you are ready to take the test.
GRE Challenge and SAT Challenge:
Both the GRE and the SAT expect you to know more than just a definition. You need to be comfortable with the terms and what they mean. The Princeton Review created both the GRE Challenge and the SAT Challenge, which help you learn terms definition, synonyms, antonyms, and connotation through four different games.
SAT Vocab by MindSnacks:
MindSnacks, created SAT Vocab, is another gaming preparatory app. Students learn and practice different words sets that appear on the SAT- many of which appear on other tests, as well. Through interactive gaming, users are able to comprehend terms and definitions more easily.
Conclusion
No matter what you are preparing for, there are multiple tools that can help you be more effective and efficient. Each of these above tools provides a wealth of help to make your study time the most productive it can be, but not all will be a good fit for every person. Take some time to look more closely at each one to choose what is best for you. You will likely benefit the most from choosing a combination of them, depending on what you need to study for.
