Productivity
These digital resources are about to take your productivity to the next level
If you only went by what your mum says, you’d believe the internet was one giant hive of procrastination. An unproductive assault on the senses, hitting you with such a constant barrage of cat videos and Facebook updates that any work is derailed before it’s even begun.
She’s not completely wrong, to be fair. The internet is a prime place to waste time – but if you utilise it properly, there are enough tips, tricks and tools online to help you become more productive than ever.
Here we reveal the best around...
1. Synap
If regular revision isn’t doing it for you, try Synap. Using advanced algorithms of Spaced Repetition – a learning technique that exploits psychological spacing effect in the brain to help you memorise large amounts of information - it creates a learning plan tailored especially for your topic. Synap.ac
2. Amazon Prime deliveries
Bereft of study material? The answer: Amazon Prime. Uni students can sign up to the service for six months completely FREE, granting users unlimited access to over a thousand books online, along with same day delivery in selected postcodes across the UK. A solid ally in the battle to meet looming deadlines. Amazon.co.uk/Prime
3. GoConqr
Flash cards, slides, a note-taking platform, flowcharts, quizzes and more mind maps than an episode of Sherlock – just a smattering of what you’ll find at GoConqr, another cutting-edge study website tackling weighty subjects in digestible ways. Breaking down elements of a topic in an illustrative sense, its visual cues mean you could be more likely to recall the info come exam time. Goconqr.com
4. Distraction blocker apps
One minute you’re researching 19th century geopolitics, the next you’ve fallen down a YouTube rabbit hole of Tom Hiddleston impressions. Easily done. So thwart digital distractions before they strike: Chrome users can download StayFocusd, a browser extension which blocks selected websites for a designated period of time; while on Mac, users can download Focus, a menu-bar app that creates an optimal work environment at the touch of a button.
5. Google search shortcuts
Is there anything Google can’t do? No (we Googled it). To make your own searches as finely optimised as possible, take note of these handy shortcuts: 1) search within a website by adding ‘Site:’ followed by the domain; 2) place an asterisk in a search term as a placeholder when unsure of specific texts (i.e. quotes, speeches, lyrics); 3) write ‘define’ before a word or phrase to get a quick definition; 4) type your subject matter followed by ‘filetype:ppt’ to get relevant lecture slides on demand.
6. Citethisforme
Don't fret over lengthy bibliographies anymore – not when this brilliant website which does it all for you. Simply search for the book/journal/URLs you’ve used, select them, then sit back and marvel as dates, publishers and other information you couldn’t be bothered grabbing is magically added for you. Citethisforme.com
7. Evernote
While even Albert Einstein described himself as scatter-brained, those with busy minds can struggle in academic settings (where time must be managed and information condensed). Which is where Evernote can help. Decluttering your life, it stores everything in one simple place, enhancing your lecture notes with links, checklists, table, attachments and audio recordings. The Ein-meister would approve. Evernote.com
8. Grammarly
Remember Microsoft Office’s anthropomorphic paperclip? What a massive d*ckhead he was. Anyway, one desktop assistant which won’t annoy you is Grammarly, a free online spelling and writing tool that does much more than obliterate typos. Using a special AI, it picks up on patterns and traits in your writing, alerting you to any bad habits you might have. Available on Chrome and Mac for absolutely nothing. Grammarly.com