Helpful applications for students success

Momentum is steadily building as students from all across Ontario are preparing for the Ontario College Marketing Competition this November. Case studies, presentations and group building activities have become the everyday norm. Participation within the competition is slowly fusing itself into our everyday lives- we eat, sleep and breath OCMC. This blog will outline key mobile and web applications to assist personal productivity and management levels within the participant’s lives.

In today’s environment students are busier than ever- On average a Canadian student spends approximately twenty-hours a week within a classroom setting; not to mention that many of us hold part time jobs in order to supplement the rising education costs. Add in homework, studying and leisure time and when all combined, it becomes more than an average fulltime job.

Although it was challenging, my first year in college was fairly ‘calm’. Throughout the summer, I was crossing my fingers hoping that my second year classes would be much the same; however, I knew that the odds were not in my favor. I decided to consult my trustworthy friend Google, and after a quick search I found a variety of web and mobile applications to assist with productivity and personal management.

Although the work is challenging it is fun, engaging and rewarding. I hope that some of the other OCMC participants will be able to find the following applications as useful as I have.

Please feel free to comment- we want to hear your thoughts!

1. Evernote (FREE)  www.evernote.com

Evernote’s slogan is “Remember Everything”, and this application certainly lives up to that bold statement. Evernote allows users to take notes (voice and text), record audio, take pictures, save websites, collaborate on projects, share documents and presentations and much more. The best part is that everything is automatically synced with your smartphone, computer, and an online database (extra fee for online capabilities); no matter where you are all of your information is readily available.

____________________________________________________________

2. iStudiez Pro ($2.99) www.istudentpro.com

Don’t let the grammatically incorrect name fool you, this application is an organizational mecca. It keeps track of your entire class schedule, assignments, homework and grades. The interactive calendar provides you with a detailed outline showing all of the events for that day. Students are able to attach assignments to each course which automatically sets due date reminders. Everything is color coded, so it is nice and easy to read. This is an essential application for every busy student.

____________________________________________________________

3. Dropbox (FREE) www.dropbox.com

Dropbox is amazing. That’s it. I guarantee that once you try it, you will be hooked. All of your documents, pictures, files, music and videos are easily accessible anywhere you are. Dropbox automatically syncs and updates all of your files (through multiple devices) instantly. What if you lose your computer or smartphone? No problem. You can access all of your files from the Dropbox website. This application will definitely save you.

____________________________________________________________

4. Google Docs  (FREE) www.docs.google.com

Google docs should become your best friend, especially when it comes to group work and collaboration. It allows users to create and edit documents online while collaborating with real-time with users. All of your documents are always available and can be accessed by multiple users at the same time. Google Docs even keeps track of the individual users work with a unique color-coding technique. Become familiar with this application, you will be glad you did.

____________________________________________________________

5.  BigWords (FREE)   www.bigwords.com

BigWords is a search engine for the cheapest textbook prices anywhere on the internet. It compares prices to ensure that you get the best deal. No more standing in line, no more ripped pages, and no more misplacing your books right before mid-terms. Everything is online and easily available.  In short, you will save money using with application!

_____________________________________________________________

-Over time, technology has been intergraded into nearly every aspect of our lives. A few key companies have defined technology as we know it today. On October 5, 2011 the world lost the technological icon Steve Jobs. With the introduction of the first Apple computer in 1976 Steve revolutionized personal computing. Other companies were able put computers onto desks; Steve put a computer into everyone’s pocket. Although he is gone, he will never be forgotten. On behalf of Humber College our thoughts go out to his friends and family. 

May he rest in peace.

-Tim Hendry