Although each of us learns in our own way, none of us can learn all on our own. We need resources to help us study successfully. You can find one such resource in a place that may surprise you: the internet. Sure, if you aren’t careful, the internet can be a distraction, but if you use it right, it’s the perfect place for students of all ages to learn and retain important information.
Multiple Ways to Learn at All Levels
While some students may be able to absorb all of the information they need in the classroom, others might need to use visuals or interactive play at home for things to really sink in. You can easily find audiovisual and interactive versions of the lessons you’re learning in school on the internet.
If you have children in elementary or middle school, you can find educational videos, games, and articles about a number of topics on websites like National Geographic Kids and BrainPOP. Your kids might also enjoy using Fit Brains, a game-based software from Rosetta Stone.
Students in high school or college can dig deeper into subjects they find challenging by using online lectures and courses such as those offered on Coursera. If you’re interested in higher-level (and higher-priced) courses, you can visit EdX as well. Both offer high-quality online courses. And if you can avoid the temptation of watching cute cat videos, YouTube has a host of resources to help you study, too.
Tools to Help You Focus
It happens to the best of us: we settle in front of the computer determined to get down to business only to find ourselves mindlessly scrolling through Facebook. If you’re easily distracted, consider downloading programs such as Freedom, WasteNoTime, and StayFocused that block apps and distracting websites from popping up while you’re studying. You can set the duration of time that you do not want to be disturbed so you can concentrate on your work for as long as you need.
From white noise and ocean sounds to steady drum beats and classical music, there are a number of musical selections to help you focus on studying. If nature sounds and Beethoven aren’t really your thing, find your favorite video game soundtrack on an online streaming service. Video game music is designed to help players focus and boost their productivity. So boot up the Legend of Zelda soundtrack and get to work!
Gaming Apps Make Work Interesting
Speaking of video games, there are desktop and phone apps designed specifically to make work more interesting by turning it into a game.
You can turn homework into a real-life RPG with Habitica. To start, you design your character and set the tasks to be completed. Once you achieve your goals, you get upgrades for your medieval avatar and earn rewards.
If you know an RPG game won’t be enough to help you concentrate, then Beeminder might be what you need to take things to the next level. Set your goals, track your progress, and if you stray off the beaten path, you’ll have to pay for it—literally.
Ready to tackle your studies? With these tips and high-speed internet from S&T, you might be surprised how well you learn with the entire world (wide web) at your fingertips.
