Five Free Apps to Help Study Habits

By: Terran R. Smith

Surrounded by a technology-addicted society, it is difficult to disconnect—even for the most studious-oriented learners. Fortunately, the following five, free apps allow students to harness smartphone ‘addiction’ to his/her academic advantage.

*Note: These apps will likely be most helpful for those individuals in secondary and/or higher educational levels.

StudyBlue

• Pros:
  • Search millions of study materials from colleges nationwide
  • Searches specific to school, textbook, instructor and/or specific course
  • Save study materials in virtual folders organized by subject
  • App tracks amount of study time in each set and answer accuracy
  • Both free and premium versions offered
  • Premium Trial not mandatory for free membership
  • Sync to Facebook for easy sign-up and access to classmates
  • More than 350 million users; most popular on list
• Cons:
  • Study materials are greatly limited without premium subscription
  • Lack of filters makes search disorganized and timely
  • Typing flashcards minimizes memorization vs. handwriting flashcards

myHomework

• Pros:
  • Less to carry with a planner on-the-go
  • Writing space is unlimited
  • Optional notification setting for deadline reminders
  • Includes separate section for to-do and checklists
• Cons:
  • Interface could be more aesthetically pleasing
  • Not exactly ‘user-friendly’
  • Tracks homework, assignments, etc., but only if user manually enters item
  • Does not sync with Facebook or any other social media

 FocusNow

• Pros:
  • Timed sessions help habit formation, time management and concentration with competitive incentive:
    • Fruit tree sprouts at beginning of session and grows to full bloom, if smartphone or tablet is left untouched
    • Touch device during session and tree withers and dies
  • Saves fruit tree for complete session; begins to form fruit tree castle kingdom after multiple sessions
  • Worldwide ranking boards
  • Creative, colorful design with simple interface
• Cons:
  • Does not sync to Facebook or other social media–difficult to find friends
  • Certain areas of menu, such as settings, only available in Chinese
  • Creation of account is mandatory–new password with no purpose

Evernote

• Pros:
  • Take notes anytime, anywhere
  • Add images, audio and/or video related to notes
  • Office docs and PDFs compatible for adding to notes or tasks
  • Syncs with Facebook, so classmates are easily found
  • Collaborate on course agendas, share notes and connect with classmates within app
  • More than 100 million users; 2nd most popular app of list
• Cons:
  • Premium, paid membership required to access all features
  • Free download doesn’t offer online access, unlimited uploads or Touch ID privacy option
  • Complicated interface for not-so-tech-savvy individuals
  • More hype than help

Flashcards by NKO:

• Pros:
  • Makes studying fun
  • 13 different games to choose from
  • Use your study materials in games
  • Sync with Facebook and beat friends’ or classmates’ high scores
  • Bright design with simple interface
• Cons:
  • Again, there’s something to be said for writing materials by hand
  • Study materials must be manually added and/or edited

School is hectic at times, granted, but the key to controlled chaos is to simplicity. From cluttered work-space to daily distractions, every student can use a helping hand with school and study habits. Smartphone software can help students sustain success in school.