The world is changing rapidly. Technology continues to advance at lightning speed and anyone who does not follow is in danger of being left behind. As a result, the way students study has changed significantly. Although books remain a valuable tool, the need to spend hours upon hours sitting in the library has dramatically diminished. Students now have many options available to them when it comes to learning learning techniques.
Summary of this practical sheet
1 Databases and electronic logs
2 Wikipedia
3 Social media
4 Presentation software
5 procrastination
Databases and electronic logs
Since the introduction of electronic journals and online databases, the amount of information a student can realistically find has increased dramatically. Whereas previously you had to pull out books and sift through them for relevant information, now you can search for specific words and phrases in academic journals and writing. This can speed up the research process considerably. There is also the possibility of finding great information buried in a text that you wouldn't have thought of looking at.
Wikipedia
Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia, can be frowned upon in most academic circles because its content can be edited by anyone, but there is no doubt that its introduction was a game-changer. A 2008 study of students who use social media found that while 73% of students are told by their teacher not to use the site, 90% admit to having done so to fill out an article. Although the site is heavily criticized for its inaccuracy, many students see it as a great starting point for research and a way to familiarize yourself with a topic. It is also common for students to use the references at the bottom of the page to find other related sites.
Social media
If used correctly, social media can productively enhance learning. Some colleges have their own Facebook pages and discussion forums, which allow students and faculty to share links and ideas easily and instantly. Regular blogging is also helpful, especially if most students are participating, as it allows students to read and comment on other people's ideas outside of study hours.
Presentation software
Presentation software is a staple of college campuses that faculty can use to simplify the study process for students. Computer slideshows can be used to add variety to a conference and make it more interactive. More importantly, teachers regularly email the slides to students or upload them to the Internet. This allows students to recap what has been said in a course without having to rely on the note-taking process, where information can easily be missed.
Procrastination
The internet has almost everything at its fingertips, which aside from the positive aspects can lead to a lot of distractions. There is a great temptation to start mindlessly browsing Facebook, watching YouTube videos, or playing online games. Even before the Internet, procrastination was still a problem among a high percentage of students, but there are certainly more distractions online than in a quiet library room. Therefore, good time management is more valuable than ever for students.