Research, project planning, essay writing, you name it - a PC makes studying a whole lot of fun and effective. When you're stuck on a question, instead of calling up friends or waiting till you see the teacher next, you can just look it up online. Want to speed up the process? Here's your starting point:
1. Google Scholar
Reading up to understand and learn more about a subject is simpler and faster using Google Scholar. Articles, books, and websites - you name it, can all be read from one place. What's more, the information is more reliable as most sources are dedicated research institutes and universities.
2. Mindmeister
Mind mapping helps in organising ideas and theories that are difficult to learn. While a chart paper and crayons are good enough to get you started, using a tool such as MindMeister gives you the added advantage of improving how your project looks and makes it easier to coordinate when working on a group assignment.
3. Word Processor
A PC can help with note taking during class, writing essays and other assignments as well. Word processors such as Microsoft Word and Google Docs will improve your command over English as they provide pointers on vocabulary, spelling and grammar.
4. Presentation Software
Presentations will enhance your public speaking skills and the ability to present information in a simple manner. Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides and Prezi help in making your class presentations look good and unique. Right from slide transitions to a notes section to remember points, you can make a presentation exactly the way you need it to be.
5. Spreadsheet
Microsoft Excel and its online counterparts such as Google Sheets and Zoho Sheets are used to record, edit and present large chunks of data. Important for many subjects such as Maths and Science, a spreadsheet will help you make sense of the data you collect using pattern recognition and formulas.
Now that you have a checklist of the essential tools that every student should know, explore fun tech-hobbies to help you in your learning - after all a PC is a lot more than just a source of entertainment.
Aarambh is a pan-India PC for Education initiative engineered to enhance learning using the power of technology; it is designed to help parents, teachers and children find firm footing in Digital India. This initiative seeks to connect parents, teachers and students and provide them the necessary training so that they can better utilise the PC for learning, both at school and at home.