Must Have Tools for Prospective Online Learners
By: Melissa Mohammed
Online learning has really transformed how we gain new skills and knowledge. Whether you’re pursuing a degree, looking to boost your career, or just excited to explore new topics, the digital world is brimming with opportunities. But to make the most out of it, you’re going to need the right tools. In this blog post, we’ll break down a curated list of must-have tools for prospective online learners to make your journey even more effective!
Reliable Internet Connection: Think of this as your lifeline. Online learning lives and dies by good internet. Smooth streaming, clear video calls, and timely assignment uploads all hinge on this. It might be worth it to check out a solid internet provider to keep those dreaded downtimes at bay.
Figure 1: Setting up WIFI connection | Source: Unsplash
Learning Management System (LMS): This is your digital campus. It’s where you’ll find all your course goodies—videos, readings, quizzes—all in one spot. Get to know whichever LMS your program uses; it’ll make your life a lot easier. Kenson School has its own Learning Management System, called K-Alpha. Check it out here: https://kensonschool.tovuti.io/
Digital Note-Taking Tools: Taking great notes is a superpower in online classes. Tools like Evernote, Microsoft OneNote, or Notion can really level up your note game. They keep everything organized and in sync across all your devices, making review sessions a breeze.
Video Conferencing Software: A lot of your classroom magic will happen here. Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet are the go-to’s for live discussions and lectures. Poke around these platforms to get comfortable with the features—they’re your front-row seat to class!
Cloud Storage: Ever lost a crucial essay to a computer crash? Yeah, not fun. Using cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Microsoft OneDrive means your files are safe and sound, and you can get to them from anywhere, anytime.
Figure 2: Internet Surfing | Source: https://www.freepik.com/
Time Management Apps: Balancing life and study can get wild. Time management apps like Trello, Asana, or Todoist can be lifesavers. They help you track what’s due, when it’s due, and what’s up next. For those who are employed full-time, our blog post “Tips for Balancing Work and Part Time Courses” is also an excellent resource to help you with managing your time.
Citation and Reference Tools: For the research buffs, managing citations is a must, and tools like Zotero or EndNote can take the headache out of bibliographies and keep your papers tidy and plagiarism-free.
Grammar and Plagiarism Checkers: Want to polish your papers and dodge the plagiarism trap? Grammarly and Turnitin are your friends. They’ll help you clean up your writing and ensure your work is sharp and original.
Online Libraries and Research Databases: Craving credible sources? Libraries and databases like JSTOR, PubMed, or Google Scholar are treasure troves of scholarly articles and books.
Figure 3: Digital Library | Source: Canva
Conclusion: Packing the right toolkit is key to nailing your online studies. With these tools, you’re all set to take notes like a pro, meet deadlines like a boss, and tap into a world of resources. Get your tech on board, and jump into your learning adventure with confidence.