What Are The Best Tips For Completing Schoolwork On The Go?
contributed by J Smith
Students these days always seem to be on the go, whether that’s because of extracurricular involvement, family and friends, or even in the case of older students in late high school and college, a job.
Taking advantage of the ‘wasted’ time spent commuting from place to place and using it to complete schoolwork can really help students get ahead in their studies.
Here are six tips to make their time more productive, so they can complete your schoolwork, reading, or studies while on the go.
6 Tips For Completing Schoolwork On The Go
Plan Ahead
If there’s a particular day during the week or particular time during that day they know they’ll need to be traveling, they can plan the majority of work around that time. For instance, if they know you’ll be away from home for a period of time but have a huge upcoming project to complete, they can finish that before hitting the road; smaller, subsidiary assignments, like reading, can be completed while on the go with mobile apps and devices.
By planning their schedule ahead of time, they can better take advantage of their time and decide what schoolwork to tackle while in the classroom versus out and about.
Start Offline
Whether trying to squeeze in some schoolwork while driving from home to practice, or needing to get things done while away from home and on vacation, the easiest assignments to complete are the ones that are ‘low-tech.’
Bringing along a book, notebook and pencil, or flashcard deck is a lot more manageable than a laptop, tablet, or charger—things that need a constant power source, can be difficult to read in sunlight, etc.
See tips for helping students without WiFi access.
Listen to Audio
Many textbooks offer audio companions that allow students to listen to the information while driving. They can use resources like Audible to listen to best sellers, nonfiction, newspapers, or magazines from their phone no matter where they are. They can also download audiobooks and podcasts to their phones for times when they may not have WiFi access.
Audio books and lessons (through Rosetta Stone or Audible, for example) give students the opportunity to sharpen language skills. They can even create your own study guide by using their phone’s voice recorder; they can just record themselves asking questions before leaving, then play it back while on the go.
Take Advantage of Study Apps
There are several mobile study apps that provide access flashcards and study guides from anywhere they might be. Most apps, Quizlet and StudyBlue in particular, offer fun, engaging experiences, so instead of cramming for a test while reviewing pages of notes, the content is broken down into easily-digestible and interactive study sets.
Use Pocket Wi-Fi or a Mobile Hotspot
In situations when working on your laptop or tablet are absolutely necessary, eliminate the stress of finding free Wi-Fi by bringing your own. With the right preparation, students enrolled in online charter schools, for example, can continue their studies uninterrupted while they’re away from home.
Most wireless phone companies will offer a mobile hotspot plan, so as long as you have your phone, students can use it to tether other devices. Pocket Wi-Fis, which are battery-powered mobile routers, can be rented from airports in many countries throughout the world, so if their traveling abroad, they’ll never need to be without a connection to their schoolwork.
Create a Grab-and-Go Work Bag
No matter where students go, it’s best to be prepared. But what does that mean? ‘Being prepared’ depends on what you’re trying to do and where.
While on a plane ride, students don’t want to start a math problem set only to realize they forgot a pencil. Sitting in the car waiting to pickup a sibling can be useful time to practice math skills, but now if their device doesn’t have cellular data, or the battery isn’t charge. If they’re using your phone for a study app or audio it’s essential to have a back-up power source, like a car or portable charger.
Having a supply bag set up with all necessary, on-the-go essentials will take the stress out of completing schoolwork on the go. Packing it with headphones, pencils, pens, a notebook (with removable paper), charger, and snacks can make sure students have everything they need to study, wherever that may be.
Do you have any tips for studying and working while on the go? Share in the comments below.