7 Online Learning Tools for College Students

There are many strategies that can help you succeed in online classes. Among the best are taking advantage of all the technology designed to help you be a more efficient and productive learner. Some are basic, like using your university’s learning management system to its full potential. But maybe you have considered all the ways technology might make your learning experience better.

1. Learning Management System

Whether your school uses Blackboard or Canvas or another LMS, it’s critical that you utilize the tool to its full potential. Check-in every day for assignments, announcements, and updates. Your professors may ask you to post to discussion boards and forums, check out videos, view PowerPoint presentations, or listen to lectures—all through your LMS. It serves as your number one communication portal and a way to get feedback directly from your instructor.

2. Zoom or Google Meet

Video conferencing software is how you can connect in real-time with your teachers and your peers. As a remote learner, you can use these tools to interact with other learners on projects and presentations. You can chat with your professor, connect with a tutor, set up a study group, or participate in a club or activity remotely. As you get to know your online classmates, you can even schedule time to connect virtually to talk about things that have nothing to do with class at all.

3. Webcam and Microphone

To use Zoom or Google Meet, you need to allow it access to a webcam and microphone. Most laptops and tablets have cameras and microphones built-in, but they aren’t always good quality. Look for a webcam that captures video in HD, and as a bonus, one that can automatically adjust your lighting. When it comes to a microphone, find one that offers clean and crisp audio quality that makes it sound like you’re in the same room as the listener.

4. Noise-Cancelling Headphones

You never know when or where you’ll have the opportunity to get in some schoolwork. Maybe you’ll need to study on the bus on your way to work, or maybe you’ll study a bit at your local coffee shop. Wherever you are, noise-canceling headphones can help you block out the distractions and home in on your lessons. Since they’re portable, they can travel with you wherever you go. Even if you study in your dorm or at home, headphones can block out your noisy roommates or family members and make the audio of your lessons sound clear as a school bell.

5. Calendar Apps

How can you keep up with all of your assignments and deadlines from every class? Use calendar apps. Whether you use the feature from your LMS or build out a calendar through Google, find one that allows you to keep track of tasks and deadlines using cards, boards, color codes, and labels. You can organize everything in a way that works for you, and you can also set notifications through the apps to remind you when your next deadline is approaching.

6. Note-Taking Apps

One of the benefits of online learning is that you can go back and re-watch your lessons if you need to—something you can’t do in in-person classes. But when you’re taking notes, you don’t want to keep rewinding and rewatching to keep up with what’s being said. In that case, use a note-taking app like Dragon Dictation or DragonAnywhere, which transcribes notes from speech. If you use multiple devices, such as your phone and a laptop, to complete your schoolwork, download an app such as Evernote or OneNote. These apps allow you to share your notes across multiple devices so you can study wherever and whenever you need to.

7. Storage Apps

Now that you have a bunch of notes, downloaded lectures, and documents full of homework assignments, where can you store all your files? OneDrive is a great tool that allows you to store files in the cloud so you can free up storage space on your device. You can organize your files in folders, perhaps by class, and you’ll have the ability to share those folders with others. Google Drive is another great tool that allows you to create and store files and documents. You’ll also be able to share these documents when you collaborate with other students on group work assignments.

When it comes to school, preparation is always key. And with these tech tools, you’ll feel prepared to take on the next chapter of your education. At Limestone University, we can also prepare you for the next chapter in your career. We offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the liberal arts and sciences, business, education, and health professions. Click the button to learn more.