By Sasha Murray.
A gadget like iPad, with the promise of mobility, is a good study aid for students. Students are more likely to be glued to an iPad than an assignment if given the chance, making it useful for education as a way to optimize its use. Here are 10 free apps that will help you in your studies:
1. Encyclopaedia Britannica
Sometimes, it isn’t enough to have a browser in your iPad for random academic questions. You need a quick reference book, much like any other in your bookshelf. But, it has to be more accessible. In just a few taps and even if you’re offline, Encyclopaedia Britannica will give you access to articles on a wide array of topics.
2. Short Stories eReader
This app has a list of both classic and modern short stories for students taking English and literature subjects. It’s likely that the material your teacher asks you to write a review on is available in this app. If not, it might just give you an essay topic idea. Or, reading them might simply entertain you. In any case, this app is useful.
3. Evernote
Many acclaim Evernote for being the best note-taking app there is. This app allows you to create individual notebooks if you want to categorize each note according to your subjects. Your notes can be a journal, “to do”, or a reminder and each is searchable in your device. Aside from these, you can attach photos and audio files in your notes, sync it to the Evernote app in your laptop, and share it to your mail or social media accounts. Sounds like a fun app.
4. Dictionary by Dictionary.com
This is one of the most useful apps you must have because even the best writers use a dictionary to find the right words. This app has a thesaurus, making it even more useful for your vocabulary lessons and writing assignments. Each word you search also contains etymology details if you love words like Tolkien did. It also has a translator from English to other languages, but you need an internet connection for that.
5. Documents to Go – for BES10
This app allows you to use MS Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint in your device. Many homework tasks are expected to be accomplished with specific formatting that is supported by these basic office applications so having this in your device lets you work in the absence of a PC or laptop. You can even send the file straight to your teacher. Another thing is that you get to download your teacher’s readings in its format. You can also sync your files in Dropbox, Google Docs, and iDisk among others.
6. Dropbox
Dropbox works like a flash drive that reads a variety of file types. It’s a 2-Gb online storage device that is useful to anyone who is always on the go. Having Dropbox in your gadget is practical, especially if you think you need your files in the future. It allows you to save and transfer files and documents in an online location that is accessible in any device.
7. Quick Graph: Your Scientific Graphing Calculator
There comes a point in your math education where you will need a scientific calculator. This one has basic, as well as advanced functions for those taking trigonometry and calculus subjects. It’s rather useful for a free app. Take note that this is not for students who are still learning their multiplication table. To be safe, make sure that your teacher has instructed you to bring or use a scientific calculator before downloading this app.
8. myHomework Student Planner
One of the things that you must learn early in school is the need to prioritize and organize. In kindergarten, we usually kept a notebook for the list of homework we needed to do. This app does not only let you list your tasks, it also helps you determine which task must be prioritized based on the deadlines you set.
9. iBooks
This app is a basic e-book and pdf reader that you should have. If you have a book list for review in your literature class or a class material given to you in pdf form, this app allows you to download them in your device for ease of access. Also, if you like reading books, you can get a virtual shelf full of your favorite titles. The best thing is it’s free.
10. Science Glossary
Science Glossary is like a dictionary of scientific terms, with elaborate definitions and practical applications. It’s perfect if you want to memorize terms for your next science quiz wherever you are. It also gives you the freedom to look up words or concepts you encounter at random and familiarize yourself with them. Most encyclopaedia apps are not for free and this one is limited to the definition of terms. Don’t worry, you don’t really need paid apps with better functions because your teacher will provide you with the materials you need.
These apps, though useful, do not guarantee you to have higher grades. This should come from your own perseverance. Remember that you use your iPad to enhance your education, not limit it with what it can contain so save your serious research needs for the library or your academic books.
Moreover, you become creative in your learning if you don’t get everything in just one source. With lessons from your teachers, books, and these apps, learning becomes holistic and fun.
Author Bio: Sasha Murray is a college student and a writer at best essays. Her gadgets help her accomplish her tasks faster and more effectively. She reads books and blogs at murraysasha.blogspot.com. Follow her on Twitter and Google+
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