Many might think that the internet isn’t
conducive to studying–that it’s all cat videos and social networking–but there
are thousands of websites out there designed specifically for learning new
skills, managing everyday life, and even helping students study for exams.
Here we’ll shine the spotlight on 10 websites
dedicated to being a your new best study-buddy. Whether it’s time management,
digital flashcards, self-made quizzes, study games, or other educational tools,
these sites and apps can help students of any age get ready for upcoming tests,
all for the low, low price of absolutely free.
1. GoConqr
Visual learners, rejoice. What makes this site
unique are the mind maps, a web of information that breaks down broad subjects
into smaller topics. When a you create a map, it allows you to see how things
are connected — this helps with both memorization and understanding.
The site also has numerous other helpful
features like flashcards, a note taking platform, self-created quizzes, study
planner, a collaboration tool, and a way to track how much you’re learning.
This versatile tool is also available across multiple platforms for studying on
the go.
2. Quizlet
With this site, you provide the information
and Quizlet provides the study tools. Users can create “sets” in any subject
under the sun, and based off the set the website will generate flashcards,
quizzes, practice tests, matching games, and even auditory tools. Quizlet also
has a free app for learning on the go, and studying even offline.
The two games, Scatter and Space Race, allow
you to learn the material and have fun doing it. In Scatter, users drag
definitions or information to their related counterpart as quickly as they can,
clearing the screen. In Space Race, definitions scroll across the screen and
you type in the correct word or phrase associated with it before the definition
reaches the end of the screen. With leaderboards and high-scores, you can
compete to get the best times, adding the motivation of competition to your
studying.
3. Evernote
Studying can sometimes cover several different
platforms, but with Evernote all of your notes, information, and research can
be collaborated together in one place. An invaluable organizational tool, this
site can sync your info across computers and phones, share with other users,
gather web-clips, and create all from one central platform.
Evernote can be used in a multitude of ways:
keeping research paper information in order, organizing presentation notes,
creating study guides off of in-class note taking, not to mention everyday
non-school related tasks, too.
4. StudyBlue
Collaboration is the name of the game for this
website. StudyBlue connects students through similar learning goals and
subjects, allowing them to share and access flashcards, study guides, and more.
StudyBlue can even connect students in specific classes, letting them message
each other and collaborate on projects.
The site also has a diverse content library,
multiple study modes, class-based study guides, storage for all your notes, and
a real-time self-assessing score that tracks your progress on a subject. And
with free mobile apps, StudyBlue can be taken on the go.
5. Marinara Timer
Despite making you hungry for some spaghetti,
this site is dedicated to increasing productivity. Inspired by the Pomodoro
method of productivity — working for 25 minutes and then taking a 5 minute
break) — Marinara Timer allows you to customize your own personal timer (complete
with entertaining alarm sounds like “alien bot ordering lunch” or “echoing into
space”) to study effectively.
Taking a small break while studying increases
attention span, focus, and productivity. This site can help you reward yourself
for your hard work by letting you know it’s time to sit back scroll through
your Twitter feed or watch a few funny videos, and then letting you know when
it’s time to get back to work.
6. StudyStack
Studying with flashcards has never been so
easy. StudyStack allows users to create flashcard sets and use what others have
already made. When a card is flipped, you can choose whether you got it right
or wrong. Wrong cards will be repeated until you’ve learned it, making it a
great tool for memorization.
Once created, the site can turn the
information into a number of tools and games perfect for studying. You can play
hangman, unscramble, or a matching game before taking quizzes and practices
tests.
7. Memorize.com
As its name suggests, this site is perfect for
learning terms and definitions. Users can post articles, images, diagrams, and
more to share general information on any number of topics. Memorize.com also
encourages collaboration, working together to create the best learning tools
for studying.
When you find a set you want to study, it’s
offered in three different formats of varying difficulty — multiple choice,
matching, and finally the ever-popular flashcard. This engaging site can even
award badges for completed sets. The site may not have been updated in a while,
but that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of it.
8. clusterFlunk
Combine social media and studying and you’ve
got clusterFlunk. This site connects you to other students who are studying
similar material, have the same professor, or maybe in your class. You can ask
questions about the format of the test and receive answers from previous students,
ask for suggestions on paper topics, or even ask people to proofread essays.
Whatever you need help with, fellow students are there to collaborate and help
you out.
With the ability to upload class notes, study
guides, slide reviews, and other forms of test prep, clusterFlunk is a great
way for students to get connected with each other and trade study materials.
9. Study Guides and Strategies
If you want to learn how to learn, this site
is for you. It has numerous articles on all sorts of learning styles –classroom
learning, group learning, self-studying, etc.– as well as tips on how to write
papers, how to manage your time, how to do presentations, solve problems, prep
for and take tests, how to read critically, do effective research, and is
available in about 40 different languages.
Study Guides and Strategies is a site chock
full of in-depth looks at learning for a diverse variety of students. Whether
you want to learn how to properly cite a paper or get over test anxiety, learn
how to solve linear equations or how to navigate lab reports, this site can
offer all that and much, much more. It might be an old site, but the
information there is priceless.
10. Schooltraq
When you keep track of assignments, tests, and
events, planning time to study becomes a lot easier. Schooltraq is an online
digital planner that keeps due dates in check. An alternative to the
traditional paper agenda, this site ensures you never lose your schedule as it
syncs up between your phone and computer.
The design is sleek and simple, allowing for
clarity and low stress. When your ducks are all in a row, school life becomes
more manageable. This site can go beyond helping you study for your next test
since you can use it for your personal life as well.
Many of the sites on this list have upgraded
packages or “pro” accounts for some cost, but every single one has free tools
ideal for any student. Give them a try and see which ones help you out the
most.
Happy studying!
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