The Internet has a lot of great resources, but it can really drain your time if you’re not careful. Staying organized and focused online is a challenge in and of itself, but it can be much easier if you choose your resources carefully. Here are 10 of the best web apps to boost your productivity online.
Zotero
Zotero is a web app that is used to collect and organize sources of all types. You can save web pages, pdfs, videos, and just about anything else inside of your browser for future reference. This is a good tool to use when organizing sources for research papers and essays.
CalcResult
CalcResult is basically an online calculator, but it is a lot better than the one on your desk. It can not only crunch the numbers, but actually save your calculations, convert units, and even print out your work. This is a good tool for completely complex math assignments.
Popling
Popling is a web app that uses flash cards to help you study automatically even when you do not want to. It will basically start showing flash cards at different intervals as you work on other things. It has a lot of foreign languages cards, but it also has other subjects like chemistry as well.
Evernote
This is a web app that allows you to collect and organize your notes online, but also come up with concepts and flesh out your ideas. With Evernote, you can save photos, pdfs, or even write your own ideas. It can take a little time to get used to the software, but most people swear by it after they start using it.
EasyBib
EasyBib is a web app that allows you to easily and effortlessly create a bibliography for your essay. You can enter information from any website, book, or publication to have an entry for your citation or bibliography in MLA, APA, or Chicago style. It is very easy to use and it can save you a lot of time as you complete your research papers.
Freedom
Freedom is a program that shuts off the Internet for a set amount of time to give you more time to devote to your work. Although many of your assignments require some Internet research, it can actually get distracting after a certain point even if you are staying on task. Use the program to stay focused for study time and then get back to everything else.
Google Docs
Google Docs is an indispensable tool for any student. It is completely free and it essentially a complete office suite that is accessible from school, home, or work. Another great thing about is that it automatically saves your work, offers document sharing, and even web storage through Google Drive, which is also free.
Dropbox
Dropbox is a more permanent solution for web storage. As a student, you may have programs or files that are slightly too large for email, so Drop Box enables you to not only store documents but sync your desktop with virtually any other computer that you use. This will ensure that you always have access to your important files and documents.
MyStickies
MyStickies are like yellow note tabs that you can put anywhere online. Instead of just bookmarking an entire page, this program will actually allow you to leave notes on specific content on the web page. It saves you time because you will know exactly why you saved the page and what information you need to refer to on the page.
Wiggio
Wiggio is essentially project management software that businesses use to complete projects and manage employees. The program is not limited to businesses as a lot of students use it to complete group projects. It allows you to post and edit documents, send group updates, and even do live chats. This is an essential tool for group projects and presentations.
Try to incorporate these programs gradually as you do your work. It is not starting all of them at once, but rather using the right programs to keep you on the right track. Experiment with each one and figure out which ones work best for you.
Sources
http://oedb.org/library/features/the-college-students-productivity-guide
http://diplomaguide.com/articles/List_of_Educational_Web_20_Apps_to_Jumpstart_Your_Productivity.html
http://educhoices.org/articles/50_of_the_Most_Dependable_Web_Resources_for_University_Students.html
http://thenextweb.com/apps/2011/12/28/the-10-best-productivity-apps-of-2011/