Life Hacks!

Hey guys, Today I wanted finish up on Google Chrome with some individual tricks that can be very useful. These aren’t really related to one specific topic, but are great tricks to remember. The first trick is using alt+left arrow and alt+right arrow to go backwards and forwards a page respectively. This is extremely useful as it allows you to quickly navigate through pages and maximise your time, especially for research tasks where this is vital. The second trick is the use of ctrl+k or ctrl+e , which allows for you to perform a Google search from any webpage. This is great as you can quickly access new information if you are unsure of something whilst researching, shopping online, or just casually browsing the internet. Using ctrl+k will achieve a similar result by selecting all of what is in the URL bar. The final trick is related to the second one, in that it allows you to quickly search for websites. The use of ctrl+enter will automatically finish the web address for y...

These note-taking tips are really helpful when listening to lectures/readings when making notes. Develop or use symbols and abbreviations. I would recommend keeping a key, such as the example below at the beginning of your book just in case you forget what the symbols mean. Image from: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/0b/66/78/0b66783e9dcf8a93bc6f50a7ad214991.jpg Another tip to use the Cornell Note-taking method. Simply divide your notes into 3 sections.  -           The right column is the general notes area. The notes area is where you keep the most important ideas the teacher covered. Try to summarise this as much as possible. -           The left column is the cues area. This is where you write notes in the margins to help you understand the main ideas. -           The bottom section is the summary . This is where you ...

It's getting to that time of year where exams are right around the corner and its about time to prep and study for that dreaded test. Using some of the suggestions I explained in a previous post and some new ones, I'll explain the best way to retain and remember information for the big day.  1. Giving yourself enough time We all know how easy it is to procrastinate before every test, but its crucial for exams that you leave yourself with enough time to get prepared while also allowing yourself adequate study time.  There's no point studying the day before and expecting perfect results.   - The earlier the better  - Study time is based very much around personal ability and commitment, each persons studying ability varies Image taken from: http://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/DesignWithinReach/PD_1353_MAIN?$tile$ 2. Splitting up your work/Taking enough breaks Studying for most people is not a particularly enjoyabl...

Connecting ideas allows you to see how the main connect, allowing you to see the whole picture. Take a puzzle for instance, it is pretty hard telling what the picture is from one individual puzzle piece. By putting the puzzle pieces together, you are able to see how the pieces connect, giving you the whole picture. Image created in: https://www.dailyjigsawpuzzles.net/html5/make-your-own-puzzle.html Photo from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubik%27s_Cube#/media/File:Rubik%27s_cube.svg A useful way to see the whole picture is by using a Mind Map.  A Mind Map allows you to: Connect ideas Provides a visual overview Use keywords and phrases to jog your memory Luckily for you, there are options on how you can do it. You can use a traditional pen and paper to do your Mind Maps or you can use Coggle. Now, Coggle requires you to sign in with a Google account, and it allows you to create a Mind Map. It also allows you to add website links, i...

Hey guys, Today I wanted to continue to share some really easy and extremely useful tips to keep in mind when using Google Chrome. Today I will be focusing navigating through tabs and windows. Firstly, a useful trick is to use ctrl+tab to cycle through tabs. This cycles through your tabs left to right and allows you to quickly alternate between tabs, allowing for effective multitasking. Alternatively, you can use ctrl+shift+tab to cycle right to left. Continuing on, a similar effect can be achieved for windows/programs. This can be done through alt+tab (left to right) or alt+shift+tab (right to left), and can greatly improve overall productivity by allowing for even greater multitasking ability. A final trick is to use alt+home , which will take you to your browsers homepage. If you have your homepage set to a functional and relevant site/tool, such as Google, then this shortcut allows the user to quickly reset their page and improve their productivity. Hopeful...

Notes, regardless of whether they're on a computer or not, they can easily get lost or mixed up. Here's a few tips to help you organise them into an easy-to-read layout. Use 'Microsoft OneNote' OneNote is an application that allows you to open multiple pages under a similar heading, thus being able to split your pages up e.g. Lectures and Tutorials as headings then individual pages for each different lecture or tutorial. This allows for a well organised easy-to-read selection of your notes, allowing you to go straight to the required information. Students also get cheap/free access to this program, so download it now to help you organise your notes! Binders Use a Binder with sticky notes for individual topics or each lecture so you can quickly flick to each lecture or topic. Can also be good to organise class handouts and allows you to document your information by topic e.g. volcanoes within Geography. Pairing this method up with earlier tips (highl...

Some classes in university can be full of definitions you need to memorise and it can often seem daunting. We can often feel like Piglet at times. Gif from:  https://tenor.com/search/pooh-and-piglet-gifs   But, do not worry Life Squad! There are plenty of apps and websites that can help us create digital flashcards, particularly useful for those definitions or quick bullet points you need to remember. Quizlet is an app and website that allows you to create flashcards. You can insert a term and definition, as well as include an image or voice recording to help you remember. There are games that you can play to help you study such as flashcards, write, spell, test and match. Here is a screenshot of how I have used it from my IT class.  Screenshot from: my own Quizlet account Use it for revision on the go!  Catherine

Mnemonic devices are actually really useful tricks to have up your sleeve. Now, you may have heard of this technique, but could not remember or spell the word! So, what is it? It is using a pattern of letters or ideas which assist you in remembering something. It does work! Well, I still remember the taxonomy hierarchy (learnt in Year 8) from this simple phrase: K ind p eople c an o ften f ind g reen s hoes. K ingdom, P hylum, C lass, O rder, F amily, G enus and S pecies.  photo from:  https://www.polyvore.com/converse_canvas_allstar_hi_kids/thing?id=89651940 Perhaps you remember a more common mnemonic in Maths. For instance, when you had to do Order of Operations when using BODMAS or PEDMAS .  photo from:  https://literaryterms.net/mnemonic/ You can use a rhyme, or use it to make it into a word! Why not give it a go! What are you going to try and memorise?   Catherine

Often in universities, you may enter lectures or classes swamped by laptops and iPads, which have taken over traditional methods of note-taking. Whichever method you prefer, colour-code your notes! Here are some of the benefits: Allows you to find information quickly. Helps you to organise information – such as headings and sub-headings. Make links between ideas such as making timelines for important dates. Now, I wouldn’t say go too crazy with the colours. You don’t need to buy an 8 pack of highlighters from your local stationery shop, as too many colours can be overwhelming. Pick a few colours, create a key and use it!  Photo from: https://crazylittlerowling.wordpress.com/2016/09/18/testophobia-fear-of-exams-and-how-to-overcome-it-what-straight-a-students-are-following-and-they-arent-telling-you/24abc4bc28727d2c327c2463b1189ef1/ Catherine

Many of us have issues with studying at university, let alone studying at home with all the distractions e.g. parents, Facebook Heres some quick tips to help you maximise your study time at home - Eliminate as many distractions as possible         - Turn off Laptops/phones if not needed         - Find a secluded quiet space to work         - Make your parents aware your not to be disturbed         - Wear comfortable clothing - Make a Plan/Set goals         - Make a schedule that focuses on different subjects at different times, so your time is spread               appropriately         - Plan what days your going to study and which days will be your days off         - Set goals for that given time of work whether its time or quantity related         - Put this schedule up on your ...

Do you often want to be prepared going to a lecture? Sometimes, you are fortunate that the class releases lecture slides prior to the lecture, such as a PDF or a PowerPoint presentation.  Here are a few tips:  - Printing off the slides (at home or the library!) - Going through the slides before the lecture does help - allows you to become aware of the topics and themes discussed.  - Add notes, highlights and diagrams to the slides.  I have also found that this helps me listen to the lecturer, rather than merely copying off the slides. This becomes really beneficial, as it allows you to add extra information or diagrams to the slides.  Photo taken by: Catherine I am also aware that some classes do not release slides, so I would recommend trying to do the readings prior to the lecture. Some readings can be as long as 20+ pages, so skim the intro, look at the sub-headings and look at the conclusion. This will give you a brief overview of the topic...