Back to School Tools You’ll Need in the Upcoming School Year

Those of us who are “seasoned” have vivid memories of sitting quietly at tainted wooden desks in some backwoods classroom, armed with three methods of getting an education – teacher, chalkboard, and a text book. We read about foreign lands in our geography books; we were called upon to do tricky mathematical equations on the board.

Today’s technologically advanced child doesn’t understand the gritty side of education, thereby requiring special tools to succeed each school year.  Here are some to consider implementing:

Team Management Space

Team collaboration is crucial to school performance these days, and especially important if one hopes to achieve better grades and more in-depth learning. Yet, many old school teachers and educators consider team collaboration to be a passing phase and yet another buzzword flagrantly added to the educational lexicon.

Collaboration is the glue that holds together not only young students, businesses and organizations, but our entire society – therefore, if you have team projects due for school or simply wish to form a collaborative study group, finding something cloud-based where you can share docs and information is vital this coming school year.

Study Desk w/Computer

Bringing your studies home is actually much riskier than studying quietly in class. There can be a lot of distractions, such as family members, pets, television, and the temptation to catch a quick nap. If your parents have small kids they’re babysitting, they can be your biggest diversion, as these little ones would never want to leave your side the whole time. However, investing in a study desk could solve that problem.

With the right student desk, computer setup and equipment necessary to conduct wholesome research, you can easily close your door and let the world rot while you drown in homework.

An iPod – Of Sorts

The iPod has revolutionized the music industry throughout the world. Now instead of going to a music store to buy music, customers can merely use Apple’s iTunes software and buy music wherever they are. This iTunes can be used also to transfer files from ones computers to the iPod and arrange them according to one’s desires. It also doubles into a mass storage device for all your homework assignments.

The music is available for free or a small price, which is cool for you since you’ll get an allowance if at home, or can work at Subway to get your music collection built up. Consider this over some generic MP3 player because the sound quality and file transfer capabilities are more refined with Apple.

Plagiarism Checker

Whether someone asked you to copy online works, or is currently copying your work, plagiarism on all levels is wrong.  To help combat this evil deed, you’ll need some type of software or online program that can help safeguard your work.  For example, many currently use Unplag.com plagiarism checker for their plagiarism detection needs.  It’s affordable for parents, college students and advanced degree enrollees, and just may save you from the embarrassment that comes with turning in assignments that aren’t really yours. Instead of running the risk of expulsion or getting beat with a belt, it’s strongly suggested you invest in some type of plagiarism detection.

Killer Education Apps

Content rich, useful yet technologically ‘handy’ applications are probably more necessary for those students on the go than anything. Literally thousands of educational apps are available at different app stores, with skilled programming gurus producing newer apps for the already flooded education market daily. Many of these applications are designed for students who need to chat with parents, catchup with school work or simply stay abreast of school happenings.

Since everyone under the sun older than 13 has some form of mobile device, make sure the proper apps are loaded onto it for the upcoming school year. Make sure, too, that some kind of safety app is downloaded should you lose your phone – or misplace your child.

School Supplies

Another obvious (yet deeply hated) part of school involves battling 300 other angry moms in Walmart to find school supplies mandated by schools across the United States. From pencils to pens, scientific calculators to protractors, every child old and young will need something for each class they attend.

Most parents are growing wise by shopping online for these supplies, acquiring their school’s lists from the respective website. Regardless what route you take, you’ll be knees deep in paper and folders in just a few short months.

Word Processing Software

Finally, make sure you’re able to grab Word or something similar (hint: there are free ones) for writing essays, dissertations or whatnot. With Windows 10 coming free relatively soon, perhaps you’d better make sure whatever program you choose can execute on that platform – which Office and free open-source programs often stay abreast of changes to OS.

Whatever tools you snag this school year, make sure you’re prepared for plagiarism, music needs, study aids and whatever else can conceivably help you survive yet another school year.