Fall 2022 is around the corner! Just moments away, so make sure you are giving yourself the best chance to be Successful... I been out of school since May 2022 and STILL use all of these
How you start the semester is so crucial. Start strong academically, but there are some items that I wish I had as a students in undergrad. I had these things for my grad school studies, and it made my PhD so much smoother. So, let me get right into it...
#1: Rocketbook
One day, my brother text me a picture of this reusable spiral notebook and I was not immediately blown away about it. I thought it was still cool though, and I purchased one. I owe my bro an apology LOL! The Rocketbook is such a useful addition to any student's school supply list. They say it is 'the last notebook you will ever buy'. Fun Fact: I have 5 of them because I use them everywhere. So, maybe that phrase was a lie. LOL!
The notebook is absolutely perfect for those students that want to minimize their use of paper but hate writing on tablets. It is a struggle for me to write efficiently on a tablet. I just can't keep up with tablet writing when in a live lecture. I am a little old school when it comes to notetaking. The Rocektbook gives you a pen and paper feel with some of the benefits of using a tablet.
As you open the notebook, the inner cover has a list of icons to name your locations to send your written documents. If you take a look at my image below you see the list of my locations to send my files. Each icon will send your documents to a cloud file or email address. A Cloud is very convenient in college, we will talk about that later. That image is also my FIRST Rocketbook, and it reminds me why I needed separate books: each category had several subcategories.
So, why do they even have these icons? On each page, there are the same icons that you mark to let the camera know where you want the files to go.
When you complete your notes, mark the icon of where you want the notes to go. Open the Rocketbook app on your phone, take a picture of the page (or multiple pages) and the page is saved as a PDF in your chosen cloud folder or emailed to you.
As for the written notes, save them for a few days in case you want to add more or correct something. Then, wipe the page clean and do it over again. No paper wasted and less space in your bag!
So, one side note I'd like to mention. The pen that comes automatically with your Rocketbook is not the best. It actually drives me crazy! It doesn't write the best at all. The Fineliner Marker Pens are AMAZING and I would 100% recommend purchasing those. You would want color variety anyway, so grab those also. Like I said, it may be the last notebook you purchase during your college career.
I would also recommend the Letter Size, because it is the standard size of paper. They have recently came out with the 3-Ring-Binder set where the papers come out or you can add paper. I don't need it now, but if I was in school, I would try that one out. If you are a student, get a Rocketbook. If you know someone going to college, gift this to them!
Types of Rocketbooks and Recommended Pens:
3-Ring Binder Style - with 20 Pages to insert - Executive Size (smaller than standard paper size)
3-Ring Binder Style - with 20 Pages to insert - Letter Size (standard paper size 8.5x11)
Spiral Notebook Style - Executive Size (smaller than standard paper size)
Spiral Notebook Style - Letter Size (standard paper size, 8.5x11)
Flip Notebook Style - Executive Size Great for Lefties
Flip Notebook Style - Letter Size Great for Lefties
Recommended FriXion Marker Pens (12 colors)
#2: "Access" to a Graphing Calculator
Think about your college journey. If you are a student going into Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM), get a graphing calculator. The device will pretty much follow you until you graduate and beyond. It will be well worth purchasing one now. You want a graphing calculator that you can use daily in class AND at home. The N-Spires are becoming popular, but some college campuses have banned them (check your Math Department's restrictions). So, TI Graphing Calculator is the best option.
Graphing Calculator Recommendations:
If you are not a STEM major, a graphing calculator is still useful. However, it may only be with you for about 1-2 years. So, keep that in mind. I always tell my students, make a post on all your social media platforms and say, "I'm looking to borrow a graphing calculator". There may be more than a few friends that have a graphing calculator just sitting in their room not being used.
USE YOUR COLLEGE, Your Tuition is paying for Campus Resources... They Owe You! LOL
Another option, USE YOUR COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY. Listen, you pay tuition not just for courses, but also for access to campus resources. Go check to see if your campus has graphing calculators you can borrow or rent. Check the Math Department and check their Tutoring Center. Our tutoring center has calculators you can borrow for the day. My previous college had graphing calculators you can rent for the semester. Make sure you know all the resources granted to you for buying tuition. They owe you! LOL
Free Options:
There are also, some FREE options. You can use the campus resources on campus, but need something to use at home. Here is a video I created to teach you the basics of the graphing calculator: Graphing Calculator Basics
The description of this video has the list of some Free Graphing Calculator options, but here is the list as well:
On the iPhone:
On the Android:
On the Computer:
https://youtu.be/nOUqIn_jg1g (this is one I use on my computer for class)
Need the Following Websites for this option:
http://wabbitemu.org/ (download this first)
https://tiroms.weebly.com/ (pick TI-84plus option)
Another option can be used on desktop or phone:
#3: Cloud Storage
In 2022, everyone should have some kind of cloud space to store your files. I use One Drive mainly. However, we have Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, and many more. Nothing against USB Thumb Drives and Hard Drives, but in these times, the little thumb drive is like a cassette tape. LOL! Setup a Cloud Storage and connect to your devices.
Some Benefits:
Easy Access to files at all times.
Access on Multiple Devices and they also Sync.
Easy edit options. One Drive allows you to edit right in the drive to annotate or sign documents. Save files your professor gives you and edit them right in the cloud drive.
No Lost Files. I have lost thumb drives and I have had big hard drives crash. It was devastating.
Can Sync pictures and videos from your phone.
Can share files instantly from whatever device you are on.
Organized Files and Folders. Below is my TAMU folder on my phone. Every class had their own folder and I would send my notes from my Rocketbook to that folder.
#4: ToDoist for Time Management
The only way I can truly accomplish my goals is writing them down and keeping track with a To-Do List. I found this app a couple years ago, and I promise, I have gone full speed ahead. It's called Todoist, and of course, it syncs all across your devices! Every Thursday, I literally go through my list and add what is needed the next week. As I work through the list, I check it off and that sound is so satisfying. Use this app to organize your assignments and goals.
#5: Good Note-taking Skills
You Note-taking is an art that needs to developed ASAP in your college career. It can be difficult at times to truly know the takeaways from a lesson. However, with everything, practice makes this art achievable. Robert Gerver has the 6 different types of note annotation that I discuss with my classes to help understand how to take Good Notes in a math class.
6 Different Types of Note-Taking
Not Writing Class Notes at All
It's a reality, some students don't take notes at all. This can take you out of the engagement of the course and possibly right to sleep. LOL!
No Annotations
These are word-for-word copying the notes from the professor. Whatever they write, you write.
This is a good start if you have no idea what to write.
Please include Date, Name of Course, Professor's name, and Topic of the Day. Having these items on the page helps as you move along in the course and move on to other math courses. Specifically, Math is a continuation of building upon previous knowledge.
In-Class Annotations
This is adding words said by the teacher or other students in the class.
Typically add this in the margins
At-Home Annotations
This is where different color pens come into the mix. Go back through your notes as soon as possible to re-enforce what was taught that day, while it is fresh on your mind.
Use different colors to highlight key words, topics, or formulas.
Balloon-Help Annotations
Again, new color pens help. Make a Balloon Annotation to find your questions. Create a balloon in the area where the confusion starts and put the question you have inside the balloon.
Bring these annotation to the professor the next class to discuss in class or ask during office hours.
The professor will be impressed with your proactive approach to learning the material. Questions means you care about learning.
The Math Author Project
You are now confident in sharing your notes with classmates. If you are able to explain notes to other students, you really understand to material.
You are also able to create your own notes from a lesson in the book. You will understand what is needed. Make notes on future topics to help you get ahead of the class.
So, this wraps up my Top 5 Items a College Students Needs to start out successful, especially a student taking math classes. Any Questions, please reach out! I could offer many more suggestions based on specific needs.
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