5 Tips to Ditch Study Distractions

Prefinals and finals week are just around the corner, which means students will be putting in a lot of study hours to ace those exams. With rising temperatures and long summer days in view, many students have a hard time staying focused during study sessions. We've all been there--a quick "break" turns into three episodes of "Friends," a snack and 40 minutes of social media browsing.

So how do you combat the constant distractions? First things first, cut out technology. Yes, you heard me. According to Deloitte, 18-24 year olds check their phones an average of 74 times per day. With such a high statistic, there's no doubt that electronics are a significant distraction to students.

I understand that cutting out technology is easier said then done, so let's go through a few simple, non-committal efforts to try rather than going cold turkey.

#1: Turn On Airplane Mode

Putting your devices on airplane mode is a great way to unplug whenever you need to. I have an iPhone and the "Do Not Disturb" setting has never worked well for me, because I can still see all the texts and notifications on my home screen when I open my phone to check the time. Airplane mode is the happy medium that allows users to turn off the distractions when needed, knowing it will all still be there after you finish that lengthy study guide.

#2: Delete Apps

Deleting apps that distract you, such as Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat, is a great way to unplug. When I need a break from technology, this is the technique that works best for me. You aren't deleting your accounts or data, just the ability to access it at your fingertips whenever you want.

#3: Put 'Em On Mute

I promise, your friends will understand. Those huge group chats and GroupMe conversations can be a truly constant distraction with a notification buzzing every other second. Luckily, both GroupMe and group chats can be silenced while you study.

#4: Print Study Materials 

I'll admit that this strategy may not be the most efficient if you have to print out the slides for the entire semester (I've been there.) But, for those simple Word documents or study guides, I encourage you to print them and fill them out by hand. Not only is handwriting proven to increase memory retention, but printing worksheets rather than filling them out electronically eliminates the temptation to browse playlists or open a new browser to "take a quick break" to look at cat videos (again, been there.)

#5: Download Apps

I know that downloading apps to help you unplug may seam counterproductive, but not when it comes to apps like Forest, Flora and AppDetox. These are just a few of the "unplugging" apps on the market. Once you download them onto your phone, you can set certain restrictions on the apps you use most like Instagram and Snapchat. These apps can also log your usage and progress so that you can remain accountable. Utilizing productivity apps can help limit distractions at the source.

Given these tips, there is one final element to ensure an effective study session: the location. No matter how "unplugged" you are, you won't get anything done if you're at your house surrounded by roommates or, for some people, at a crowded coffee shop. For students seeking a spacious, relaxed environment equipped with coffee, computers, printing and much more, I recommend the Edmon Low Library. With study rooms, the Edmon Low Creative Studios, and designated silent, whisper and group study zones, you are sure to find your ideal study space to successfully unplug, focus and prepare.

How do you successfully study for your exams? Let us know your thoughts below!

Posted by Tatum Wallace, Electronic Communications Intern for OSU Library Communications

Library Employees Guide Students Toward Success

The Library is one of the largest student employers on campus. From internships to student assistants to the First-Generation Student Employment/Mentor Experience, the Library provides students with innumerable resources and opportunities to learn and grow in college.

In particular, the First-Generation Student Employment/Mentor Experience exemplifies the Library's commitment to helping its students. Designed for first-generation freshmen, this program offers eligible students the opportunity to gain valuable experience, earn a wage and receive guidance from a Library employee as they adjust to college life.

As a Library student employee, participants earn $8.75 an hour performing tasks such as, but not limited to, office work, sorting or shelving library materials, checking books in and out and assisting with patrons. Aside from these jobs, students are taught workplace professionalism, exceptional customer service and organizational loyalty.

Elaine Weese, a freshman from Omaha, Nebraska, majoring in Sports Management, is a participant in the First-Generation Student Employment/Mentor Experience. She works as the metadata assistant in Library Communication Services. Elaine views her mentor, Holly Luetkenhaus, as someone she can confide in.

"I like how I can sit down with Holly and just talk to her about college or my life in general," Elaine said. "She is someone who helped me transition to college."

Not only does the First-Generation Student Employment/Mentor Experience benefit the student, but the mentor also learns things along the way.

Throughout the past year, Holly, assistant professor in Undergraduate Services, has had an amazing experience coming to understand the needs of first-generation college students.

"It has helped me become more sensitive to the needs and questions of our students, especially those new to the university," Holly said.

As a mentor, Holly has seen Elaine grow as a determined, optimistic and persistent young woman.

"Over the course of the last year, those attributes that she brought in with her have only strengthened," Holly said. "She has set goals for herself and mapped out her path to achieving them. It has been a joy to watch her settle into her classes, sorority, work and friendships with such grace and strength."

The transition to college can be daunting for any student. It is important that incoming freshmen have someone to look to for guidance during this period of change. For first-generation college students, the Library mentor program is a premier opportunity to embrace change and seize every opportunity available. Between the paying job, applicable professional experience and mentor relationship, this program can help skyrocket students' college careers to success.

"It helps build stronger ties to the students, the Library and OSU. The First-Generation Student Employment/Mentor Experience helps contribute to that 'family' feeling that everyone hopes to find while in college," Holly said.  

Who was someone that helped you adjust to college life? Comment below!

Posted by Tatum Wallace, Electronic Communications Intern for OSU Library Communications

How Mixed Reality Can Enhance Learning at OSU

Mixed reality is the latest way that people can utilize the virtual world. Mixed reality, or MR, allows users to enhance their actual surroundings with virtual elements, apps and interactive illustrations. Microsoft has recently unveiled the Microsoft HoloLens, its version of MR technology. 

The Library is always seeking new resources and innovations to further students' education. According to Rikiyah Fletcher, the Library emerging technologies intern, MR could be the next resource to be added to the Library's vast collection of technology.

"I think of it as an investment in our education more that just a feature offered in the Library," Rikiyah said

Mixed reality offers more than just entertainment. By supplying the user with an interactive 3D visual in their own environment, MR can be used to take education to the next level. Engineering, architecture, graphic design, art, computer science, interior design and medical-related majors can all benefit from mixed reality in the classroom. By wearing the MR headsets, students can interact with lifelike diagrams of the human body, visualize what a future building may look like and so much more.

All of this being said, is MR worth the cost, especially if the Edmon Low Creative Studios already offers virtual reality? One Microsoft HoloLens headset with the necessary hardware and warranty comes to about $5,000, but with added cost comes added use. 

"MR offers much more than VR, such as simple things like Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, Skype, SketchUp and many more," Rikiyah said. "MR and HoloLens capabilities will continue to grow and due to this, many more opportunities to learn, explore and create will be offered that VR will not be able to do."

In alignment with the Library's mission to expand the learning potential of students, MR can help enhance how students learn, interact and understand class curriculum in a more immersive way.

What is one way that you imagine using mixed reality at OSU? Comment your thoughts below!

Posted by Tatum Wallace, Electronic Communications Intern for OSU Library Communications