Online Class Period Tech Tips

During unprecedented circumstances like these, the necessary skills for a student can change dramatically. With the transition to online courses, students are required more than ever to have high computer literacy. This can be challenging for students whose majors do not have a normal requirement of computers. This can also be extremely challenging for students who do not have immediate access to computers regularly. This blog will go over some basic computer tips and resources for students or anyone working with computers.

The first thing to understand with your computer is it is only as powerful as the software on it. The most common software students use is Microsoft Office. Luckily this suite of applications is available through Oklahoma State University’s software distribution site. This suite gives students access to Word, Powerpoint, Excel and other Microsoft software. It also provides tools like Matlab, jmp and Mathematica. Another important thing students can download is Windows operating systems up to Windows 10.

All of these tools are available to help students be successful in their academic careers. These tools are proving to be even more helpful with the current suspension of on-campus learning. But these more advanced tools are not helpful without basic computer knowledge. For more information on that check out our tech tips videos. These will go over things like shortcuts, snipping tools and finding a word in a page. If you haven’t had to use learning tools such as Canvas in your previous classes, check out their help page to get answers to your questions.

Some simple tips to make effective use of your computer involve simple things like keeping your active applications to a minimum. Generally speaking, if you have an application open that you are finished using, close it! This will help your computer run faster, and help you stay focused on the task you are currently doing. This means if you are using a video editing platform like Premiere, and you are finished making your video, you should close that application.

Organization is also key when you are trying to work effectively on your computer. Keeping windows organized can be as easy as keeping things that you are not using minimized. Assigning windows to different desktops on your computer can help to separate different projects you may be working on. You can also fix an object to a certain section of the screen so you can conveniently and have quick access between windows.

Are you having issues with any software for your class or general computer questions in general? Try checking the Oklahoma State University website to see if they offer any help with your questions. If they do not, remember that Google if your friend. Most technology questions any person has will have an answer online. Remember to be specific with your question! For example, if you want to find out how to separate your word document into two separate columns, enter something like “Microsoft Word document into separate columns.” This helps the search engine find a solution relevant to both your software and specific issue. After finding your topic, you should be able to read detailed text guides, or often even better, demonstration videos.

Edmon Low Library has also been working to keep as many of its services available to students as possible during online learning. All of the 54 databased are still available to students and faculty for research. The library is also accepting requests for interlibrary loans for articles and book chapters. Librarians are even available online for research questions or general library-related chat.

If any student is having issues getting internet access or computer access, they are encouraged to contact the university for a potential solution. Are there any questions you have concerning the efficiency or functionality of a computer? Let us know in the comments and it may be the next subject of a video or blog post!

Posted by Jacob Hinchey, Emerging Tech Intern

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

OSU Libraries spread holiday cheer!

The Library is, as we all know, the heart of OSU's campus. It represents the knowledge, innovation and spirit of this university. The holidays are no exception. During a time in the school semester when students are often stressed, the Library helps ease the worry of upcoming exams and spread holiday cheer throughout campus. With the chaos of finals, I think students often forget that this time represents so much more than wrapping up another semester. It's the holiday season!

Fanfare of Lights

The Fanfare of Lights is an annual community event that takes place in front of Edmon Low. At this event, OSU choirs and instrumental groups gather to entertain attendees with classic holiday songs. Burns and Ann Hargis recruit Santa and Mrs. Clause to help lead the crowd in a countdown to turn on the campus lights. When they reach zero, the switch is flipped and all of OSU's Christmas lights turn on, illuminating the campus with a festive orange glow. After the lights are turned on, people head to the Student Union for hot chocolate and pictures with Santa or walk around campus to snap a picture with the orange lights.

As a cosponsor for the Fanfare of Lights, OSU Libraries helps get both OSU and the city of Stillwater in the Christmas spirit.

Campus Holiday Lights and Decorations

As a student, I look forward to the campus holiday decorations every year. From the garland on Edmon Low to the Christmas trees in the gardens that light up in synchronization with classic holiday songs, it's as if the holiday spirit is tangible on campus. The decorations definitely help make the walk to class, the Library or a review session much more enjoyable for students during pre-finals and finals week.

Holiday Bell Songs 

Picture this: an over-caffeinated, exhausted student walking on campus to their next final. What do they hear during their trek? A comforting Christmas carol thanks to the library tower's bells. This is a common reality on the OSU Stillwater campus during the holidays. Whether it's on Twitter, over text or even out loud, Oklahoma State students sing praises for the festive twist on the traditional bell tower tunes.

Do you have a favorite holiday memory on campus? Be sure to comment below!

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

Facilitating Finals

How does the OSU Library keep students engaged and in good spirits during finals week?

The answer is more elaborate than one might think. The OSU Library does many things to help and encourage its visiting students during the most stressful and busiest time of the semester. Here are a few of notable efforts by the library and its faculty.

1) 24-Hour Access

The first promotion the OSU Library used was 24-hour access from the Sunday of pre-finals week to the Friday of finals week. During the year, the building would close at 2 a.m. most nights, so 24/7 access during finals was readily welcomed by students. It meant they wouldn’t have to worry about finding a new spot for their all-night study sessions. Due to the overwhelmingly positive response to this promotion, the Library has since expanded its normal operating hours to 24 hours five days a week, but the tradition of 24/7 access during finals continues.

2) Pete’s Pet Posse

The OSU Library has several long-standing appointments with Pete’s Pets. Members of the Posse visit the library each week for designated pet therapy sessions. These times include Muttday Monday from 12-1 p.m., Yappy Hour on Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m. and Waggin’ Wednesday from 2-3 p.m.

Because finals week brings added tension, Pete’s Pet Posse adds one more visit to their usual lineup: Finals Fuzzies. This event occurs Monday through Thursday during the week of finals. The pups visit the OSU Library from 4-5 p.m. and help students briefly step away from their books and computer screens. Students can sit with the pups and chat with their handlers to destress and unwind from the stress of final exams and projects. Pet therapy is proven to help people with stress and anxiety, so this program especially benefits students in times like finals week.

3) Caffeine

One of the more regular promotions is the free coffee the OSU Library offers to its students each day of finals week. Tables with coffee dispensers, creams and sugars are placed in the open areas of the library and available to students who want or, more likely, need a caffeine kick to keep going. This helps students save time and money that would be spent getting coffee elsewhere so that they can dedicate more time to studying for exams and finishing projects without having to leave the building. In addition to the free coffee, Cafe Libro extends its hours of operation to facilitate the larger than average numbers of library visitors during this time. The Cafe provides other beverage options as well as snacks and light meals.  

4) Food, Food, Food

At various points throughout the week, the library provides free food for the students using the facilities. This can include pizza, tacos, hamburgers, donuts and more from local restaurants as well as pre-packaged items like cookies and crackers. This is a way for the library to show appreciation to the students who use the facility and to encourage them to persevere through their most trying moments of the year.

5) Relaxation Station

The Relaxation Station, one of the newer promotions, is a designated spot in the library where students can unwind their minds with fun activities such as coloring and solving puzzles. Coloring has been shown to help people deal with stressful situations by narrowing focus to a simple task and using parts of the brain otherwise turned off during cram study sessions. This gives students an outlet for creativity and leisure as an alternative to the tense period of finals week.

The OSU Library also continues its regular operations, such as study rooms, express printing and laptop checkout, to help students have everything they need in order to be successful at the conclusion of the semester.

As the central academic hub on the Oklahoma State University campus, the OSU Library acts as the steward between students and success. As such, the finals week promotions enacted by it are a programmed effort to benefit hard-working students and reward their pursuit of higher education.

Do you have a great idea for how the library can further help students during finals week? Comment your thoughts below.

Post by Jennifer Barnett, E-Communications intern for OSU Library Communications