Wednesday, October 9, 2024

13 Top Online Study Tools Every Student Needs in 2024

Every college student has felt academic pressure or study strain at some point. Balancing a full load of classes is enough of a challenge without also having to consider extracurricular activities, a social life, and perhaps a part-time job. 😩

Who wouldn’t feel stretched thin and stressed out? But fear not because the internet is here to supercharge your learning. 🦸

With this plethora of must-have online study tools at your fingertips, you can easily enhance your skills, prepare for tests, and master effective study techniques

1. GoConqr: Millions of Resources in One App

Embark on a seamless study journey with GoConqr, a user-friendly online tool that offers students access to an extensive library of over three million resources. 💻

From mind maps to quizzes, slides to study planners, and even flashcards, GoConqr is designed to make acing exams and assignments a breeze rather than a chore. 

If you’re considering stepping up your GoConqr game, the paid student plan costs USD$1.08 per month when purchased annually. This gives you unlimited resource creation, 2 GB of media storage, an ad-free experience, private resources, and copy and edit resources. 🤩

Plus, you can even download your resources and study offline and get access to premium content, including extra flashcards, quizzes, and other exclusive learning materials. 

✅  What we loved: 

  • The free version gives access to all features (but is ad-supported)
  • Study planner offers innovative ways to allocate time 
  • Many online study resources all in one app 

❌  What could be improved: 

  • The layout is cluttered and can be tough to navigate 
  • Equations and mathematical symbols are not supported in flashcards or notes
  • Some users have experienced lagging when loading or creating content

2. Quizlet: Study Tools for Every Learner

Quizlet is an online study tool that helps college students excel through engaging games, interactive flashcards, insightful quizzes, and comprehensive study sets.

Quizlet also offers a variety of question types, so you can practice and choose from multiple choice, true or false, and written questions on quizzes created by students and educators around the world.

What’s even better? Quizlet is absolutely free! 🙌 

screenshot of the Quizlet app shown on a cellphone screen
Engage with diverse question types on quizzes created by students and educators worldwide and have a global learning experience with Quizlet. Photo: postmodernstudio/Depositphotos

The platform covers a wide range of subjects from languages to math, so there’s something for every college student, no matter your major. Plus, you can seamlessly integrate it with Google Classrooms for added convenience and connectivity. 💻

It costs $35.99 per year or $7.99 per month to upgrade to Quizlet Plus. 

This will grant you access to special features such as ad-free learning, offline flashcard access, personalized Quizlet Learn mode, custom study routines, smart grading, and expert solutions. You can try it out for free for 7 days and see if it works for you!

✅  What we loved: 

  • Interactive user experience for learners
  • Wide range of subjects including arts, languages, and science
  • Android and iOS apps are available

❌  What could be improved: 

  • Content is user-generated so it may be incorrect
  • Limited features in the free version

3. Evernote: The Ultimate Note-Taking Tool

Experience stress-free studying and streamline your study routine with Evernote, the perfect tool for effortlessly organizing all your information, notes, and research — especially for online studies

With Evernote, you can create separate spaces for each of your subjects, ensuring logical and structured organization for all your materials. Say goodbye to study chaos and hello to a well-organized study experience! 👋

But here’s the best part: the app’s automatic sync feature! Whether you’re switching between your trusty laptop, phone, or tablet, Evernote ensures that all your notes stay up to date when you’re rushing between classes. 📒

Consider upgrading to Evernote Personal if you want more features. Just $14.99 per month (or $129.99 per year) gets you a premium subscription plan that includes larger storage space (10 GB vs. 60 MB), advanced tools like image-to-text or pdf-to-doc converters, and offline access. 

✅  What we loved: 

  • Automatic sync feature with cloud storage 
  • Flexible and easy to use
  • Top-notch user experience 

❌  What could be improved: 

  • Lacks productivity features
  • Need a premium subscription to use advanced features

4. StudyBlue: Largest Study Repository Online 

As the largest crowdsourced study library, StudyBlue connects students from various classes, fostering connections based on subjects, learning goals, ideas, and projects. 📚

Immerse yourself in a world of learning possibilities with StudyBlue’s array of tools, including engaging flashcards, reliable homework help, and more. 

But that’s not all — StudyBlue offers real-time assessments and comprehensive study guides to elevate your online learning experience. 🧑‍💻

a diverse group of male and female college students holding books and a tablet while studying outdoors
Get access to over 400 million flashcards created by students and teachers from various countries and communities. Photo: halfpoint/Depositphotos 

✅  What we loved: 

  • Huge library of resources with over 400 million flashcards 
  • Ability to create custom quizzes
  • Easy to share study recommendations with the 15-million-strong student community

❌  What could be improved: 

  • Numerous ads can limit productivity
  • Best suited for college freshmen taking introductory classes

READ MORE: 9 Ways to Nail Remote Learning 

5. Khan Academy: High-Quality, Free Learning Materials

Looking for the best place to boost your education? Khan Academy is a superb online study tool that provides a variety of courses and materials produced by teachers and subject experts. 🔎

It features a selection of practice questions and exams which enables students to track their progress and stay on top of their lessons. 

With its plethora of study materials, students are able to learn new skills, brush up on their knowledge, or prepare for a test. Plus, its personalized learning method is what really makes it distinct and helpful for college students — they can study at their own pace! 📈

What’s even better? Khan Academy is entirely free and accessible on multiple devices as long as you have an internet connection. 

✅  What we loved: 

  • Free with high-quality content
  • Wide variety of courses to choose from
  • Earning badges incentivizes studying

❌  What could be improved: 

  • Not for in-depth learning 
  • Some visuals could be improved

6. Hippocampus: Free Academic Lessons for College-Goers

Explore the world of Hippocampus, a free online study tool offering homework and study help across subjects like math, science, social science, and humanities. 

Its standout features include access to 7,000+ videos and animations on various topics, the ability to create custom playlists and learning resources, and the integration of course materials and assessments with learning management systems. ▶️

a male college student wearing earphones sitting in a library while using online study tools
Study visually engaging and interactive multimedia resources to grasp complex concepts and lessons. Photo: ijeab/Depositphotos

Literally named after the part of our brain responsible for learning, motivation, and memory, Hippocampus is powered by a non-profit organization called the National Repository of Online Courses Project. 🧠

With Hippocampus, you can empower yourself with knowledge and enhance your academic performance, all at no cost.

✅  What we loved: 

  • Free and requires no subscription to access good features
  • A range of academic subjects are offered, like math, history, and science 
  • Integrates with various learning platforms 

❌  What could be improved: 

  • Some materials are simply compiled from other websites
  • No information can be downloaded from the site

7. Udemy: Courses for Every Subject Under One Roof

Udemy offers two cool options: first, their free online study tool is a game-changer — you get access to course outlines, quizzes, forums, assignments, and progress tracking. 

You can also engage with courses taught by real-world experts and hear what fellow learners have to say through ratings and reviews. All that good stuff without breaking the bank! 😍

a screenshot of Udemy online study tool is shown on the cellphone
Learn and revisit Udemy’s course materials at your own pace. Photo: wavemoviesmw/Depositphotos 

But their paid subscription platform takes things up a notch: no annoying ads, offline access for on-the-go learning, and sweet discounts on additional courses.

The cost of Udemy Premium is based on the length of the subscription. Monthly subscriptions are $14.99, quarterly subscriptions are $49.99, and annual subscriptions are $149.99.

So, take your pick! free and focused or premium and expansive? If you want to see if the premium version suits your needs, Udemy Premium provides a seven-day free trial, which gives you full access to all of its features.👌

✅  What we loved:

  • Good course variety at competitive prices 
  • Great for continuing education or upskilling
  • Lifetime access to registered courses

❌  What could be improved:

  • Audio and video quality varies between videos
  • Some courses do not offer discussion forums, feedback, or Q&A sessions

8. Schooltraq: Simple Study Planner for Students

No more scrambling to remember what’s coming up next — Schooltraq is an online study tool that pulls double duty as a handy online digital planner, keeping track of all your assignments, events, tests, and due dates. 🗓️

Take control of your classes with the reflex feature and effortlessly organize them based on dates and importance, making it super easy to track all your upcoming projects and tasks

Plus, the app offers automatic sync across all your devices and provides you with the freedom to customize sections to fit your unique needs. 📱

a female college student reading a book and sitting in a library while using online study tools on her laptop
Say goodbye to last-minute panicking and hello to hassle-free planning and seamless organization with Schooltraq. Photo: prostooleh/Depositphotos 

✅  What we loved: 

  • Innovative dashboard provides an overview of all tasks
  • You can upload your school schedule to never miss a deadline or class

❌  What could be improved: 

  • More data and insights for students, such as progress reports and study tips
  • Not all Schooltraq functions are compatible with all devices (for example, the community forum is only accessible through the app’s website)

9. Marinara Timer: Make Every Study Hour Count

Ever sat down to study and ended up having an endless scroll-fest on the internet? Worry not, because Marinara Timer can help you stay on task.

You can choose from three timer settings: Pomodoro (25 minutes of work, 5 minutes of rest), Custom (customize your own intervals), and Kitchen (a simple timer). ⏳

READ MORE: 11 Top Study Methods That Are Scientifically Proven to Work 

a female college student reading and using online study tools on her laptop
WIth Marinara Timer, students can set their own time periods for work and breaks, according to their personal preferences. Photo: Rawpixel/Depositphotos

Customize your breaks, allocate study hours to different subjects, and set targets that keep you motivated and laser-focused during study sessions. 💡

Plus, you can easily share timers with your classmates by sending them a unique URL!

The best part? You don’t need an account to use this tool — just visit the Marinara Timer website and start studying immediately. 

✅  What we loved: 

  • High focus on productivity 
  • Super simple, perfect for Pomodoro method beginners

❌  What could be improved: 

  • Unable to be integrated with productivity apps or services like calendars, task managers, and notifications
  • Hearing the ticking sounds or notifications during work breaks may be distracting or irritating for certain people

READ MORE: 17 Top Tips to Beat Procrastination in College — for Good

10. Course Hero: 40 Million Resources to Make Learning Simple 

Level up your skills and join Course Hero’s vibrant community of 24 million students and educators, all united on a single learning platform. 🤔

Whether you need to practice problem-solving, find comprehensive class notes, or explore multimedia guides and visual aids, you’ll get access to a wide range of study resources that will turbocharge your learning! 🗒️

On top of the free version, you can upgrade to the premium version and choose from three flexible plans

As a premium member, you’ll gain access to an extensive library of over 25 million course-specific study materials, including notes, quizzes, practice exams, and textbook solutions. Plus, expert tutoring services are available round the clock too! 🤯

The monthly plan offers one month of access and up to 10 Tutor questions for just $39.99, while the quarterly plan grants three months of access, up to 20 Tutor questions, at the reduced rate of $59.85 billed every 3 months. You can also opt for the annual plan for $119.40 and ask up to 40 Tutor questions. 

✅  What we loved: 

  • Range of online learning tools and resources 
  • Professors respond actively to student queries
  • Students can seek career guidance online 

❌  What could be improved: 

  • The free plan doesn’t provide customized learning programs or recommendations
  • Frequent ads can disrupt learning flow
  • Some students may find the subscription fee pricey

11. Alta: Adaptive Learning Experience 

Dive into a world of personalized learning with Alta, a fully-integrated, adaptive learning online study tool

Access top-notch content that’s tailored to your needs — think text and video instruction, interactive learning materials, engaging tests, and assignments. 💯

While Alta does offer a free trial version with limited features, opting for the paid subscription unlocks a world of benefits. 

With the $19.99 per month subscription fee, you gain access to all study guides and practice problems, personalized learning resources, and live help from tutors. 

a female college student wearing hijab using online study tools on her cellphone
Alta adjusts to a student’s progress and learning style, providing personalized content and feedback along the way. Photo: Milkos/Depositphotos

Plus, the paid subscription allows you to track your progress and create custom study plans to match your unique needs and learning style. This means that not all students are given the same homework because it is regularly changed based on their performance and activities. 📒

But don’t worry. If you’re simply looking for a starter pack into the world of online learning, the free version still offers valuable help!

✅  What we loved: 

  • Great for filling gaps in learning with extensive course material 
  • Personalized topic recommendations based on subjects or majors
  • Students can provide feedback for each specific topic

❌  What could be improved: 

  • Inflexible answer options mean only certain formats are correct 
  • For students on a tight budget, the paid subscription can be costly

READ MORE: 9 Best Chrome Extensions for College Students in 2023

12. Cliffsnotes: Study Guides for Classic Texts and More 

How would you like to have a personal tutor at your disposal, anytime, anywhere? 🧑‍🏫

With concise explanations meticulously crafted by experienced educators, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of an incredible range of subjects, spanning from literature and math to science and history in no time. 

Simply hop onto the user-friendly web browser or mobile app, and delve into a treasure trove of aids, including captivating quizzes, interactive practice questions, handy flashcards, and enlightening videos. 📖

✅  What we loved: 

  • Concise and comprehensive summaries and analyses of classic and contemporary works
  • Offers expert advice and test-taking strategies for various standardized, professional, or proficiency tests

❌  What could be improved: 

  • The website layout is cluttered with ads that can be distracting
  • Minimal support to guide new users and readers in navigating the website

13. Study Together: Learn From Your Peers in Virtual Study Groups

With Study Together, you can connect, chat, and learn with fellow students from all over the world — harness the power of collaborative learning. 💡

Join 24/7 study rooms tailored to your preferences, whether you like studying with relaxing music, nature sounds, or serene silence. 

Aside from being accessible through both web browsers and mobile apps, you can also take advantage of mindfulness practices, community activities, and tutoring to reach your study objectives. 🧘

These additional resources provide valuable support and opportunities for personal growth alongside the core study features of the platform. 

✅  What we loved: 

  • 24/7 availability and accessibility of the online study rooms and focus rooms
  • A large and diverse community of students to interact and collaborate with

❌  What could be improved: 

  • Reported technical issues or glitches when accessing some of the content
  • Minimal regulation and moderation of study rooms

With their amazing features and user-friendly interfaces, these 13 top-notch online study tools are absolute must-haves for every student in 2023.👌

So try out some of these apps to help you get that A and free up some time in your schedule for the fun stuff. Happy studying! 🙋

Top Online Study Tools: Frequently Asked Questions 

What is a study tool? 

A study tool refers to a product or method designed to assist users in their test, quiz, and assessment preparation by offering various resources such as courses, flashcards, or mind maps. 

Its purpose is to enhance learning, memory retention, and comprehension of information. Mnemonics, spaced repetition, active recall, and self-testing are examples of study tools.

Why use study tools? 

What tools do you need to study?

What are some websites to help you study?

What are online study tools like Quizlet? 

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