These days, technology is an integral part of student life, for better or for worse. It can help with research, communication, and even note-taking. But with so much time spent in front of screens, it can be hard to know how to use technology to learn and not just get distracted. Here’s how to get the most out of technology without letting it get in the way of your studies.

1. Set Clear Time Limits for Entertainment

The honest truth is that social media, video games, and streaming services are all fun, but entertainment will quickly eat up hours in any one day without you realizing it. The first thing you can do to even out screen time and study time is to set limits on entertainment. Download apps that track and limit your time on non-study activities. There are a couple of common ones that can help, such as RescueTime, which monitors what percentage of the day you spend on various apps and websites, or Moment, which keeps a tally of how many times you pick up your phone and can block certain distractions when it’s time to work.

2. Use Technology to Enhance Your Study Routine

Although screens are another significant distraction, they can be used wisely: there are plenty of apps that will help you study and stay on task. Whether it’s using Forest or Focus@Will to keep your hand off your phone, these apps use timers, ambient noises, or simply growing a tree to reward you for your ability to stay focused. So long as you use technology to better manage your assignments – and not to maximize your Netflix streaming – then you’ll stay more productive and less distracted by the siren call of entertainment. 

3. Create a Screen-Free Study Environment

Other times, what you need to do is get serious about studying by creating a screen-free environment. Make one part of your room or study area a place where you don’t allow social media posts or chat, video games, movies, or videos. When you sit in that spot, your brain knows to get down to business.

Benefits of a screen-free study area:

• Fewer distractions from notifications and social media.
• Improved focus and concentration.
• Easier to retain information from physical study materials.
• Reduces eye strain and fatigue.
• Promotes a more organized and calming study environment.
• Encourages mindfulness and active learning.

If you have a place to study free from screens, you will likely stick to your regimen and get more done. 

4. Plan Breaks and Stick to Them

If you don’t have breaks, you’re more likely to run yourself into the ground. But you can also look up from a short break, only to be an hour into an episode of a new show. Pencil in short breaks (10-15 minutes) every 45 minutes. Try staying off your screens during break times. Go for a walk, stretch, or have a healthy snack.

5. Manage Screen Time for Research and Writing

When you sit down to do an assignment, it’s easy to get caught up in surfing the net, even when you’re supposed to be researching. For example, if you’re researching for a paper, decide how much time you’ll spend looking up information before you start writing. You may think, “I need to write my thesis” fast. If so, you need to be efficient with your time. Try using time blocks that structure the research, writing, and editing processes to maintain focus, study faster, and mitigate the risk of screen overload.

6. Use Blue Light Filters and Take Eye Breaks

If you’re spending long periods of time looking at a screen, your eyes can become strained, and you might experience headaches. One solution is to use blue light filters on your devices. Most laptops and smartphones can reduce their blue light output via native settings, or you can download an app such as f.lux that gradually changes your screen’s color temperature throughout the day. And remember: every 20 minutes, look up 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds (the 20-20-20 rule).

7. Balance Work and Play with Scheduling Apps

You need to have a decent schedule to ensure you’re good at managing your time. Try to use an app such as Google Calendar or Todoist that lets you plan out your day. You don’t want to end up staring at a screen all day. So, for example, block out your classes and your study sessions. Then, also block out your recreational time. That way, you can enjoy both without feeling guilty for goofing off and not studying or vice versa.

8. Use Screen-Free Time for Active Learning

Sometimes it’s good to take a break from your devices to reinforce what you’ve learnt. For example, you can use active recall – testing yourself on what you’ve learnt – or mind mapping on paper to review key concepts without your laptop of phone. You’ll reduce screen fatigue, but you’ll also be more likely to retain information. 

Find the Balance That Works for You

As a student, it can be hard to balance screen time with study time. You might be using apps to be more productive, or maybe you’re creating a screen-free study zone. Whatever works for you, you’re on the right track. With some finesse, you can leverage technological advantages without them becoming a crutch or consuming your reading time, so enjoy the tech the right way!