When you have multiple papers and projects due, research topics to brainstorm and exams to study for, time management, or actually finding any time at all, can be a real challenge. How can you keep up with all your assignments, avoid distractions and stay focused?
To increase your productivity and concentration, there are a collection of resources available to you as a Thomas Edison State University student. From 24/7 tutoring to citation shortcuts, use these tools to make your school life easier and get the job done in the time you do have.
Brainfuse
Powered by Brainfuse, you have free access to live, on-demand tutoring in a wide array of subject areas in your courses. Additionally, the service features a Writing Lab for comprehensive writing assistance and a study center with various academic tools.
You can access free online tutoring services directly in your courses or by going to the General Information site.
Time Saved: A frustrating evening trying to understand how to solve a confusing math problem.
New Jersey State Library
As a student at the University, you can get special, free online resources through The New Jersey State Library. Register for a library ID card online and get electronic access to the library’s databases, electronic journals, eBooks, audiobooks and more.
Time Saved: 20 minutes wondering if a source is scholarly enough for your research paper.
Virtual Academic Library Environment (VALE)
VALE provides electronic access to research databases, e-journals and data, digitized primary sources, and newspapers, as well as the world’s largest collection of dissertations and theses. Use ProQuest and EBSCOhost to find relevant sources, and click on the “Cite” link to generate a citation according to the style you need. You can access VALE through myEdison®, under the "Educational" tab in "My Resources.”
Time Saved: Ten minutes figuring out how to properly format an APA citation for a single journal article.
PrepSTEP
If you are looking for practice tests, study tips, tutorials or skill-building exercises, PrepSTEP is a one-stop-shop for your academic and career needs. Explore strategies and advice on writing and math skills, prepare for graduate school admissions exams and learn key job interview skills. PrepSTEP is located in myEdison® under the "Educational" tab in "My Resources.”
Time Saved: Three hours spent scoring and assessing your own homemade practice test.
myEdison® Student Discussion Board/Textbook Swap
Often an overlooked resource, the Student Discussion Board/Textbook Swap is a forum to post your perspectives on a variety of topics, such as courses, tests, mentors and much more. Buy and sell used textbooks for courses and TECEP® exams from other students. The open discussions are located under the “Student” tab, within “My Resources” and under “Tools & Forums.”
Time Saved: Five minutes per Google search looking for mentor reviews in your upcoming courses.
ProctorU
ProctorU is a convenient testing option that allows you to take a test on your home computer with a live proctor, in real time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To use this option, you must have a webcam, specific computer requirements and audio capabilities. You can schedule an exam with ProctorU through a link available in your course space.
Time Saved: One hour to commute to an appropriate testing location and take a test in the pen/paper format.
Bonus Time Saved: Several hours of panic realizing that you forgot to schedule your final exam, and the grade must be submitted by midnight.
Do you have any essential time-saving tips that other students might want to know?
