[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.4.8″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.8″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.8″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.4.8″]<\/p>\n
Now that many students at Winona State are experiencing \u201cZoom University,\u201d or a college experience that is largely online, it may seem like class work is more manageable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Without having to worry about commuting or finding their classrooms, students now have a lot more time for studies. But that doesn\u2019t mean it’s any easier.<\/span><\/p>\n Like many students, I struggle with staying on task.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n All my classes are online this semester, which means it\u2019s crucial for me to separate my study time from free time. It\u2019s a lot harder to do than I\u2019d imagined!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Luckily, I\u2019ve found some online tools to help me stay focused and make Zoom University easier, too. Here are my favorites:<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/09\/Students_outside_laptop-1280-720.jpg” title_text=”Students_outside_laptop (1280-720)” admin_label=”Students Outside w\/ Laptops Image” _builder_version=”4.4.8″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”1. Dark Reader” _builder_version=”4.4.8″]<\/p>\n Okay, this isn\u2019t going to help you write your papers. But <\/span>Dark Reader<\/span><\/a> might help make looking at a screen all day every day easier.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This tool basically puts every webpage into a dark or night mode. It\u2019s super helpful for reading huge blocks of text on Google Docs, Outlook Docs, or even emails.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Dark Reader has definitely saved me a few blue-light headaches.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”2. Grammarly” _builder_version=”4.4.8″]<\/p>\n If you do a lot of writing–heck, even if you don\u2019t do very much–this app is great for catching any grammatical and tone issues that Microsoft Word might miss.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Besides watching for grammar, <\/span>Grammarly<\/span> <\/a>also suggests ways to keep your tone formal for papers and friendly for emails, or whatever else you may need.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As an English major, this is a lifesaver.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”3. Kosmi” _builder_version=”4.4.8″]<\/p>\n Okay, I\u2019ll admit it: I use this app for watching videos with friends.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n However, if you\u2019re in a group or even a class that needs to watch a video at the same time, <\/span>Kosmi<\/span><\/a> is perfect.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The admin of the group can start or pause a video at any time, and it reflects on all viewers\u2019 screens. There\u2019s a chat box on the right for you to ask questions or make comments (or tell jokes), as well as an option for sharing video and audio.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The best part? All you need is the URL or the video file, if you\u2019ve got it downloaded. It\u2019s that simple.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”4. Momentum” _builder_version=”4.4.8″]<\/p>\n Does the generic page for your web browser fail to inspire you? Fear not!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n1. Dark Reader<\/h2>\n
2. Grammarly<\/h2>\n
3. Kosmi<\/h2>\n
4. Momentum<\/h2>\n