10 Types of Digital Tools Every Student Should Know About

Students are increasingly relying on digital tools to enhance their learning experience at every level.

Learners across the UK are tapping into a wealth of online resources and applications to boost their productivity, improve their understanding, and streamline their studies.

1. Note-taking and Organisation

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Digital note-taking tools have revolutionised the way learners capture, organise, and review information. One standout option is OneNote, part of the Microsoft Office suite widely available in UK schools and universities. This versatile application allows students to create digital notebooks, insert handwritten notes, add images and audio recordings, and even collaborate with classmates in real-time.

Notion has gained popularity among UK students for those seeking a more streamlined experience. This all-in-one workspace enables users to create personalised dashboards, linking together notes, to-do lists, and project trackers. Its flexibility makes it suitable for various subjects and study styles, from literature reviews to scientific experiment logs.

2. Revision and Exam Preparation

Digital tools can play a crucial role in effective revision as exam season approaches. Quizlet, a popular flashcard app, allows students to create and share study sets on various topics. Its spaced repetition system helps optimise memory retention, making it particularly useful for subjects requiring rote learning.

Official preparation apps offer practice questions and simulated exam experiences for those preparing for standardised tests like the IELTS or GMAT. These tools can help familiarise students with the exam format and identify areas needing improvement.

However, one of the best exam prep steps is by looking at study notes for the specific class you’re taking. You can find study help resources at Studocu. They offer top-rated study notes from students taking the same courses as you.

3. Collaboration and Communication

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The shift towards blended learning and group projects has heightened the need for effective digital collaboration tools. Microsoft Teams, widely adopted by UK educational institutions, offers a comprehensive platform for virtual meetings, file sharing, and project management. Its integration with other Microsoft tools makes it a one-stop shop for many students’ collaborative needs.

For more informal collaboration, Slack has become increasingly popular among student societies and project groups. Its channel-based communication system allows for organised discussions on various topics, making it easier to keep track of different aspects of group work.

4. Time Management and Productivity

Balancing coursework, extracurricular activities, and personal life can be challenging for students. Digital tools and student management apps can help manage this juggling act more effectively. Forest is a unique app that encourages focus by allowing users to plant virtual trees during study sessions. It’s particularly appealing to environmentally conscious students, as the app partners with real-tree planting organisations.

Trello offers a visual way to organise tasks and projects for those who prefer a more structured approach. Its board-based system is intuitive and can be adapted to various study methods, from Kanban-style workflow management to long-term project planning.

5. Research and Reference Management

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Effective research is crucial for academic success, and digital tools can significantly enhance this process. The British Library’s electronic resources, accessible to many UK students through their institutions, provide a vast array of academic journals, e-books, and primary sources. Combined with tools like Zotero or Mendeley, students can streamline their referencing process, automatically generating citations in various styles including the commonly used Harvard referencing system.

Rayyan is a free web-based tool that simplifies the screening and selection of relevant studies for those conducting literature reviews or meta-analyses. It’s particularly useful for postgraduate students embarking on dissertation projects or systematic reviews.

6. Subject-Specific Tools

While many digital tools are universally applicable, some are tailored to specific subjects or skills. For mathematics and science students, Wolfram Alpha is an invaluable resource. This computational knowledge engine can solve complex equations, visualise data, and provide step-by-step solutions to mathematical problems.

Language learners can benefit from apps like Duolingo, which gamifies the learning process, or Tandem, which connects users with native speakers for language exchange. These tools can complement formal language courses and provide opportunities for practical application.

Canva offers a user-friendly platform for creating visual content for arts and design students. Its templates and drag-and-drop interface make it accessible even to those without extensive graphic design experience.

7. Accessibility and Inclusive Learning

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Digital tools have significantly enhanced accessibility in education. Text-to-speech software like Natural Reader can benefit students with visual impairments or reading difficulties. Similarly, speech-to-text tools such as Otter.ai can assist in notetaking for students who struggle with traditional methods.

Tools like Brain in Hand provide personalised support and coping strategies for neurodiverse learners. This UK-developed app has been embraced by many universities as part of their support services for students with autism or anxiety.

8. Data Analysis and Visualisation

As data literacy becomes increasingly important across disciplines, tools that simplify data analysis and visualisation are gaining prominence. Tableau Public offers a free version of its powerful data visualisation software, allowing students to create interactive charts and graphs for presentations or reports.

JASP provides a free, open-source alternative to commercial software like SPSS for those working with statistical data. Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible to students without extensive statistical background, while still offering advanced features for more complex analyses.

9. Digital Wellbeing and Mental Health

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Spending a lot of time online can contribute to stress and anxiety. Recognising this, several tools have been developed to support students’ mental health and well-being. Headspace, a meditation and mindfulness app, offers guided sessions to help manage stress and improve focus. Many UK universities now provide free access to premium versions of such apps as part of their student support services.

Apps like Sleep Cycle can help analyse and improve sleep quality for those struggling with sleep patterns, often disrupted by late-night study sessions. These tools can contribute to better overall well-being and academic performance by tracking sleep patterns and offering personalised wake-up times.

10. Cybersecurity and Digital Literacy

Understanding cybersecurity and maintaining digital literacy becomes crucial as students increasingly rely on digital tools. The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre offers free resources and tools for students to learn about online safety. Their Cyber Aware campaign provides practical advice on creating strong passwords and protecting devices.

Tools like Grammarly help improve writing skills but also raise awareness about digital communication etiquette. Its plagiarism checker can educate students about academic integrity in the digital age.

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Manuela WillboldEditor in Chief

Blogger and Educator by Passion | Senior Online Media & PR Strategist at ClickDo Ltd. | Contributor to many Education, Business & Lifestyle Blogs in the United Kingdom & Germany | Summer Course Student at the London School of Journalism and Course Instructor at the SeekaHost University.