Getting Smart with Your Smart Phone
A smartphone can be a wonderful tool to help expand your knowledge. Essentially, a smartphone with service is like carrying a library in one pocket. There are so many ways to utilize your smartphone to learn. Here I will go over a few of the best apps to turn to when you’re ready to expand your knowledge!
YouTube
Stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire and not sure how to change it? Open your YouTube app and search ‘How to Change a Tire’. There will be several videos to choose from, giving you the option of finding the one that works for you. YouTube also has a various array of channels as well, many of them dedicated to learning. Channels on science, math, communication, general education, and finance. If you have an interest or a question, I am sure YouTube has a video or channel just for you!
The Great Courses
The Great Courses offer lectures that are professional and are given by expert professors. It’s like a having a college textbook in your pocket! Lectures are given on a wide variety of topics including literature, history, business, music, and more. The app itself is free and allows you to download or steam courses, although you may have to pay for individual courses. Considering the cost of a college course, The Great Courses may be worth a look!
Duolingo
Duolingo is an easy-to-use app that allows you to learn the basics of many other languages. Learn while in line at the grocery store or waiting for the kids to finish practice. Duolingo is a very easy to use the app and makes learning feel like playing a game by earning points for correct answers and race against the clock. There are several different languages to choose from, including Spanish, German, French, and Korean. Use your even the smallest window of downtime to learn a new language!
TED
If you’ve never heard of TED Talks, they are presentations given by expert speakers on various topics that really make you think. The presentations range from insightful to inspirational, from educational to topics of conversation. Find talks on issues that matter, become inspired, see things from a different angle. Ted Talks are a great way to start a conversation and revolutionize the world in which we live.
EdX
EdX allows you to use your smartphone to learn from established institutions like MIT, Harvard, and Berkeley with the possibility of even earning a degree at the same time! This app gives you access to lectures, quizzes, and assignments all at your own pace. Although some of the courses carry a cost, it’s far cheaper than taking out a student loan.
StarWalk
Are you into astronomy? StarWalk is an app that allows you to use your smartphone to interactively stargaze. Point your phone towards the night sky and StarWalk gives you information on stars, constellations, and celestial bodies. The app is elegant and high-quality, making your sky-watching experience interactive and knowledgeable. Learn the secrets of the stars!
Learning can be easy and fun and now with your smartphone, it is accessible from anywhere you have service. Next time you feel the need to learn something new or have a little downtime you’re not sure what to do with, take out your phone and increase your knowledge.