From posting notices to opening up forums for discussions and staying updated on assignments, apps come to students' rescue

It’s probably difficult to spot a college student who doesn’t have a smartphone today. So it completely makes sense to put the technology that comes with it to full use. No wonder then that teachers and youngsters are relying on multiple apps to connect with each other and pass on important information. With colleges on in full swing, here’s a look at different ways in which apps help ease the stress...
For notices and updates
Not many have the time and patience to check the college notice board.So, a few city colleges have made it compulsory for students to download apps through which they can communicate relevant information. Saba Sheikh, a third year commerce student, says, “The monsoon has started and we don’t know when it will rain heavily. So, instead of calling up the college or our professor, we simply find out through an app if the college is shut for the day. Some of these apps are designed such that it lets users who share common interests interact with each other.”
For revising syllabus
Now, technology is making revision a fun exercise. There are apps that assist you in making revision charts, provide you with interesting quizzes and make mind maps. Akash Jash, a final year engineering student, says, “With flash cards, it is easier to recollect whatever we’ve studied.”
To know the number of lectures they’ve bunked
Lack of attendance is a common grouse for many. So, the next time you decide to bunk a lecture, find out your attendance percentage and then decide if missing out on the class is worth it or not. All you have to do is feed the number of lectures you have in a semester and record your minimum attendance requirement before you hit the snooze button on the alarm clock in the morning. Jerry Johns, a former engineering student, says, “Several times, we would miss out on a class because we would be up till late, completing our assignments. These apps, with their regular alerts and tips, helped me and my friends assess the number of lectures we could afford to skip.”
To impress future professors
If you thought you needed only good grades to get into a foreign university, think again. For behaviour and internship programmes are equally important. There are few apps that help students earn brownie points with prospective institutes. Reia Natu, a third year science student, says, “I’m planning to pursue either an MBA in marketing or MS in business analytics. I record all my achievements beyond my grades, causes for which I’ve volunteered and the internships I’ve done on some apps that are also used by professors globally. I’ve already received a good rating and offers from organisations to do a three-month internship as well.”
To capture lectures

Fear you will miss out on parts of an important lecture? Don’t worry, for there are apps that can record your classes. Now, students no longer have to scribble down notes. Just record the lecture — in both audio and video format — and listen to them when studying later in the evening. You can even share them with a friend who missed the class.
To avoid distractions
Similar to parental control softwares, certain apps have features that act as a ‘pop-up blocker’ of sorts. If you are in the middle of a lecture or are busy studying, you can block notifications from social media. Riddhima Desai, a second year commerce student, says, “At times, keeping your phone aside is not an option. For instance, when I’m studying for exams, I want to have my phone by my side so I don’t miss out on important calls. I instead block my social networking accounts for a while.”