UndergradSkiller: Skill Set Map for Undergraduates and Their Educators

LEARNING AND SELF-MANAGEMENT: Time Management and Focus

Digital Focus Tools

Digital distractions are a major obstacle to focused study. A range of tools and services exist to help students track their device usage, block distracting apps and websites, and build better focus habits:

The Reduce Digital Distraction Project. (n.d.). Digital focus tools. https://reddfocus.org/tools

Annotation: Curated collection of tools and techniques for reducing digital distraction, organized by strategy: tracking device usage, setting digital boundaries (blocking websites/apps, hiding distracting features, limiting notifications), using focus timers, and redirecting away from distractions. Includes options for Mac, PC, Linux, Android, iOS, and browser extensions.

FocusMate. (n.d.). FocusMate. https://www.focusmate.com

Annotation: Virtual body-doubling platform that pairs users with an accountability partner via video call for focused work sessions of 25, 50, or 75 minutes. Based on the principle that working in the presence of another person improves focus and reduces procrastination. Free for up to three sessions per week.

Apple Support. (n.d.). Set up Screen Time for yourself on Mac. https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/mac-help/mchle4e2edfe/mac

Annotation: Apple's official support page explaining how to set up and use Screen Time on Mac to monitor app usage, set downtime schedules, and configure app limits.

Android Help. (n.d.). Manage how you spend time on your Android phone with digital wellbeing. https://support.google.com/android/answer/9346420

Annotation: Google's official support page explaining how to use the Digital Wellbeing features on Android devices to track screen time, set app timers, and manage notifications.

Peer Review: None

Table of contents:

4.1. Finding Help and Support
4.1.1. Seeking Support
4.1.2. Communicating with Professors

4.2. Learning and Study Skills
4.2.1. How We Learn
4.2.2. Metacognition
4.2.3. Study Strategies
4.2.4. Studying in STEM
4.2.5. Note-Taking and Lectures
4.2.6. Exam Preparation

4.3. Time Management and Focus
4.3.1. Time Management Strategies
4.3.2. The Pomodoro Technique
4.3.3. Understanding Procrastination
4.3.4. Staying Motivated

4.3.5. Digital Focus Tools

4.4. Reflective Practice
4.4.1. Growth Mindset
4.4.2. Reflective Practice Tools

4.5. Wellbeing
4.5.1. Mental Health
4.5.2. Personal Wellbeing
4.5.3. Digital Wellbeing
4.5.4. Stress Management
4.5.5. Budgeting
4.5.6. Finding Friends

4.6. Adapting Your Study Approach
4.6.1. Neurodiversity and University
4.6.2. Studying with ADHD
4.6.3. Studying with Dyslexia and Assistive Tools

4.7. Skills and Career Planning
4.7.1. Identifying Your Skills
4.7.2. Setting Goals
4.7.3. Career Planning
4.7.4. Postgraduate Study
4.7.5. Internships and E-Learning

 

Author: Leeanne Irwin

Peer Reviewer(s): None