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Tech Tips: Work Smarter, Not Harder

Fidget, to Boost Focus?!

November 7, 2024

Fidget Toys (just “Fidgets”, or sensory items). What are they? What do they do? How can they help me with my studies?

What Are Fidgets?

Fidgets are small objects that, most often, are manipulated with your hands. They are a source of movement (or sensory stimulation) when you need to sit still. Or, they are a source of movement when your body does best when it’s moving.

What do Fidgets do?

Do you find that when you’re sitting, your leg bounces? Or you’re moving around in your chair, picking at your nail polish, or twirling your hair? Do you also find that you’re maybe, not fully, focused on what’s going on around you?

Let’s put that into a classroom environment. You’re a student who doesn’t like to sit still, but can’t walk around the classroom during a lecture. You find that the longer you sit, still, your ability to focus lessens. Maybe to the point you’re not even paying attention anymore. …You’re not paying attention to your lecture… because your body needed an outlet, needed movement, and you couldn’t give it. Or could you?

Fidgets.

How can Fidgets Help?

Now you’re a student in a classroom with a fidget item. Something small. Discreet. Quiet. Something that you can do without others even noticing. You’re now giving your body that stimulation, that movement it needs, to allow you to focus. You’re doing it in a way that gives your body what it needs, without distracting others.

Did any of this resonate with you? Do you think fidgets could help you focus in class or concentrate more when studying? Then why not give them a try?!

Where to get Fidgets?

Fidgets can be purchased almost anywhere. But, did you know that you can borrow fidgets from the library? Giving you a cost-effective way to see if fidgets work for you? Or try out some different fidgets to find the right one?

Keep in mind: one size does not fit all! Fidgets help some people focus. Fidgets are distracting to others. Not everyone will find that fidgets help them, and not all fidgets will work even if fidgets do work for you.

Accessibility Features

October 24, 2024

We’re excited for this post! Why? This post will summarize previous posts on Accessibility Features built-into devices or applications. These features are essential for some, but beneficial for everyone!

Previous posts on Accessibility Features:

Other Technology Supports 2.0

October 17, 2024

Some of our previous blog posts didn’t fit nicely into the support areas we’ve already highlighted. That doesn’t mean though that we’re not going to point them out!

This week’s blog post is dedicated to great technology supports, we haven’t already included in the last few weeks!

Previous blog posts with other technology supports:

Task & Time Management Supports 2.0

October 3, 2024

Previous blog posts with supports for task & time management:

Organization Supports 2.0

September 26, 2024

Writing Supports 2.0

September 19, 2024

Previous blog posts with supports for writing:

Read&Write – Your “Multi-Tool” for School

September 12, 2024

Did you know that all students (and staff) at the College can access Read&Write? And that it’s absolutely free of charge? True story!

Read&Write (or R&W) has supports for reading, writing, comprehension, notetaking, translation, studying, and more! It’s both a desktop application and web extension – meaning you have access to the amazing features for both documents on your computer, or online!

Even better yet, there is a tutorial in LEARN you can take that will walk you through the process of installing Read&Write, and using it yourself! The tutorial has both text and video based instructions, and is designed so that you can pick and choose the modules that are important to you! Oh, and you can self-enroll in the tutorial!

Read&Write Resources:

Notetaking Supports 2.0

September 5, 2024

Previous Blog Posts on Notetaking Supports

Reading Supports 2.0

August 29, 2024

Why is this post titled Reading Supports 2.0?
That’s because we’ve already done a post titled Reading Supports, and just like you can’t have document headers with the same title, we don’t think you should have blog posts with the exact same title either!

Previous Blog Posts on Reading Supports

Welcome 2024-2025 Academic Year!

August 22, 2024

Maybe you heard of this blog from Red River Ready, maybe a friend told you about it, maybe you found a poster or table card somewhere around campus, or maybe you’re a returning student who is a long-time follower of the blog… However you heard about us, and whatever brought you here, we are glad to have you!

What to Expect

Tech Tips: Work Smarter, Not Harder is a blog dedicated to highlighting different technologies, or ways to use those technologies, whether they be apps, built-in features, or even strategies, all with the goal of making your academic (or work) life easier.

Stay tuned!
This is just a welcome post! In the weeks to come we’ll be posting some recap posts where we identify (what we call) a “support area” such as reading, and then outline the different posts we’ve done with resources to help you in that support area.

Stay Connected

Take a quick moment now and sign up for email notifications when new blog posts are added. This way during the busy parts of school, when you may need the supports the most, but have less time, you’ll get a reminder when new posts are added!

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota Oyate, and Denésuline, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.