Using mobile devices

Ideas for how to make the most of your mobile, mp3 player or iPod, camera, memory stick or PDA (personal digital assistant) while you study -

put your tutor’s details in your contact list so you can get in touch easily
set up reminders for tutorials or assignments on the calendar
create notes when you think of an idea for an assignment, or a question to ask your tutor
photo or video a whiteboard diagram, instead of copying it down
record audio notes to summarise key points
at a tutorial or dayschool, photo fellow students so you know who’s who on the forum (but get permission first)
check your facts on the web: try the library resources for your subject area including websites, online journals and online books
get help from other students by phone or text
use the mobile version of Google maps to find your tutorial or exam venue
access a dictionary or thesaurus online
upload sections of an etext for reading when you’re away from home
convert an etext to voice and listen to it
read your email online
back up your TMA files
download OU audio or video files to your mp3 player
use the calculator function
subscribe to podcasts and radio programmes related to your course subject
search the web for quizzes about your subject to check your understanding
subscribe to RSS feeds of relevant information
use it as a paperweight when you’re studying outdoors.

Use the feedback form - let us know how you use your gadget for your study.