Technology allows students to learn from anywhere around the world, so why not put it to work helping you get through those distance learning classes? Here are 10 programs, gadgets, and tools to make your online learning experience go smoother:

For Class Time:

1. Wireless internet card: Stop wasting precious study time trolling around for a café with free wifi and take the internet with you everywhere with this device.
2. Computer privacy shield: If you’re someone who’s always working on the go, use this to keep other people from uninvitingly proofreading your term paper.
3. Soundproof headphones: Online courses require your complete attention, so keep these around to tune out all distractions.
4. Video chat software: Link up with your professor or classmates to clarify concepts or review for an exam with video chat programs such as Skype, and get in the face-time that many online students like once in a while.

For Notes and Assignments:

1. Mini USB Flash drive: Don’t be tied down to one computer or study location. Back up all course documents on this and make any computer a study zone.
2. Voice recorder with a built-in USB port: Do you learn best by hearing things? Use this device as an auditory note pad to record questions or mnemonics that come to mind while squeezing studying into some free time, like during your commute to work.
3. Microsoft Office OneNote: Keep organized and use this program to maintain of all your class notes and assignments.
4. Digital post-it notes: For notes that don’t necessarily fit in with lectures or assignments, leave these little reminders on your computer ‘s desktop. You can easily refer back to them later.
5. Digital calendars: These calendars will help you keep track of your assignments and tests. Link them up to your email or smart phone, and you can get reminders whenever an assignment is due.
6. Citation formatting software and sites: Computer software and Web sites such as ScholarWord, EasyBib, BibMe, and CitationMachine take the hassle out of organizing and attributing sources.