School starts soon, so now is a great time to get ready for assignments, quizzes and exams. As EducationQuest’s resident nerd I’ll write about the tools that helped me (or my daughter), and tips so you can get the most out of them. Disclaimer: these are in no way sponsored blogs. I like these tools so much that I use my own money to access them. But if Rocketbook is interested in sending some freebies we might have something to reward you wonderful readers. First up, let’s fire up the boosters on your note-taking skills.
I’ve used an earlier version of Rocketbook for years. The original notebooks used special ink so you could write your notes and then erase the entire notebook by tossing it into the microwave. It worked great for a long time, but in the past few years, it wasn’t erasing very well. The new version uses a special pen that is erased with a damp cloth.
How Rocketbook works
Rocketbook has a variety of notebooks, I think mine has 20 pages, and each page has a front and back. The value of Rocketbook is that it converts your handwritten notes to digital notes. Uploading is super simple. Download their app, write your notes, scan it with your phone, then wipe it clean so it’s ready to write your next note. When I was working on my Master’s degree, I would reset the notebook each day. Each page has a QR code used to tag your notes. You can use the app to organize your notes or send them to another app. (I’ll write about it later, but my personal fave is Evernote.) I recommend the Core or Fusion notebooks. I have not seen it IRL, but the Academic Planner looks like a winner.
Additional benefits
Those concerned for the environment will love that you don’t need a notebook for each class. Since you can tag notes and use other apps to store notes you have unlimited ways to store your notes. Geeks will love the different ways you can use web-apps to do more, but if you are concerned about the tech, I can tell you the app is very user-friendly. I’m sure you’ll have no issues getting started. Plus, your back will love ditching a dozen notebooks to lug between classrooms.
Check out the notecards
In addition to notebooks, Rocketbook has notecards that work the same way. I wish these were available when I was in school. Notecards were a staple of my study routine. The only issue was the magnitude of written cards. I used an app called Quizlet, but it takes a lot to input my own text. If notecards have helped you, then check out the digital cards from Rocketbook.
Tips to get started
Before I go, some tips to help you get the most from Rocketbook notebooks or notecards.
- Download the app and set up an organization structure before you put pen to paper.
- Routine is key, set a reminder on your phone when you want to upload. Could be after class or at the end of the day. You have limited pages so maximize each page.
- I’ve tried to scan pages in lower light and have run into issues. Direct overhead light also caused issues.
Check out Rocketbook, and best of luck this school year!
By Jason Combs