Make Brain Waves with These Waterproof Study Tips

According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, more than 5 million students are taking at least one online course. Combine summer temps with eager online learners and you have a recipe for outdoor study options. Spend your summer tuning into these waterproof gadgets that can tighten up your study game. Keep your cool during lectures. […]

According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, more than 5 million students are taking at least one online course. Combine summer temps with eager online learners and you have a recipe for outdoor study options. Spend your summer tuning into these waterproof gadgets that can tighten up your study game.

Keep your cool during lectures.

Bluetooth earbuds allow you to stay connected without being tethered to your hardware. These nifty devices also won’t break the bank — some can be found for as low as $10. You can even grab a waterproof pair that will allow you to slip and slide through your professor’s most recent chalk talk.

Group study session? No problem.

There are many wireless speaker options to keep your group of beach buddies in the know. And if you’re feeling really adventurous, waterproof floating speaker options are available to maximize your learning and leisure.

Tip: Employ speech-to-text whenever you can to avoid typing and getting your device wet.

Learning in the shade.

The ultimate poolside laptop accessory is a sunshade that also acts as a splash guard. These range from $20 to $80. Think of it like a cabana for your computer. Tablet users can benefit from an anti-glare screen protector — typically under $5 at most outlets — so you can see your screen no matter where the sun is.

Tip: Use an aerosol duster to clean the ventilation ducts of your laptop, which can help regulate those hot summer temperatures.

Poolside

Power your devices — even near water.

Water and electricity don’t mix. And as a tech-savvy online student, you depend on electrical outlets to keep your devices charged. So if you plan on a lengthy poolside study session, consider purchasing a waterproof power strip. These tools contain protective material that minimizes the flow of electricity when in contact with water. Market costs are typically between $20 and $50 for the waterproof outlets, which makes them a great investment in convenience.

Tip: Waterproof doesn’t mean you can be careless. Take special precaution when you set up your power strip to maximize safety.

DIY tech accessories

If you are working poolside, bring a large towel and unfurl it all the way to the lip of the pool. Fold it over to double its water-blocking power. Have one other small towel on hand for drying your digits in between dips. Want even more protection? Raid the kitchen pantry and protect your tablet with a gallon-size resealable storage bag.

Tip: Invest in a waterproof keyboard skin that will keep water from seeping in.

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The great outdoors

Nature is free therapy and delivers positive psychological benefits. Research shows that spending time outdoors can lower stress levels, boost well-being, and reduce negative thoughts. Think about the last time you took in a majestic sunset or captivating mountainscape. Your refreshing outdoor excursion may also help you approach your online assignments in a different way. So bring your books to the beach, soak up some Vitamin D, and increase your odds of success in the classroom.

Tip: Create a checklist to keep track of your classwork inventory before embarking on your nature trek.

Brandon Dunnick

Director - Creative Services

Brandon is an accomplished design professional and strategic marketer who has a proven track record of developing successful, impactful, and creative communications. Brandon has more than 10 years of experience working in higher education. His work has been featured in Print magazine, HOW magazine, Communication Arts, and CMYK magazine. He’s also received many awards from the University & College Designers Association (UCDA) and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).