A lot of incoming college students may be surprised at how much time they are going to spend on working with technology. Depending on which part of the world we come from, the study software that we are used to using can be very different. Let me introduce some study software that U-M students often use so that you can get familiar with them.
First thing I want to talk about is Google Suite. This is so commonly used here. Whether it is a group project that needs all the members in the group to work at the same time, or meeting minutes created to make sure everyone is on the same page, we use Google Suite 99% of the time. You can also use it to write your essays, make posters, organize your schedules, create a form for people to answer, upload documents to the drive, share folders with others on the drive, and so on. Google Suite is free for use. If you would like to share documents with anybody, just copy the link and choose whether you want them to edit or not. You can leave comments at any part, and all the work will be saved automatically as long as you have access to Wi-Fi. There is no need to worry about some requirements that ask you to turn in your work in doc. You can download your documents as Microsoft Word, OpenDocument Format, PDF Document, Web Page and so forth. There is so much for you to explore.
The platform that we use for all the classes is Canvas. It is somewhat similar to Microsoft Teams. As long as you enroll in a class, you can find that class on Canvas. Your instructors will upload all the study materials here. It is also a place for you to check your grades, see upcoming assignments as well as deadlines, upload your assignments, review syllabi (which is a document made by your instructors to show all the general overview and guidelines about your course), and interact with your instructors. You can open Canvas webpage on your computer or download Canvas app on your mobile phone. I’m sure that you will open this platform so often.
Many students tend to ignore how powerful a calendar can be. It can be Google Calendar, a calendar that comes in your phone or any calendar apps or software, whichever you prefer. I did not use a calendar at all before coming to college, but right now I have to say that calendar really saves my life. Unlike high school, where teachers keep knocking at your doors and reminding you of your upcoming assignments, it’s your responsibility to check all the assignments and remember all the due dates at college. Plus, you may have so many things going on everyday at U-M. It is helpful to mark your due dates, club meetings, office hours and events on your calendar so that you can’t forget them.
I also would like to talk briefly about some research software. U-M is such a big research school. Some of you may do research during your time here. Depending on what types of research you pursue, you may have to use different research software. I know some STEM research uses Jupyter Notebook and Pycharm for coding. I personally did research on social science in my first year at U-M. I use Zotero and Endnotes a lot because they are so useful to keep everything organized. I can record hundreds of sources in these two software, such as news articles, blog posts and academic essays. Zotero and Endnotes can also automatically create citations in your desired formats for you, which you need in many essay writings.
Study software that wolverines usually use are not just limited to these. There is so much more for you to explore. Remember that whichever works for you is the best. Additionally, please keep in mind that U-M Information and Technology Services is always here to help if you need any assistance.
Zoe (Zhiyi) Zheng
Summer Orientation Peer Advisor
Undergraduate Student
China
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