Technology is often seen as a distraction, rather than an enabler of study. The ‘just one more YouTube video’ approach to dedicated procastination…

But, there is technology which can use its powers for good, as well as evil, and these, free, apps can help you give discipline to your learning or work and make you more productive.

There have always been plenty of these around in the Apple marketplace and Android apps have tended to receive a little less attention. These are all high quality – but if they don’t work for you, they’re free, so don’t moan too much…

Andie Graph:

In what may be the silliest but smartest decisions, the Andie Graph app actually looks exactly like your trusty old TI-83 calculator. All the buttons and everything. Andie Graph has all the functionality you’ve come to expect from a graphing calculator and more. The only downside is that there’s no landscape mode like you’d find on the built-in calculator on most smartphones.

Study Checker:

Do you suffer from Study ADD? If you’re like me, you sit down to figure out a useful bit of information only to be sidetracked by apps and shiny things. Study Checker lets you keep track (mostly automatically) of how much time you spend studying, taking breaks, and whatnot. It’s basically like Big Brother or a helicopter parent watching you learn. Recommended for anyone who might need a little more structure in their studies.

Speed Reading Trainer:

While not useful for everyone, speed reading is a fun activity to try out if you’re so inclined. More than a party trick, it can help you quickly skim / read text and digest the important bits. This app helps you by giving you specific text trials and offers analytics on how you’re doing.

School Timetable Deluxe:

Like the Study Checker app mentioned a couple apps ago, School Timetable Deluxe helps you add some structure and guidelines to your school day. Great for both teachers AND students, to be honest. It’s a bit rough around the edges (still being updated, not to worry) but has some powerful functionality like managing your curriculum, grades, and schedules. The schedule part is fabulous as it’s got a very Windows 8-y feel too it with all the color blocking.

Studyblue Flashcards:

You probably know Studyblue. They are those folks who help you make digital flashcards to improve your learning of just about anything. If you like flashcards, you’ll like this app. It feels like a premium app but, of course, is free!