For many pest management professionals (PMPs), smartphones and tablets are a lifeline. The devices give them access to optimal routes, appointment details, pest identification confirmation, on-the-fly changes to their day and more. At lunchtime, a quick game of Solitaire or a check of their Facebook page can be a nice diversion.
When it comes to studying for a licensing test or completing training, however, it’s a safe bet most PMPs haven’t thought of their mobile devices as a study aid. But a number of apps and features are available that can make them very helpful in that regard. Inspired by an online study guide for Scottish teenagers, of all things, here are just four examples:
1. Make a to-do list and follow it. Writing down the concrete steps of reaching your goal, whether they include revamping a training program or meeting the requirements of license renewal, can go a long way toward making it happen. Having it on your phone, where it’s with you nearly 24/7, makes it much more top-of-mind than having it locked away in a physical notebook or on the desktop you leave at the office. It’s a good idea to include a deadline with each step to keep you on task (see No. 2).
2. Create online calendar reminders. Say your company wants to conduct monthly training sessions with all employees but somehow the weeks fly by without it ever happening. Make a schedule and stick to it. Put the dates on the calendar, and invite co-workers to the event so it’s on their online calendars as well. For your own purposes, set a reminder alarm that goes off the week before, the day before, the hour before — whatever works for you so you don’t become double-booked or find some other excuse to skip it. Setting self-reminders to simply prepare for the upcoming meeting, or secure study and prep time, are also helpful.
3. Take advantage of a notes-taking app. Whether it’s using your phone as a personal recorder when you speak your thoughts, or as a notepad to write down what you want to remember, having your notes easily accessible (and editable) can help you study for your next test or take your training program to the next level.
4. Motivate yourself with music. A study playlist? Why not? Research has shown that listening to classical music when studying helps you retain information. On the other hand, the Rocky soundtrack might be just the thing to get you pumped for the otherwise dull project of prepping a study guide.
Beware the fun factor
The one pitfall to using your device as your study buddy is its many non-study features — Candy Crush, Netflix and everything in between. It can be like studying with the guy in class who wants to grab a beer first — and the next thing you know, the test is in 20 minutes and you’ve cracked more brews than books.
To keep from having distraction remorse, use your device’s timer feature. Set it for 45 minutes or so to focus on the task at hand. If you think you can stick to a second alarm, give yourself the next 15 minutes to surf the web to make the work more worthwhile.
The bottom line is that the more prepared you are for a test or training, the better off you’ll be. Having a digital assistant in your corner can help ensure success.
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