By Camryn Dilla / Staff Writer

Students at Missouri Valley College rely on technology every day to study, research and communicate, but many say the same tools that help them succeed can also become major distractions.

Many students rely on online platforms to complete their coursework. Senior Emily Greenfield, a double major in exercise science and psychology, said she frequently uses Google applications and Canvas learning management system to manage assignments and class materials.

“I use Google applications the most for my schoolwork, coupled with Canvas,” Greenfield said.

Greenfield said she also uses Google Scholar when searching for academic sources that may not appear in the college’s research databases.

Technology also helps students stay connected when working on assignments with classmates. Greenfield said email is the most reliable way she communicates with other students, especially during group projects.

“Usually I communicate with classmates via email because it is a common area we can all easily interact,” Greenfield said.

She added that email works well because Missouri Valley has a large international student population, making school email accounts an accessible platform for communication.

Despite its convenience, Greenfield said technology can sometimes make it harder to stay focused while studying. She said writing information by hand often helps her retain material more effectively.

“If I am trying to effectively study, I will use a notebook to better retain information,” Greenfield said. “Technology can help summarize information, but it can also be distracting.”

Other students say they prefer combining digital tools with traditional study methods. Senior Makayla Casjens, a biology major on the pre-med and pre-vet track with minors in chemistry and animal science, said she often studies using Quizlet and Google Slides.

Casjens said online study tools can be helpful but work best when balanced with handwritten notes.

“Technology can get distracting, and on paper is good for active recall learning,” Casjens said.

She also noted that some digital study tools include advertisements or require subscriptions, which can interrupt the study process.

Junior Cayden Roland, a small business management major, said he also uses technology frequently when preparing for exams or assignments. Roland said he often searches for information online and uses Quizlet for its flashcard feature.

Even though he relies on digital tools daily, Roland said technology can sometimes make it harder to stay focused.

“It’s a lot simpler when everything is just on paper,” Roland said.

Roland said he still uses Google Docs in nearly every class, especially when collaborating with classmates on group assignments.

As technology continues to evolve, it remains a central part of the college learning experience. For many Missouri Valley students, balancing digital tools with traditional study methods is key to staying productive while avoiding distractions.