Like any college student with a busy schedule, I spend a lot of time traveling from classes to work, internships and other events. Travel is a major aspect of life in general. I also spend several hours per week in a car traveling to work and school, even home for the weekends.

I am a student at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington. My hometown, Spokane, is only about an hour and a half away. That is an hour and a half away from my family and significant other. Needless to say, I go back there a lot and the drive is very familiar.

As my playlists of music became predictable and boring, I invested in audio books. I signed up for Audible and the audio book adventure began! As I drive I listen to various stories and novels and it makes it a much more enjoyable experience.

But I don’t want to waste my time just driving; I like to be productive.  This semester one of my classes has assigned required reading through Pearson Revel. Many times it is difficult for me to sit down and read a textbook without getting distracted and I end up avoiding the reading altogether. The features on Pearson Revel have helped me to improve my studying. While I drive, I listen to a chapter or two and it makes the hours of driving a much more productive experience.

Not only has this helped me improve my studying habits, but I am able to learn while I drive. Driving can be boring when the scenery is nothing new and you are driving by yourself. As much as I love music, audio books have become my go-to driving background music.

As the semester has progresses, I have seen my quiz grades improving. The content that we are quizzed on for reading is staying with me and the ability to multi-task and learn while on the go is perfect for my lifestyle. This is my senior year, but the way that I have been able to manage my time more effectively with reading in audio form has made an impact.  I wish I’d had access to Revel for previous classes.

Times are changing and technology is revolutionizing the classroom. Just one small aspect of incorporating technology into education has improved my college career. I encourage any student looking to be productive to take advantage of technology resources available. Not every assignment has to be just reading the textbook.