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India Today
5 days ago
- India Today
From Notes to Coding: 12 AI tools every student needs today
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming a regular part of student life, showing up in classrooms, on screens, and in study routines. It helps with managing time, understanding difficult subjects, and finding academic support when it's needed are using AI not just to finish tasks quickly, but to learn more clearly, organise better, and get help that fits their schools and colleges continue to move towards digital learning, AI tools are finding a place in daily education -- not as a replacement for teachers, but as a helping hand. From taking notes and writing code to breaking down research papers, these tools are changing how students approach their studies. Here's a look at how AI is being used by students to keep up, stay focused, and learn more effectively:STUDY MANAGEMENT TOOLSManaging notes, lectures, and time effectively is often a struggle for students. AI-powered platforms like Microsoft Copilot, Notion, and are helping students take notes, convert lectures into text, summarise content, and structure research tools are especially helpful for students with disabilities, offering features like speech-to-text and translation that make learning more taking care of repetitive tasks, students are able to focus more on understanding and CODING HELPERSadvertisementFor students in programming and engineering, AI coding assistants are making a big difference. Tools like GitHub, Copilot provide real-time code suggestions and help debug allows users to write code using plain language, while Codeium supports intelligent auto-complete and code tools save time and allow students to focus more on solving problems than fixing syntax errors. INTERACTIVE LEARNING AIDSMultimodal tools are expanding the way students engage with Gemini API, for example, allows users to input questions through voice, images, or handwritten helps students solve complex problems in subjects like Physics and Math by using visual and spoken interaction, rather than just typing or ACADEMIC SUPPORTWhen students struggle with heavy topics or long research papers, AI-powered tools like Claude AI provide real-time assistants can summarise dense material, help create citations, and personalise study also adapt to a student's learning style, making it easier to stay on track during exam season or while handling multiple MENTORING PLATFORMSadvertisementSome platforms now use AI to connect students with suitable mentors based on their interests and academic goals. Tools like Chatgpt, ADPList, Guider AI can help in providing the required mentor tools track progress, recommend next steps, and offer a structured approach to skill development and career digital mentoring support can be especially valuable for students preparing to enter the job AI can enhance learning, experts caution against too much on AI may reduce critical thinking and raise concerns around academic are encouraged to use AI as a support system -- not a replacement -- and always verify information for a balance between AI tools and human learning will be key to long-term InMust Watch
Time Business News
5 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
15 Psychological Principles That Make Productivity Apps Work
In 2025, productivity apps are more popular than ever, but have you ever wondered why they work so well? It's not just about digital checklists or reminders. The real reason lies in psychology. Today's top remote work productivity tools—from time tracking to habit builders, tap into our brains using science-backed principles. These apps don't just help you organize your day—they're designed to motivate you, reduce decision fatigue, and boost accountability. Whether you use tools like Todoist, Trello, Notion, or wAnywhere's productivity monitoring system, each one leans on subtle psychological triggers to drive behavior. Understanding this psychology can help both users and businesses choose the right tools—and use them more effectively. In this blog, we'll break down 15 psychological principles behind the world's most popular productivity apps. You'll learn how these techniques work and how to apply them in your daily workflow or employee monitoring system. Brief: Clear goals motivate action. Productivity apps turn vague plans into specific, actionable steps. Why it works: According to psychologist Edwin Locke's Goal Setting Theory, we're more likely to succeed when we have specific, challenging goals. Apps like Todoist or break big objectives into daily tasks, helping users stay focused and committed. Example: A project management app sends reminders for weekly milestones. This builds momentum, helping users feel progress regularly. Dopamine and Instant Rewards Brief: Humans love rewards. Apps use gamification to offer quick hits of satisfaction. Why it works: Checking off a task or earning a badge triggers dopamine release; the 'feel-good' brain chemical. Productivity apps like Habitica and Forest use this to reward task completion, encouraging consistency. Example: Every time you finish a task, the Forest app grows a tree—turning focus into a visual reward. Brief: Too much information overwhelms you. Good apps reduce mental clutter. Why it works: Our brains can only handle so much at once. Productivity apps simplify task management through minimalist design, daily planners, or drag-and-drop features. This helps users focus on priorities without overloading the brain. Example: Trello uses cards and columns to visually organize work, reducing decision fatigue. Brief: People remember unfinished tasks better. Apps keep those tasks visible. Why it works: The Zeigarnik Effect explains why unresolved tasks linger in our minds. Productivity apps use this by showing to-do lists and notifications, keeping users mentally engaged until the task is complete. Example: A time tracking tool like wAnywhere reminds remote workers to log hours or complete unfinished tasks. Time Blocking and Parkinson's Law Brief: Work expands to fill the time given. Time blocking limits this. Why it works: Productivity apps with calendar features help users schedule work in blocks. This leverages Parkinson's Law, which states that if you give yourself all day to finish a task, it will take all day. Short, defined slots drive focus. Example: Google Calendar lets you allocate 30-minute focus windows, increasing urgency and reducing procrastination. Brief: We're more likely to follow through if we commit in advance. Why it works: Commitment devices lock us into future behavior. Apps that set recurring tasks, countdowns, or public goals use this principle. They create a sense of accountability, especially in shared workspaces. Example: Apps like StickK let users commit to goals and even pledge money, increasing follow-through rates. Brief: Positive feedback makes habits stick. Why it works: When users get praise or visual rewards after completing tasks, it reinforces the behavior. This behavioral principle—rooted in B.F. Skinner's operant conditioning—encourages consistent app usage. Example: Notion lets you customize progress bars and dashboards that celebrate completed goals. Brief: People change behavior when they know they're being watched. Why it works: In team productivity apps or free employee monitoring software like wAnywhere, users become more productive simply because they know performance is tracked. This awareness boosts engagement and reduces idle time. Example: Time tracking tools show employees their activity stats, encouraging them to stay focused. Decision Fatigue Reduction Brief: Fewer decisions mean more energy for important work. Why it works: Apps like Todoist, TickTick, and Asana reduce choice overload by prioritizing tasks, suggesting daily plans, and offering templates. This preserves willpower for deep work. Example: A user opens the app and sees only today's top 3 tasks—not the whole week's chaos. Brief: Small prompts nudge us into action. Why it works: Whether it's a mobile notification or visual cue, behavioral triggers drive habit loops. Productivity apps use smart notifications to prompt check-ins, breaks, or the next steps. Example: Focus apps buzz every 25 minutes (Pomodoro technique) to cue breaks and prevent burnout. Brief: New habits form faster when linked to existing routines. Why it works: Apps encourage users to integrate tasks into daily life, like logging work hours right after starting their day. This builds a loop, making productivity a habit instead of a chore. Example: After your first Zoom call, a prompt reminds you to log that meeting time entry. Brief: We follow what others are doing. Why it works: Many apps show leaderboards, shared goals, or team progress. Seeing colleagues finish tasks or hit goals builds a culture of productivity. Example: A sales team using a shared dashboard sees everyone's performance, spurring friendly competition. Brief: Fear of losing is stronger than desire to gain. Why it works: Apps like HabitBull use streaks. Missing one day means losing progress, which many people work hard to avoid. Example: A 21-day productivity streak creates emotional investment. Users stay consistent to avoid breaking it. Brief: Initial inputs shape expectations. Why it works: Apps set benchmarks or default goals. For example, 'Plan your day with 5 tasks' becomes the mental anchor, even if you hadn't planned anything. This helps users take action faster. Example: Notion templates with pre-filled goals guide users into planning their day efficiently. Self-Determination Theory Brief: People are motivated by autonomy, competence, and connection. Why it works: Great productivity apps support independence (custom workflows), mastery (goal tracking), and community (shared tasks or chats). When users feel in control and skilled, motivation increases. Example: Tools like ClickUp and wAnywhere allow employees to manage how they track work, while leaders still get insights into overall performance. Whether you're an individual user or a company managing remote teams, understanding the psychology behind productivity apps can change the game. These tools aren't just digital planners—they're built around how our brains work. Features like goal setting, instant rewards, and social accountability aren't just convenient—they're strategically engineered to keep you on track. If you manage a team, pick tools that encourage positive behaviors, like habit-building, self-discipline, and transparency. If you're a solo user, look for apps that suit your brain's needs: do you crave visual structure? Try Trello. Prefer clean checklists? Go with Todoist. By aligning your workflow with these principles, you're not just getting organized—you're rewiring your brain to be more productive. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time Business News
5 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
How Quiet Innovation Is Reshaping Modern Businesses
In today's hyper-connected world, it's not always the loudest changes that matter most. While big tech launches and viral trends steal attention, the real transformation in modern business often happens in silence. Small shifts—automated systems, AI-enhanced tools, digital payments, and creator-led commerce—are quietly redefining how companies operate and grow. Let's explore how this silent evolution is taking place and why it's becoming essential for both traditional businesses and digital entrepreneurs alike. The old idea of running a business from a physical office, using manual ledgers and face-to-face banking, is now outdated. A growing number of professionals—from freelancers to influencers—are building enterprises entirely online. This isn't about flashy apps or overnight success. It's about using digital frameworks that enable flexibility, mobility, and control. A noteworthy shift can be seen in how individuals with strong social influence are blending personal branding with smart online infrastructure. For example, digital entrepreneurs are now integrating PayPal-style financial systems into their workflow to manage client payments, subscriptions, and service transactions more efficiently. A case study worth reviewing highlights how a public figure transitioned from entertainment to business, utilizing a hybrid digital model similar to Prince Narula's PayPal-powered setup to streamline revenue and customer access. This approach shows how even individual creators are quietly embracing fintech—without the need for traditional overheads. Automation used to be a tool for large corporations. Now, it's a daily reality for startups, freelancers, and even side hustlers. Tasks like scheduling, data entry, inventory updates, and customer support can all be handled by smart systems working quietly in the background. AI doesn't just save time—it enhances quality. For example, businesses no longer need expensive design teams for visual branding. Instead, they can use intelligent software that edits, enhances, and customizes content with just a few clicks. A particularly useful platform in this space enables users to generate or transform images quickly through AI, ideal for entrepreneurs needing branded visuals on demand. Whether you're resizing social media posts or refining ad banners, tools like Remaker AI for design editing simplify what used to be complex creative processes. This subtle shift allows businesses to scale without scaling their workforce—an efficiency once thought impossible. With the rise of cloud collaboration, asynchronous communication, and productivity tools, remote work has become a new norm. It's not just about working from home—it's about operating a business where location doesn't matter. Modern teams are built on tools like Slack, Notion, Zoom, and Google Workspace. But what's more interesting is how businesses are moving from centralized models to fully remote, tech-enabled operations. Payments are processed digitally, visual content is created using AI, and meetings happen virtually. This quiet revolution isn't celebrated with headlines, but it's redefining what it means to run a company. With smart infrastructure in place, entrepreneurs can launch global ventures from a single room—with minimal cost and maximum control. Personal brands are no longer just for influencers—they're legitimate business models. Creators, consultants, educators, and artists are building niche audiences and monetizing them directly. But the magic lies in the technology behind the scenes. Scheduling apps, payment processors, and AI tools help these individuals run their operations solo—without full-time teams. A personal trainer, for example, can record workouts, automate course sales, collect payments, and brand every video consistently using smart platforms. This is where tools like AI-based visual design assistants play a role. They allow solo business owners to maintain professional aesthetics without hiring designers, saving time and money while growing influence. These systems aren't loudly advertised—they just work, quietly supporting the personal brand economy. A major aspect of digital business today is getting paid—easily, securely, and globally. While platforms like Stripe and PayPal dominate, many entrepreneurs and creators are integrating their own payment flows using embedded systems or third-party gateways. The focus is now on convenience, automation, and cross-border compatibility. Whether you're selling eBooks, offering paid newsletters, or providing consulting, streamlined digital finance tools like the ones highlighted in creator-led business case studies are allowing users to skip banks entirely. As seen earlier with creators who are building financial platforms around their brand identity, it's clear that integrating smart payment systems early can make or break a business's ability to scale. Businesses don't just need to look good once—they need to look good consistently across all platforms. That means maintaining uniformity in Instagram posts, YouTube thumbnails, email banners, and ad creatives. This kind of design precision used to require full creative teams. Now, AI-based design systems allow businesses to generate multi-platform visual content from a single source file. These tools don't just automate—they think. They adjust color schemes, recommend layout changes, and even match designs to brand tones. Business is changing—but not with a bang. The biggest shifts are happening behind the scenes. Entrepreneurs aren't just working differently—they're thinking differently. They're choosing tools that reduce friction, platforms that do more with less, and systems that scale without attention. From influencer-driven fintech models to AI-powered creative platforms, the future of business lies in using technology so seamlessly that it becomes invisible. Those who quietly adopt these innovations are the ones leading the transformation—not because they shout about it, but because they work smarter every day. Success in the digital economy no longer requires massive funding or global teams. It requires awareness, adaptability, and smart decision-making. Whether you're a consultant, content creator, freelancer, or founder—embracing tools that simplify, automate, and enhance your workflow can be the difference between staying small or growing quietly into something big. And as the case studies linked above illustrate—whether you're exploring payment solutions built around personal branding or AI platforms that support everyday creativity—the right digital shift can turn even the smallest operation into a sustainable, thriving business. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
The Hindu
15-06-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Five must-have AI tools for students
With artificial intelligence (AI) disrupting every industry, education is no exception. AI is pushing the boundaries of what is possible in education by providing research assistance, offering individualised feedback, simplifying complex topics, and connecting students with mentoring opportunities. Here are five essential AI tools that students should explore to maximise their academic potential: Productivity tools: AI-driven productivity tools can help students organise their study materials, improve communication, and manage their time more efficiently. Tools like Microsoft Copilot, Notion, and assist in note-taking, transcription, and structuring research. They can also summarise key lecture points, convert spoken discussions into text, and generate well-organised study guides. Students with disabilities also benefit from AI-powered accessibility features like speech-to-text and text-to-speech functionalities and AI-powered translation services that make education more inclusive. By automating repetitive tasks, these tools allow students to focus on critical thinking and deeper learning. Coding assistants: AI-powered coding assistants can be a game-changer for students in STEM fields, especially those studying Computer Science and Engineering. GitHub Copilot provides real-time code suggestions, helps debug errors, and explains complex coding concepts. Cursor allows developers to write code using natural language instructions, along with other features like autocomplete and chat query function. Codeium helps developers write code faster and more efficiently by providing features like intelligent code completion, code generation, and code explanation. Students can focus on innovation and problem-solving by reducing time spent on troubleshooting. Multimodal tools: These enhance learning by processing and presenting information across multiple formats, such as text, audio, video, and images. Google's Gemini API enables students to interact with AI through voice commands, handwritten equations, and pictures, helping them tackle complex subjects like Mathematics and Physics. Tutors and research assistants: Students often face challenges understanding complex topics, conducting research, or preparing for exams. Tools such as Claude AI and AI-powered research assistants can help bridge these gaps by providing real-time explanations, summarising academic papers, and generating citations. These can create personalised study plans, track a student's progress, and offer tailored feedback based on individual learning styles. Research assistants make it easier to process large volumes of information by condensing complex topics into digestible summaries, helping students save time while ensuring a deeper understanding of their subjects. Mentorship: AI-powered tools help students connect with the right mentors based on their interests, goals, and learning styles. These platforms provide personalised recommendations, track mentorship progress, and ensure a structured approach to skill development. By leveraging them, students can gain valuable career insights, receive academic guidance, and build meaningful professional relationships that help them transition smoothly into the workforce. Ethical considerations While AI has enormous potential to improve academic performance and learning efficiency, issues with accuracy, cognitive disengagement, and ethical implications must be addressed for successful application. The emphasis must be on guaranteeing fair, efficient, and responsible experiences in AI-enhanced learning environments. Students must use these tools judiciously as over-reliance on AI for assignments can hinder critical thinking, and misusing AI-generated content may compromise academic integrity. To truly benefit from this technology, these tools must be viewed as 'assistants' and not 'substitutes'. Additionally, AI-generated information must be thoroughly verified for accuracy and relevance. Striking a balance between digital learning and human interaction will be crucial to fostering well-rounded academic and personal growth. The writer is the Co-founder of Scaler and InterviewBit.
Business Insider
13-06-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
I quit Big Tech to start my own business. Here are 5 AI tools that save me up to 15 hours a week.
For over a decade, I worked in Big Tech. To be honest, I loved it. I built programs and launched cross-functional initiatives at places like Meta, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Figma. I had incredible teammates, an amazing boss, and a total comp of $300,000 a year. I was learning from the best and growing fast. Then something inside me shifted, and I left. About a year and a half after quitting my job and starting my own business, I'm now a founder constantly improving my systems with the help of AI tools, allowing me to scale without burning out. Even as I thrived in my day job, I experimented on the side While still at Figma, I started posting content on LinkedIn, coaching job seekers who wanted to land fulfilling program manager roles, and building a community around career growth. That side hustle started to take off. I realized I didn't just want to help tech companies grow. I wanted to help people grow inside them. In early 2024, I left my full-time role at Figma to build my own business. I didn't make the choice out of burnout or bitterness, but because I saw a different path — one where I could design my own schedule, create work that felt meaningful, and scale impact in a way that aligned with my values. Today, I run a multiple six-figure business helping professionals land tech roles through a live cohort program, content creation, and brand partnerships. I've grown my audience to more than 300,000 across platforms without a full-time team. AI tools have become my go-to team behind the scenes. Here's how I've used them to get hours back, grow faster, and stay focused on what actually matters. 1. Fathom: My meeting assistant Time saved: ~3 hours/week As a coach and founder, I'm on Zoom constantly — whether it's sales calls, group coaching sessions, or networking 1:1s. I used to rewatch recordings or spend hours summarizing notes and writing follow-ups. Now, I use Fathom. It records my meetings, pulls out key moments, and auto-generates action items. I don't even have to leave Zoom — it connects with HubSpot and syncs the recording and summary to each contact. I save three to four hours a week, and clients and partners compliment how accurate it is. 2. Notion: My operating system Time saved: ~3 hours/week Before I went all in on entrepreneurship, my organization was all over the place. I used Google Docs for ideas, spreadsheets for planning, and Asana for task tracking. Now, everything runs through Notion. It's where I organize student feedback, build a real-time revenue dashboard, map out launches, and manage my calendar. I've even templatized my entire business inside it. I love the AI feature. It helps me summarize messy notes, write agendas, and surface the exact piece of information I need without digging through 10 tabs. 3. Fyxer: The reason I am inbox zero Time saved: ~5 hours/week Email used to drain me. I'd spend an hour writing five thoughtful follow-ups, only to fall behind again the next day. Now, Fyxer drafts 80% of my replies. It learns from how I write and handles things like student onboarding emails, brand partnership outreach, and thank-you notes. I just personalize and hit send. It's an invisible tool that makes a big difference. 4. ChatGPT (Custom GPT): Tailored résumé feedback at scale One of the most rewarding parts of my business is helping students rewrite their résumés. However, it's also one of the most time-consuming. I built a custom GPT that takes a student's current résumé and the job description they're targeting and rewrites it using Google's famous formula: "accomplished X by doing Y, resulting in Z." It highlights their impact, aligns with the role, and uses the results-driven language hiring managers look for, especially in strategic program management roles. It doesn't replace coaching, but it speeds up the process dramatically. Students still get a personalized experience, but I don't need to edit every single line myself. 5. Content creation prompts: My creative brain Time saved: ~4 hours/week People often ask how I consistently post across platforms. The truth is that I don't start from scratch. I use different ChatGPT prompts depending on the format. For LinkedIn, I might say: "Turn this student win into a three-part story with a clear takeaway." For newsletters, I'll ask: "Expand this idea into a personal essay that sounds like me." For video scripts, I go with: "Make this story punchy, with a hook and a clear CTA." Tone and pacing shift depending on the platform, and AI helps me map that out quickly. It's like having a creative assistant who understands my voice while recognizing copywriting best practices. I taught it my voice by providing custom instructions, feeding past posts, and refining outputs until it sounded like me. Instead of getting stuck on what to say, I get to focus on how I want people to feel. One day I looked up and saw that AI had quietly given me back 10 to 15 hours a week That's a full day and a half I could now spend on strategy, deep work, coaching, or rest. I wasn't always working, which is a new normal for me. I was building something that felt both sustainable and scalable. If you're in Big Tech doing meaningful work but starting to wonder if something else might feel more aligned, know that you don't have to burn out to build something great. All the experience you've gained so far won't go to waste. It will become the foundation for something that's aligned, intentional, and yours. You don't need a big team to scale. You need the right tools, a clear direction, and the willingness to show up, fail forward, and get 1% better each time. AI hasn't made me less human. It's made me more focused, present, and available for work I love.
