Archive for: student

Ebay All the Way for Students

So school and college are starting back soon. Just a few short weeks, in fact. That means thousands, no millions, of young people will be met by costs that would normally have been put on daddy’s credit card. What makes this year worse is that there are few part time jobs around that would have normally paid for the laptops, textbooks, stationary and gadgets that are to be found in the typical student’s backpack. The situation is especially bad in Europe where students and those leaving school have led protests – even violent ones such as those in France and Ireland.

This is good news for Ebay, Amazon and the likes.

The sale of low-end student laptops online is rising. Why pay 600 big ones in store for the latest machine when you could have last year’s model that will satisfy all your needs for a quarter of the price? After all, when at college a decent word processer and internet access is all you need.

Other items which are making big sales in the ‘back to school rush’ are backpacks, art supplies, cameras, suitcases and technical equipment specific to certain courses such as design and engineering.

Here I stand tapping out this article on my phone beside Trinity College in Dublin as I’m away from my desk this week. Students walk by me with iPhones and Macbooks preparing their dorms for their third or fourth year in college. For this year’s freshmen it’s going to be Ebay all the way – in the opinion of this Crenk reporter at least.

Brightstorm Online Tutoring Goes Public

Korean backed company, Brightstorm, is making headlines by going live for the public. With $6 million invested, Brightstorm looks to offer students of all ages an opportunity to receive online tutoring through a series of web videos based on the subject. There are currently 20 instructors on the site offering assistance with a variety of courses including History, Government, Math, and SAT prep. I’m sure the site will expand its offerings and possibly increase the number of instructors as the site grows.

Now there is a price involved. For $50 a course, the videos are made available for you to watch, ranging from 10-20 min. in length depending on the subject matter. Students and parents are able to watch samples in order to decide whether they enjoy the instructor or not, and obviously to decide whether the quality and value is worth the money. The video courses will also offer pop-quizzes, interactive challenges, and other dynamics to keep the student aware and involved as much as possible.

I commend the efforts of Brightstorm, and while they may not be the only fish in the sea in terms of online tutoring sites, they appear to be the best organized. Can a student learn better from an online video tutor as opposed to an in person tutor? That will remain to be seen.

Geek Gifts for Back-to-School

It’s that time of year again, and perhaps you or someone you know is headed back to school. For those of us who have been there done that, it’s only fair that we try to provide for those returning with the tools to get them ahead, to keep them on top of things.

I’m not talking about books, or rulers, or fancy computers, heck most universities and colleges tie that into their tuition now-a-days, but the little things that make life just a little easier.

Well if you’re reading this tech site, then you’re a Geek. No worries, Geek is the new chic, so embrace it. Thanks to sites like ThinkGeek, the geek in all of us can find something to make us a little happier, if not geekier.

Here are the Top 10 Geek Gifts for the back-to-schooler!

1. Neverlate 7-Day Alarm Clock: Never be late again for your class, your meeting, or your exam. This alarm clock actually lets you set seven different wake up times to provide you the maximum amount of sleep you can get without forgetting to change the time like other standard alarm clocks. If anything’s been cancelled, no worries, just turn that alarm for that day off without affecting the other presets. Give it a try, you might actually find yourself showing up on time…just don’t make it a habit!


2. Utili-Key 6-in-1 Tool: So now-a-days most people don’t feel comfortable carrying around their utility knives, but the tools on there were so useful. You need something economical, compact, but provides all the same usability. The Utili-Key is just such a tool that is small enough to fit onto a standard key chain ring. Provides a small serrated blade, various screwdriver sizes, and a bottle opener. You never know when something like this could come in handy.


3. Original Ring Thing: How many times have you been caught with a bottle and no bottle opener? It’s happened to all of us, and rather than risk breaking the bottle against a corner or using your teeth to pop the top, wouldn’t it be nice to have something on you that you would have worn anyways? It’s possible with this ring that acts as a bottle opener as well. Come to the rescue of yourself and your buddies with this amazing fashion meets functionality piece.


4. Marshmallow Shooter: Who knows why we do the things we do in high school and especially college? Perhaps it’s all the studying resulting in mind overload. Nevertheless pick up this little item and let the good times roll. Whether you’re having marshmallow shooting competitions, shooting into your friend’s mouth, or just feeding yourself, this device puts your hands out of business. Eating marshmallow with your hands is the old, the Marshmallow shooter is the new. Enjoy!


5. Keep out of Direct Sunlight: So the common myth about geeks and computer nerds is that we’re all pasty colored and nocturnal fearing the real world and life in general. Well buck the system guys and gals with this tongue-in-cheek shirt that declares that you are well aware of the rumor and defying the norm. Why not let what you wear make a statement?


6. STFU University Hoodie: Do you ever have those days where school spirit just seems a little overwhelming and maybe even a little fake? You know the whole cheerleaders, spirit squad, furry costumed mascot and everyone shouting “RA! RA! RA!”? Well on those days show your support for STFUniversity. If you have to ask don’t buy. For of us that know STFU very well, doesn’t it make your lives a little easier to share that spirit with others, if not a little quieter? See you at the next rally!


7. Procrastination: What else do I have to say? A lot of us lived by this mantra in college, at least in our first two years or so. Sure we may have buckled down to wrap up our degrees and prepare for the real world, but really, how many of us really dropped this habit? For those of us who still languish in the land of procrastination, support it by placing this poster up and be proud!


8. Case o’Bawls: With all the energy drinks on the market it’s hard to find one that really fuels you for those long nights on World of Warcraft, or perhaps that late DnD mission. Well if you’ve done either, then you know Bawls. Boot your roommate out and make Bawls your friend. These cases will fuel your late night binges and entertainment romps when you start to feel weary.


9. Shower Shock Caffeinated Soap: So you got the 7-day alarm clock thing going for ya, but being up and being awake are two different things. Don’t wait 10 min. for that coffee to brew! Jump into the shower and blast your senses wide awake with caffeinated soap! This completely safe to use soap has been featured on CNET, TechTV, Good Morning America, and other media outlets. Work up a good lather and let your body soak up the go-juice.

Photo Credit, all photos provided by ThinkGeek