Using Technology Effectively

Technology can be one of the most powerful tools in a college student’s success toolkit—but only if it’s used with intention, skill, and awareness. In today’s digital age, being a digitally literate student means more than knowing how to open a document or submit an assignment; it involves navigating online platforms with confidence, evaluating information for credibility, protecting yourself from online threats, and using technology ethically and responsibly.

With the rise of AI and other advanced tools in the classroom, students are increasingly expected to understand not only how to use these technologies, but also when and why to use them—and when to rely on their own critical thinking instead. This chapter will help you harness the best of what technology offers, while setting boundaries that protect your focus, data, and academic integrity. By making tech work for you instead of against you, you’ll be equipped to thrive academically, stay safe online, and meet the evolving expectations of higher education.

License & Attribution

Phillips, K. D., Urrea MacMeans, T. R., & Niccum, H. N. (Eds.). (2025). Steps to success: Strategies to help you succeed in MATH 100 and beyond, © 2025 Arizona Board of Regents, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International license, except where otherwise noted.