• Online study tools can help you increase your productivity and efficiency.B2M Productions/Polka Dot/Getty Images
  
  Studying remains about books, research, knowledge and absorbing information. Learning to studying properly is also part of the process, though. Organization, idea generation and discussion, and honing skills such as test taking are all part of studying. Online study tools geared toward boosting these skills are readily available if you want to improve your study habits.
  
  

Online Practice Tests

• Online sample and practice tests can be a way to enhance your studies. These tools are interactive and done in real time. You can find specialty tests for more specific areas of study as well as some for more generalized knowledge -- mostly for free.
  
  Even if you cannot locate a practice test or testing session that is exactly what you are in the midst of studying, you can use the tests as practice for the skill of test taking itself. Using online tools such as tests for practice purposes will help make you a better test taker in general as repeatedly practicing a task, such as taking tests, gets your mind in to the habit of being able to quickly read, analyze and thus answer the questions as they are presented to you.
  
  

Online Agendas

• Agendas can be created, stored and managed through an online website or even directly from the calendar function inherent to most email programs. The ability to have immediate access and a visual overview of which and when study tasks are due can help you become better organized and focused. An added benefit is that such agendas and scheduling tools often can be synchronized to smart phones, giving you instant access to your to do lists and upcoming events.
  
  

Online Study Groups

• Using social media sites or other online forums can provide one with an additional outlet to study with others that are trying to learn and absorb the same data and information. Creating or joining a page on a social media site can connect you with others in the same field of study. Through that medium, you can communicate either in the group setting directly on the web page devoted to the subject or engage in one-on-one conversations through email, chat or instant messaging. Additionally, online forums can serve as an outlet to garner support and guidance from others to keep your studying moving in the right direction. The almost-always available Internet means that you can ask and have questions answered any time of the day or night. The camaraderie that can develop among people studying similar subjects can help keep you on track and focused at the tasks at hand.