'Learn self-discipline' and 'master time management' top list of advice from surveyed post-secondary students to their past selves

Back-to-School survey highlights differences between high school and post-secondary students when it comes to computer use for soft skills and academics

TORONTO, Aug. 7, 2013 /CNW/ - If they could go back in time, 27 per cent of college and university students surveyed would tell their younger selves to boost their self-discipline skills, and another 26 per cent would advise improving time management skills in order to be successful beyond high school, according to a study released today by Intel Canada. It is good advice since students at all levels report feeling they are lacking in these essential areas - and that they are experiencing higher levels of anxiety as they advance in their education.

The amount of time surveyed students spend on a computer per session doubles from high school to university with the majority of post-secondary respondents spending one to two hours at the computer (36 per cent) versus 30 minutes to one hour among high school students surveyed (42 per cent).

Not only that, this survey highlights differences between high school and post-secondary students. Results show college and university respondents are far more effective when it comes to using technology to stay on track. In fact, 50 per cent of post-secondary students polled said they use technology to manage tasks such as to-do lists, while only 18 per cent of high school students do.

"This study shows us that younger students in particular could be doing a much better job of taking advantage of technology to boost their organization and time management skills," said organizational expert, Clare Kumar. "Only 43 per cent of high school respondents surveyed say they have good self-discipline and 42 per cent said they are good at managing their time. With the knowledge of how to tap into the right tools for their PC, students will be able to tackle the pressures they face in the coming school year, staying more organized and on top of everything they need to get done."

Ms. Kumar emphasizes the central role that computers can play in keeping students organized and on track - especially since they are already an often-used tool. Post-secondary students surveyed report using a computer on average 24 hours each week.  High school student respondents spend on average 16.4 hours per week.  However, it's not just the amount of time spent on their computers that differs; it's how the students polled are using their computers:

• Three times as many post-secondary respondents said they manage their time electronically than high school respondents (39 per cent vs. 12 per cent respectively)
• Five times as many post-secondary students surveyed manage their finances with their computer when compared with high school students (56 per cent vs. 11 per cent respectively)

Furthermore, when looking more broadly at computer usage than organizational tools, if they could only use their primary computer for one thing, surveyed students said:

• The top choice for post-secondary students surveyed was schoolwork (42 per cent) followed by surfing the web (18 percent) and streaming TV shows, movies and music (12 per cent)
• In high school, surveyed students' top pick was social networking (25 per cent) followed by schoolwork and gaming, both at 20 per cent

"Students looking for the best of both worlds when it comes to juggling schoolwork, social lives and foundational skills should consider a 2-in-1 device for the coming school year," said Graham Palmer, country manager of Intel Canada. "With full laptop that can easily convert into a tablet, there are options available so whether you're in class, at home or somewhere in between you'll have the computing power, and battery life, to make the most of each and every day."

Ms. Kumar also notes that honing organizational skills and using the right technology can help curb academic anxiety because it gives students the confidence to succeed. This is important because students at all levels reported anxiety. Nearly half (47 per cent) of high school students surveyed reported that school makes them anxious, as did 64 per cent of post-secondary students surveyed.

To determine the right technology for an individual's needs, parents and students can refer to Intel Canada's interactive computer matchmaker tool at: www.pcmatchmaker.ca. Included with this program is a free PC Recycle package donating all proceeds to local charities.

About the Poll
From July 11^th to July 15^th, 2013, an online survey was conducted among 519 randomly selected Canadian adults that are 18-30 years old that are a full-time student and have completed one year of college or university, and who are Angus Reid Forum panelists. An online survey of 526 Canadians aged 14-17 years old that attend public high school full-time was also conducted. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.

About Intel
Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) is a world leader in computing innovation. The company designs and builds the essential technologies that serve as the foundation for the world's computing devices. Additional information about Intel is available at newsroom.intel.com and blogs.intel.com.

Intel is trademark of Intel Corporation in the United States and other countries.
*Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

Image with caption: "Infographic illustrating how computer use changes between high school and post-secondary school. (CNW Group/Intel)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130807_C4348_PHOTO_EN_29574.jpg

SOURCE: Intel