Low-Tech Organization: The Hipster PDA

One of my favourite answers to the question “What is a hipster?” came from a friend during my first year of law school who explained, “You know, every T-shirt they own costs either $1 or $100.” What’s true for fashion in this case is also true for personal organization. While you could shell out hundreds of dollars for the latest smartphone and apps to organize your academic life, you might consider the more affordable option of getting a stack of index cards and a binder clip from a dollar store. You’ll also need something to write with – but that’s it.

This is an old idea that I first came across on a blog a called 43 folders. If you follow the link, you’ll see that the original post is dated Sept 3, 2004. (Yes, 2004! That’s why this is called the hipster PDA, not hipster smartphone.) The core of this concept is simple. You keep various index cards close at hand in order to monitor things that are important to you.

This semester my students have included:

15 white cards – 1 for each week of our semester, including reading week

8 blue cards – 1 for each quiz

2 yellow cards – 1 for the midterm + 1 for the final

1 red card for the assignment

While there are many possible ways to use the hipster PDA I’ve encouraged my students to do a few specific things.

1.  Sort the cards in chronological order

The weekly white cards form an obvious sequence, but I’ve asked my students to slot the blue, yellow and red cards that represent evaluations in the order that they will occur.

2.  Write down questions

I’ll only see this class for 3 hours each week, so I don’t want my students to forget their important questions.

3.  Note incorrect answers from quizzes

The quizzes in this course are essentially practice for the more weighty midterm and final. Correcting any misunderstandings before the big tests will help ensure no one makes the same mistake twice.

4.  Write down the main points from each class

Believe it or not, every class contains key concepts. If my students can identify them soon after class they’ll know they’re on track. If they can’t, they’d better have questions (step 2)!

5.  Plan when to study

I’m a fan of setting aside specific blocks of time for specific tasks. Even if it’s only a commitment to oneself, writing down a time and date can encourage you to stay on task. If something changes, just make a new plan.