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By Cameron Fragoso

   A central goal of the Student Technology Consultants is to help students find the right tech tools for their educational preferences. We’ve combined this mission with the rising popularity of the Enneagram, a personality theory that categorizes people based on their core values. If you already know your type, you can dive right in. If not, you can identify your type via an or self-diagnosing by reading through the . You can also use those descriptions for a broader, more detailed description of your personality. Hopefully this article provides some clarity on the never-ending difficulty of learning how to be a remote student!

1: The Reformer
ex. Plato 

   Ones are known as ‘Reformers’ because when at their best, they are most likely to change the world for the better. Their organized minds and reliability allows them to see the most efficient way to do what needs to be done and ensure that it’s done by the deadline. Fortunately, for Reformers, this makes them natural students. As self-driven individuals, they typically have a system for learning which doesn’t fail, because Reformers don’t allow it to.

   However, type ones tend to struggle with change, and switching from in-person to online learning demands a dramatic adjustment. Learning to view the shift in education as a change that allows for more personal accountability may be beneficial for type one students. To enhance the sense of self-sufficiency, Reformers ought to consider using a to-do list app, like . (If you want to learn more about Microsoft To-Do, you can check out MingMing’s description in Episode 2 of the !) From the simple ‘Reminders’ app already installed on most phones to more complex, interactive downloadable apps, these tools can help Reformer students stay in their comfort zone with organization while also adapting to the ever-changing technological environment. Similarly, Reformers may find solace through stress relief apps. A few that are frequently used and rated highly include “”, “”, and “”. This is an easy way to assist type one students in managing their stress levels. During a time when they may not be able to accomplish as much as they’re used to, it is valuable to have a tool to help them unwind.

2: The Helper
ex. Stevie Wonder

   Type twos, or ‘Helpers,’ are naturally drawn to other people. They feel their best when assisting other people. Helping others with their problems fulfills type twos, but Helpers can be excessive and overbearing when this happens to an unhealthy extent. In this case, the desire to help is overshadowed by the need to be recognized as a Helper. In a classroom setting, type twos are the first to encourage a comfortable environment and leap at the chance to take part in group work. Helpers experience great difficulty with online schooling because it’s harder to build relationships, and without relationships, they have no one to empathize with. This threatens a Helper’s sense of self.

   To combat the feelings of worthlessness type twos are prone to at a time when it’s difficult to feel connected to others, finding ways online to build community is essential. In class, reaching out and suggesting a class group chat is a great way to feel connected. An app called “” is commonly used in most classes to create a platform for class discussion among students. The platforms “,” which features mobile avatars and life-like voice chat, and “,” which includes video and audio channels, are less known, but equally beneficial platforms for communication. This fulfills Helpers need to be useful, and having a place where everyone can ask questions and discuss material makes room for type twos to feel close to people.

3: The Achiever
Ex. Lucy Liu

   ‘Achievers’ are known as such because they seek to consistently add accomplishments to their name. Type threes work hard and appreciate seeing this returned through recognition and tangible rewards. In a classroom setting, this desire to succeed is amplified and can often become competitive. With the shift to online learning, Achievers do not have a built-in break from sitting and working as they do when walking between classes on campus. Type threes have a tendency to work on a task until it’s completed, and this can result in hours staring at a laptop screen. However, Achievers are also naturally competitive which causes them to try and finish their assignments as fast as they can, often resulting in work which does not represent their full potential. As ambitious students, type threes will try not to allow the pandemic to deter their success, although they may struggle without a familiar classroom reward system. In class, when they answer a question, the teacher provides both verbal and physical feedback. Over Zoom, this response may not come through.

   In order to make the most out of online learning, Achievers could consider apps which remind them to take a break from their computer. “” is a downloadable app tailored to remind you to take breaks at what it decides are the most optimal times. If you download it to your computer, the app is able to track your productivity. Therefore, it will never disturb you while in the middle of a writing flow, but instead when you’ve been staring at a blank screen for hours and need to clear your head. This especially helps Achievers clear their minds before returning to their tasks, and increases the likelihood of higher quality work. Additionally, it may be beneficial to consider implementing a reward system for themselves. An app entitled “” allows students to create a self-rewarding to-do list. As they cross items off, they water a virtual tree. The more one accomplishes, the bigger their tree gets. This tailors to an Achievers need of being recognized for their achievements.

4: The Individualist
Ex. Frida Kahlo

   As a four on the enneagram scale, I understand intimately what it is to be an Individualist. Fours tend to romanticize everything, losing themselves in daydreams of a more poetic version of life. Type fours have a hard time building connections and making friends because they find themselves fundamentally different from others. The greatest struggle with online schooling is how hard it is to find motivation in a task, such as Zoom, which isn’t easy to romanticize. In a classroom, Individualists can tap into their imagination, and convince themselves that they’re sitting in the Platonic Academy in Greece, as opposed to lecture hall 122B. This makes their class schedule something they can turn the full force of their notable passion towards. Fours are also known for their difficulty with small talk and desire to only discuss deep ideas in an attempt to uncover meaning in everything. In a classroom Individualists are able to meet friends by proximity, but this is not so with online learning. For one, online learning can have a sense of monotony, requires sitting in the same seat, staring at the same screen for hours a day, and without passion, fours don’t see the purpose of learning. They put things off until they are in the right mood, but hours at a desk is never something fours will be in the mood for.

   Contrary to the name ‘Individualist’ would have one believe, the best way to stay present during the pandemic is by finding people to talk with. Thinking about meta-topics in addition to schoolwork, and without a way to be free from constant analyzing can be harmful. This is why finding online communities of people who share their interests make all the difference. Whether it’s being a part of a club or joining a forum among people who have read the same books, fours can use these places to have meaningful conversations. One potential place to join a community is through the online book club hosted by ASSETT beginning this March. We will be discussing Range by David Epstein. It may also be beneficial to simply set a “'' which allows a student to take breaks (recommended in of the Student Remote Survival Guide) ensuring the time they spend working is productive. Taking all these perfunctory steps allows them to focus on their school work with less distraction.

5: The Investigator
Ex. Neil deGrasse Tyson

   Fives are known as Investigators because they have a deep desire to understand truths about the world. Most of their time is spent thinking about the way things work, and they build their identity around being someone with ideas. Idealistically, this would make fives fantastic students. They are strong, independent learners, and dislike intrusion while they’re attempting to broaden their breadth of knowledge. Investigators don’t rely on ordinary social conventions to validate their ideas and are not known for their strength in group work. With online schooling becoming the standard, fives face difficulty overfixating. When there is not a worldwide pandemic, life and school requires people to constantly be moving. People always have someplace to be, and students walk or bike miles a day getting from class to class. Although this doesn’t eliminate the overthinking fives are prone to, it gives them something other than themselves to observe. Moreover, due to the nature of fives, when their thinking is interrupted by others, they can be hostile.

   To find success in online school, as with previous types, fives should look for ways to take breaks from their constant analyzing. They learn best through lecture, which is fortunate because of its commonality over zoom, but fives need a break from constant observing to avoid over focusing. One way to combat this is by downloading an app. Two are “,” which contains tips to stay in the moment, and “,” a meditation app. When fives are unhealthily immersed in material they forget to care for their relationships and well-being. Additionally, while observing a new concept or practice, it’s best to limit distractions so they can complete their thought and put it to rest. This also helps them to avoid losing themselves to synthesizing. There are settings on phones and computers to turn off notifications while an Investigator needs to think and applications to remind them to stop thinking after long stretches of time.

6: The Loyalist
Ex. Mindy Kaling

   Loyalists are consistently looking for ways to be safe, and they do not take kindly to others questioning their views. They’re afraid of making their own decisions, but also refuse to let other people make them. Their loyalty is built to cover their fears and anxieties, which is why they grip it so tightly. Loyalty suggests security, a primary motivator for sixes. In school, they learn best in structured environments, and respond to rigid classroom rules. The actions of a six are predictable, and they like their surroundings to be so as well. A pandemic, understandably, is not something that anyone had written in their schedules. Considering the struggle Loyalists have with uncertainty and unsteadiness, they’ve likely taken the transition to online learning hard. They tend to be good at spotting problems on the horizon and adjusting so they aren’t caught off guard, but the pandemic didn’t give them this opportunity. The flexibility of classes the past few semesters has posed difficulty for Loyalists. In an online setting, finding a way to keep track of the assignments piling on top of one another is hard.

   For sixes, it might be best to make use of the countless calendar features online to impose structure. A few which have unique features include “”, “”, and “”. Building a routine for themselves where they can know where they’ll be at any given time may help relieve the stress of uncertainty. I spoke with a biology student who is a six on the enneagram scale, and they explained their experience using the Notes app to list homework assignments. Between this and the Google calendar, online learning is made easier because all of their work is on their laptop, keeping everything organized and in one place.

7: The Enthusiast
Ex. Awkwafina 

   The Enthusiasts are most well known for their spontaneity. They’re often referred to as ‘child-like’ because of their excitement for everything around them. Sevens are intelligent and quick-witted, their minds consistently occupied by several projects. They don’t tend to set their focus on one task, but jumping quickly between numerous to keep things interesting. They are quick learners with an uncanny ability to to pick up new skills.

   In light of the worldwide pandemic, and shift to online learning, the ability of Enthusiasts to succeed ranges. Mastering the new technology and environment likely came easy, but the routine of Zoom was and continues to be a struggle for type sevens. They enjoy diverting their energy between multiple tasks. In class, they can speak with other students and receive attention and excitement from different areas. This is not the case through Zoom, where the professor typically lectures for an hour, stopping for questions and discussions periodically. After the monotonous school day, students are faced with more time at their desk, adding to the drudgery of the day. Finding ways to ‘spice up’ online learning is not easy, particularly because so much of it is a necessity. A professor cannot refrain from lecturing and a student has little control over an instructor’s teaching methods.

   However, there are ways to make things a bit more exciting. Within Zoom, a student has the ability to change their background to any picture they import, or a series of preset options. If they’re taking notes online, they can use “.” This allows them to color code their notes, use different fonts, and search for specific terms. If their hands are busy, this app also allows them to use voice memo, so they don’t have to type everything out. Another is called “” which is quite similar, but with a sleeker format.

8: The Challenger
Ex. Indira Gandhi

   The key motivators for Challengers are 1) to have importance in the world, 2) to be self reliant, and 3) to resist weakness. This is where they get their name. However, these traits can also lead to an egotistical and domineering presence. With regard to the pandemic, eights may struggle because they are in a situation they do not have control over. As students, Challengers enjoy leading the classroom, and being vocal about the lesson. This is made difficult by the many features often required to speak in Zoom, such as the raise hand or mute button.

   A key for regaining or obtaining control as a student for eights is finding online groups which they can manage. This supplicates their need for authority and mastery, and can also prove helpful in providing an outlet for voicing their opinion. There are online book clubs which revolve around discussing their views. Challengers also enjoy research, because they like to have a stance supported by facts. University of Colorado has an expansive array of articles, books, and papers, all of which can be accessed through the libraries website. An app which also caters to this need is “” where people can tune in to listen to varying topics, similar to a podcast, and can even give their own opinions. Not only do these tricks appease an eights need to be well-educated, but it also leads to greater success within their courses. I was able to speak with an individual who ranks at an eight on the enneagram scale, and their biggest struggle with online schooling is how lonely it often is. Meeting friends at Norlin to discuss material between classes is a thing of the past, and doing so over Zoom just isn’t the same. Nevertheless, making an effort to keep in contact online, even if it’s less ideal, helps fend off inklings of loneliness.

9: The Peacemaker
Ex. Whoopi Goldberg

   Type nines are called ‘Peacemakers’ because they like everything to go smoothly and avoid conflict. A pandemic is not conducive to this desire. As optimistic and creative people, nines are able to keep their spirits up in the face of most tragedies, but it doesn’t make the occurrence any easier. In a classroom, they work best in groups, and are naturals at leading because they like to see everyone getting along. In-person courses allow Peacemakers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the material, and be active in the room. Online classes are not conducive to this learning style. However, there are ways to remain engaged through the ever-growing array of technology. 

   Due to the skill nines have for bringing people together, a forum like “” would be mutually beneficial. This is similar to other communication websites and apps, but it allows for multiple channels and tags to easily find information. For example, if someone is providing a definition about what a participle is, they can tag their response in this way so people can easily find it days later. “” is another app which has similar features. These online communities are well-suited to a Peacemaker's strengths because they make it easy for simple communication, and quick assistance. Due to their value of consistency and stability, as with previous types, using a calendar feature to track their schedules would further help with their desire for control. Through a combination of these features, and keeping an eye on the types of courses they take, so as to be a part of discussion-based classes, nines can make online schooling a bit more bearable. 

   Every student can agree that the challenge imposed by online learning has not been easy to manage. Students have all faced unforeseen struggles and overcome unimaginable hurdles. A few technology tips and tricks won’t make all that hardship disappear, but they have the potential to ease the often overwhelming demands of being a student in a pandemic. No one fits perfectly in any number and not every suggestion will find a bearer. But, at the very least, some of the aforementioned apps help remind students that we’re all looking for ways to make this better.