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Up your tech game, without spending big bucks! Tech Expert Winston Sih shares the must-haves you’ll want to pick up before school starts.

Tips to improve your study-at-home setup

1. Keep it simple
2. Don’t overdo it with accessories
3. Let there be light! 

How to amp up your tech for success

• Backup your computer and rely on the cloud to organize your files
• Boost your wifi — Google Nest Wi-Fi
• Multifunctional is best — Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 10.1” Touchscreen 2-in-1 Chromebook
• Organize your screen with a monitor – ASUS TUF 24″ FHD 144Hz 1ms GTG IPS LED FreeSync Gaming Monitor
• Get a good pair of headphones — Sony Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones
• Get rid of the cords — Mophie All in One Wireless Charger
• Take your eyes off the screen — HP DeskJet 3755 Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer – Seagrass

Sharpen your skills and make the most of isolation as tech expert Winston Sih shares the best learning platforms to explore at home!

Get learning this summer with these free (or free trials) of Winston’s top recommended online courses:

Skill #1: Learn to knit with Sheep & Stitch

Sheep & Stitch provides you with 45-minute classes for absolute beginners. With friendly and clear instructions, she breaks down the four fundamental techniques at the heart of knitting: the cast on, the knit stitch, the purl stitch, and the cast-off. 

Skill #2: Scent Your Way to Paradise

Ever thought of making your own candles? SkillShare is there to make your candle dreams come true! You might think that making your own candles at home is difficult, but it’s easier than you think. There’s a 4-part, free-trial included but you have access to a wide range of tutorials on SkillShare! Candlemaking lets you completely customize your product, from scent to colour to selecting your jar. Plus, it’s inexpensive compared to buying candles in a store. In this class, you’ll learn the types of soy wax you can use, what wicks work best with your container, and how to get the most out of your scent.

Skill #3: Take on a new musical instrument: FenderPlay

Dust off your old guitar or keyboard and rejoice! You can now learn to play the guitar, bass, or ukulele from the comfort of your own home any time you like. Fender Play has step-by-step video tutorials to teach you how to play the instrument of your choice. Once you master the notes and chord progressions, you can move on to learn how to play hundreds of popular songs. This website gives you a 14-day free trial for all of you who aren’t ready to commit just yet!

Skill #4: Pick up important life skills from the pros you know: Masterclass

You may have seen the ads on YouTube but Masterclass is an amazing resource for learning from the pros that you know! There are over 80 classes taught by leaders in sports, music, entertainment, culinary arts, science, and so much more! Classes come with an average of 20 lessons that last between five and 25 minutes. Ever wanted to learn to cook like Gordon Ramsey? He can give you a cooking lesson in less than a minute!

Skill #5: Certificate courses from languages to personal branding

Coursera offers a selection of courses and even certificates absolutely free for anyone online! It gives you access to lectures and quizzes, but also to the ability to earn a free certificate for courses that offer them through July 31, 2020. Course topics range from mental health and well-being, personal branding, Spanish, and wellness courses – all free!