Useful Apps for College Students

DISABILITY AND ACCESS SERVICES @ MIT

Assistive Technology Information Center 7-143 [email protected] 617.253.7808 HTTPS://STUDENTLIFE.MIT.EDU/ATIC Reading Apps Voice Dream Reader $14.99 (iOS) / $9.99 (Google Play) – Voice Dream Reader is a text-to-speech application that is compatible with many file formats such as PDF, ePub, and Word. You can follow the synchronized word and line highlights to aid retention, or simply listen to the spoken text.

GoodReader $5.99 (iOS only) – GoodReader is a reading and annotation app compatible with PDF, Word, and other file types. The app scales the document to the screen to minimize scrolling. Annotate and store documents for convenient later use.

Prizmo Free (iOS only) – Prizmo is a scanning and reading app. Use the iPhone/iPad camera to snap a photo of a page and Prizmo will convert it into searchable text. Text-to-speech and PDF export make Prizmo a useful tool for all readers.

Disability and Access Services @ MIT pg. 1 Kurzweil 3000 Free (iOS and Google Play) – The mobile companion to the Kurzweil 3000 desktop application offers text-to-speech functionality to aid reading retention and comprehension. (Note: MIT has a site license for the Kurzweil 3000 desktop application. MIT students can download the software for free from the IS&T software grid. Learn more at http://ist.mit.edu/kurzweil/3000.)

Disability and Access Services @ MIT pg. 2 Note Taking & Annotation Apps Evernote Free (iOS and Google Play) – Use Evernote to take , clip items from the web, and collaborate with other Evernote users. Synch between your mobile device and computer so you’re never without your notes. Notability $8.99 (iOS only) – Notability is a note taking and annotation app. Import documents from Dropbox, , and more or compose your own notes by hand, keyboard, or voice. Annotation and handwriting recognition complement class notes and written assignments. PDFpen $4.99 (iOS only) – Annotate PDFs using PDFpen’s suite of tools. Import multi- page documents that you can duplicate, resize, or reorder. Highlight text, make freehand or typed notes, and sign documents as needed.

Disability and Access Services @ MIT pg. 3 Penquills $5.99 (iOS only) – Penquills serves as a word processer and sketch pad in one. Take notes using your finger or stylus, and Penquills will turn your handwritten notes into searchable text. Spell check, word prediction, and auto-correct make writing with Penquills easier.

Disability and Access Services @ MIT pg. 4 Writing Support Apps Mendeley Free (iOS and Google Play) – Keep organized when working on research papers. Mendeley can create a citation list and bibliography as you pursue articles. Build a library, annotate documents, and cite your sources in one interface. Mendeley is also available for Windows, Mac OS X, and so you can access your materials anywhere. (Note: You can access extra features in Mendeley through the MIT Libraries. Find more info at https://libguides.mit.edu/cite-write/mendeley.)

Typ-O HD $11.99 (iOS only) – Typ-o HD uses word prediction and spell check to correct typos and errors as you write. Designed for users with dyslexia, Typ-o HD creates a platform for composing and correcting writing before sending a message or submitting work. Auditory pronunciation of predicted words helps you verify if a correction is right.

Disability and Access Services @ MIT pg. 5 WritePad $4.99 (iOS and Google Play) – WritePad’s handwriting recognition transforms your handwritten notes into text. Auto-correct helps you edit your mistakes as you write. WritePad learns from you - the more you use it, the fewer errors you’ll see.

Disability and Access Services @ MIT pg. 6 Studying & Organization Apps TurboScan Free (iOS and Google Play) – Digitize papers using your phone’s camera. TurboScan creates multi-page documents, corrects perspective, and produces ideal-contrast PDF, JPEG, or PNG files. Store documents within the app or save them to your device. iStudiez Pro Free (iOS and Google Play) – Keep your academic life organized with iStudiez Pro. Make use of the built-in planner, keep track of assignments, and track grades all in one place. Rank your to-do list based on date or priority to stay on top of tasks. Quizlet Free (iOS and Google Play) – Reinforce what you’re learning in class with Quizlet’s study tools. Use the library of flashcards, or create your own. You can share flashcard decks with other Quizlet users and test your knowledge with games.

Disability and Access Services @ MIT pg. 7 Free (iOS and Google Play) – Build your to-do lists for school, work, or everyday life using Wunderlist. Plan your day and access your lists across devices. You can create lists, set reminders, and collaborate with others.

Disability and Access Services @ MIT pg. 8 Self-Care Apps Calm Free (iOS and Google Play) – Take a break from your demanding day with Calm. Zen out with one of the white noise options, or choose a meditation to suit your mood. You can help combat everyday anxieties with one of the breathing exercises, or use Calm’s Sleep Stories to wind down at night. Mindshift Free (iOS and Google Play) – Call on Mindshift in moments of anxiety, or to cope with everyday stress. Make use of the guided meditations, the in-app Thought Journal, or to check in with yourself. Mindshift uses strategies based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help you work towards taking charge of your anxiety. Headspace Free trial, $12 per month, or $69.99 per year (iOS and Google Play) – Use Headspace to quiet the chatter of your brain. Make use of the guided meditations, or call in the “SOS” sessions to help in severe moments of stress or anxiety.

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