Options for Chromebook users

Google Voice Typing

Google's easy-to-use dictation technology runs in the Chrome web browser.

• Who should use this? It's a good option for students who use Google Docs for all of their work, and it's perfect for Chromebook users.

• How does it work? Visit Google's "Type with your voice" web page for set-up instructions and voice commands for dictation and editing. Chromebook users can use it in offline mode; everyone else needs to be connected to the Internet.

• What does it cost? Nothing! You just need a free Google account to use it.

• How can I get it? You've already got it if you use Google apps.

Voice In Voice Typing

This Google Chrome browser extension lets you dictate text into almost any web interface - such as discussions and chats in the Canvas learning management system, or web-based email systems, for example.

• Who should use this? Students who use Google Chrome and prefer to dictate text rather than type.

• How does it work? Install the Chrome browser extension, then click the icon to turn it on. Click to insert text and start talking. Watch the Voice In Voice Typing demo on YouTube for details.

• What does it cost? Nothing.

• How can I get it? Go to the Chrome Web Store and add the Voice In extension to your browser.

Mindomo

This free mind-mapping tool lets you create mind maps and turn them into outlines that you can download and edit, or copy into Google Docs. It is available for Chromebooks and as a Windows PC download.

• Who should use this? Visual learners will find Mindomo very helpful for brainstorming, organizing their thoughts, and creating outlines. It's great for students who use Chromebooks.

• Who should use this? Visual learners will find Mindomo very helpful for brainstorming, organizing their thoughts, and creating outlines. It's great for students who use Chromebooks.

• How does it work? Log into the online version or launch the desktop software, then click the Create button to get started. From there, it's easy to figure out. To create an outline from a mind map, click the icon on the upper left and choose "view as outline."

• What does it cost? Nothing.

• How can I get it? Go to the Mindomo website to download the software, or to use the program online.

MindMeister

This web-based tool lets you create mind maps and share them with others. You can add images and videos, and upload files.

• Who should use this? Visual learners will find MindMeister very helpful for brainstorming and organizing their thoughts. You need to have reliable Internet access to use it, however.

• How does it work? Go to the website and log in, then follow the prompts to get started. Watch this video tutorial to learn more.

• What does it cost? MindMeister is free for up to three mind maps at a time; for unlimited mind maps and more features, pay $5/month.

• How can I get it? Sign up for an account at the MindMeister website.

Co:Writer Universal

Co:Writer is a word-prediction tool that is available in several different versions: a Chrome Extension, smartphone apps, and downloads for Windows and MacOS computers.

• Who should use this? People who can use a keyboard and have difficulty spelling (or for whom English is a second language). It may also be useful for people who type very slowly or hunt-and-peck.

• How does it work? Launch Co:Writer, open a word processor, and start typing. A window pops up with suggested words; click on one to insert it. When you hit Enter, the text that you typed is read back to you. (The process is the same when you use Google Docs and the Chrome Extension.)

• What does it cost? $5 per month (with a free 7-day trial)

• How can I get it? Go to cowriter.com to download the desktop software, the Chrome Web Store for the extension, or the Apple App Store for the iOS version.

Ginger Software

Ginger is an easy-to-use grammar checker and writing aid that runs on Windows PCs, Apple iPhones, and iPads, and in the Chrome and Safari websites (but not in Google Docs).

• Who should use this? Students with dyslexia, who speak English as a second language, or just need help proofreading their work will find Ginger useful.

• How does it work? Ginger works like many other grammar checkers: it highlights text with spelling or grammatical problems; then you click on the highlighted text for suggestions. Watch this YouTube video for a demo.

• What does it cost? It's free! Or at least there is a free version for Windows, a free Google Chrome extension, and free mobile apps. Go to the Ginger website to get a free version, or learn about the Premium plans.

Grammarly

Grammarly is an online service that checks your writing and offers suggestions for improvement. It offers a Chrome extension and is also available as a smartphone app (Grammarly Keyboard).

• Who should use this? Students who need help with their grammar and sentence structure; also students who speak English as a second language.

• How does it work? Upload documents to the Grammarly website to have them checked for grammatical errors, or add the Chrome Extension and have it check your work within Google Docs, Gmail, and other web-based programs. Watch the short demo to see it in action.

• What does it cost? The free version may work for you; the advanced version is about $12/month. The smartphone apps are free.

• How can I get it? Sign up for a Grammarly account at the Grammarly website or add the Chrome Extension. Grammarly Keyboard is available from the Apple App Store and Google Play.

WEBSITE: University of Minnesota Assignment Calculator

There are plenty of assignment calculators out there, but it seems like most of them are based on the one developed by the University of Minnesota.

• Who should use this? Students in higher education who need support with the steps of the writing process and planning the work involved.

• How does it work? In any web browser, visit the Assignment Calculator webpage and click "Research Paper," "Speech," or "Lab Report" to get started. Enter your start date and the assignment due date as directed, and you're treated to list of deadlines for all of the steps needed--including writing tips and links to other helpful resources for each stage.

• What does it cost? Free

WEBSITE: Writing@CSU Guides

Let's say that you're taking a Business Writing course for the first time. Wouldn't it be nice to have a quick reference for writing press releases, executive summaries, and other business-specific materials? What about writing for the web or making a speech? Colorado State University offers a wealth of advice.

• Who should use this? Students in higher education.

• How does it work? Visit Colorado State's Writing Guides website to browse advice on Writing and Speaking, Research Writing & Documentation, Writing in Specific Disciplines, and Conducting Qualitative & Quantitative Research.

• What does it cost? Free

WEBSITE: Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab)

Do you struggle with organizing your essays? Need help with academic writing? The venerable OWL provides a wealth of resources that will help you succeed.

• Who should use this? Students in higher education who want detailed information on academic writing, plus resources on using APA and MLA styles.

• How does it work? Visit Purdue OWL and browse the options listed on the left side of the page. Two subsections--General Writing and Subject-Specific Writing--offer advice on structuring your writing assignments, but other subsections are also very useful.

• What does it cost? Free

NaturalReader

This text-to-speech reader is easy to use. A basic free version reads text in most file formats and has a "floating bar" that reads text on webpages; premium versions let you create audio files from text, type with word prediction, and more. It's available on the Web and as Windows and Mac downloads.

• Who should use this? Students who have reading challenges (like dyslexia), who speak English as a second language, who learn best by listening, and who need help focusing on what they are reading.

• How does it work? Go to the NaturalReader Online webpage, or launch the desktop software, then copy in text or upload a file; the Play button and other controls are at the top of the screen. Go to the NaturalReader website. and scroll down the page to watch how-to videos.

• What does it cost? The basic versions are free. NaturalReader for Windows and the Mac has premium versions that start at $99.50 (a one-time cost); NaturalReader Online's premium accounts start at $10 per month.

• How can I get it? Go to NaturalReader Online to use the Web version, or download Windows or Mac software from the NaturalReader website.

Read&Write

Read&Write reads text in EPUB books, Microsoft Word files, PDFs, websites, and Google Docs. It also offers writing tools such as outlines and word prediction.

• Who should use this? Students who have reading challenges (like dyslexia), who speak English as a second language, who learn best by listening, and who need help focusing on what they are reading. Students who need help with writing will also find it useful.

• How does it work? It comes in Windows, Mac, and Chrome Extension versions. Watch this demo of the Chrome version to see the tool in action.

• What does it cost? The premium version is $145 per year. There is a free 30-day trial (with writing and other features); after that, you can continue using the basic reading features for free.

• How can I get it? You can download Read&Write from TextHelp.

Kurzweil 3000

Kurzweil 3000 reads articles, books, and other materials out loud--including web pages. It also offers writing features, including word prediction, mind mapping, and outlining.

• Who should use this? Students who have reading challenges (like dyslexia), who speak English as a second language, who learn best by listening, and who need help focusing on what they are reading. Students who need help with writing will also find it useful.

• How does it work? Watch this reading demo to see Kurzweil 3000 in action. The program also offers very useful writing features; watch this video for details.

• What does it cost? There is a free 30-day trial, and after that it is $700 per year.

• How can I get it? Many colleges (including at SMCCCD) offer Kurzweil 3000 as an accommodation for their students. Check with your school's resource center.

WEBSITE: YouTube videos

• Reading Comprehension in English (designed for English language learners, but has a lot of very useful tips for every reader)

• Reading skills that work (video on reading faster and retaining information better)

• Reading comprehension: Improving reading speed (video on "speed reading" techniques)

Evernote

This online service lets you create, organize and sync notes across all your devices (it has versions for Windows PCs, Macs, smartphones and tablets, and you can use the online interface on Chromebooks).

• Who should use this? Students who need a way to organize notes from all of their courses in one place that's accessible from any device. It's a good choice if you do a lot of their research online--it offers great web-clipping features.

• How does it work? Watch this demo for a quick overview; for details, read this Computerworld review.

• What does it cost? The free basic account is great to get started with, but you are allowed only 60MB of space on the server (which is not much). The premium version is usually $70 per year--but students get a 50% discount.

• How can I get it? Download the app versions from the Apple App Store or Google Play; go to the Evernote website to sign up for an account.

Google Keep

Google Keep is similar to Evernote, although it is much more visual. With Keep, you create virtual “sticky notes” that you can access from any computer or mobile device. It is integrated with Google Docs (and the rest of the G Suite), so you can easily copy class notes and research into your documents.

• Who should use this? Visual learners will find Keep particularly useful because notes can be color-coded and grouped on Keep webpage. Chrome users can use Keep as a website clipping tool, just like Evernote. Apple iPhone/iPad users can dictate notes.

• How does it work? As with most Google apps, this is very easy to use--and requires a Google account to access. With a couple of clicks, you can create notes and to-do lists, organize them, and add reminders. Watch this video for details on how to use Google Keep.

• What does it cost? Free! Included in Google G Suite (go to http://keep.google.com or search for it in Google Drive), and available on the Apple App Store, Chrome Web Store, Google Play (Android).

Otter.ai

Use the online interface (or mobile app) to create transcriptions of lectures or discussions.

• Who should use this? Students who have difficulty taking notes during lectures or class discussions, who have hearing loss, and who speak English as a second language will find this useful.

• How does it work? Once you've created an account (online or in the app), just press the Record button. Watch a CNET video to see the app in action. You can also record and transcribe directly in the online interface on the Otter.ai website. When the transcription is complete, you can save the text or audio to your device.

• What does it cost? The free version gives you 600 minutes of transcribed speech per month. If you are a student or instructor, you can ask for an educational discount and pay $5 per month for the premium version, which gives you 6,000 minutes and other features. (To get the discount, send an email to support@otter.ai from your school email address and provide your school’s name plus a photo of your school ID.) Skyline College students can use the premium version for free.

• How can I get it? Get the smartphone app from the Apple App Store or from Google Play. If you are a student at Skyline College, in San Bruno, CA, contact the AT Specialist to request a login.

Google Calendar

With this online calendar you can keep track of appointments, classes, assignment due dates--practically anything time sensitive--and set reminders to alert you to upcoming deadlines. You can share calendars with anyone else who uses Google Calendar.

• Who should use this? Everyone with an iPhone, iPad, or MacBook.(Seriously, you need this.)

• How does it work? It's very intuitive; just sign up for a Google account (if you don't already have one) and access Calendar as you would any other Google app. If you need help getting started, go to YouTube and search on Google Calendar--there are many demos available. For some great tips, watch this video.

• What does it cost? Free (you just need a Google account)

Remember the Milk

This online service (and app) is essentially a superpowered to-do list that sends you reminders to keep you on track. You can share these lists with two people.

• Who should use this? People who have a hard time remembering tasks and appointments--and don't want to (or can't) use Google Calendar on their smartphone.

• How does it work? Create a to-do list with due dates and priorities; you'll get reminders via email, text, and IM. There's actually a lot more to this; go to the tool's website to learn more.

• What does it cost? Free (you can upgrade to a premium account for $40 per year)

• How can I get it? Sign up at the Remember the Milk website for an online account, or download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

MyHomework

With this online service (and app) you can keep track of your class schedule, homework, and tests/quizzes--and set reminder alerts. You can access your information across all your devices.

• Who should use this? Busy college students who need help keeping track of all their assignments and homework.

• How does it work? Use the website or a smartphone/tablet app to enter information on your classes and deadlines, then set reminders. You can upload a syllabus for each class.

• What does it cost? The free version is great for most students (there is a premium version for $45 per year).

• How can I get it? Sign up at the myHomework website. You can download smartphone/tablet apps at the Apple App Store and Google Play; a Chromebook version is available on the Chrome Web Store.

MyStudyLife

This free web tool does everything that myHomework does--just in a different interface. It helps keep you on track with your class schedule, homework, and tests/quizzes, across all your devices.

• Who should use this? Busy college students who need help keeping track of all their assignments and homework. Try this and myHomework to see which works best for you.

• How does it work? Use the website or a smartphone/tablet app to enter information on your classes and deadlines, then set reminders.

• What does it cost? Nothing.

• How can I get it? Sign up at the MyStudyLife website or download smartphone/tablet apps at the Apple App Store and Google Play; a Chromebook version is available on the Chrome Web Store.

Forest

This app--available for smartphones and the Chromebook--helps you increase your focus time by minimizing distractions on your device.

• Who should use this? People who have a hard time staying focused and managing their time.

• How does it work? Set a time that you want to stay focused, from 10 to 120 minutes. During the time that you want to be focused, a virtual tree is growing. While your tree is growing, phrases will be displayed such as “Don’t look at me” or “Leave me alone.” Don't leave the app until the time is up, or the tree will die. The more successful focus sessions you have, the more lush your forest will be. If you earn 2,500 "coins," you can plant a real tree. You can also earn productivity badges.

• What does it cost? Free for Android and $1.99 for the Apple iPhone's iOS. (There is also a free Chrome Extension.)

Block & Focus

This free browser extension lets you either block specific websites or allow only certain websites.

• Who should use this? Anybody who gets distracted while working online. This is especially helpful if you are taking classes online

• How does it work? Block & Focus is an extension for Google Chrome. It is very easy to use, and you can customize everything: whether to block websites or restrict access to specific websites, add a timer, remind yourself to take breaks, and more.

• What does it cost? It's free.

• How can I get it? Go to the Chrome Web Store to add Block & Focus to your browser.

Freedom

Freedom blocks distracting websites so that you can focus more easily and be more productive when working or studying on your computer or smartphone.

• Who should use this? Anybody who gets distracted while working online. This is especially helpful if you use online tools like Google Docs for writing and editing.

• How does it work? You can block all websites and apps that could distract you while you are working or studying. Some of the key features include advance scheduling and blocking all websites at the push of a button.

• What does it cost? Pay $6.99 for one month, $29 for one year, or $129 for a version that does not expire. There's a free trial, and the Freedom website often offers coupon codes for up to 30% off.

• How can I get it? Freedom is available for the Mac OS, Apple iOS (iPhones and iPads), and Microsoft Windows. There are browser extensions for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox as well. To learn more, visit the Freedom website.

Prod

This to-do list app for Google Chrome will block all websites until you've completed the items on your list.

• Who should use this? Anybody who gets distracted while working online, though it's especially useful for students who use Chromebooks.

• How does it work? Activate the Chrome Extension by clicking the P icon, then click the Options button to enter a list of websites to block. Create a to-do list by following simple instructions. The websites that you've entered will not open until you've marked all of your tasks as done.

• What does it cost? Free

• How can I get it? Prod is a free browser extension available on the Chrome Web Store.

Smiling Mind

This mindfulness tool, hailing from Australia, was originally designed for children but is accessible to all. Even professional athletes are using it. Smiling Mind is available online and as an iPhone or Android app.

Who should use this? Anyone

How does it work? Create an account, record your feelings in the online or mobile app, then choose a session. When you're done, record your feelings again. Sessions can be as short as 2 minutes or as long as 45 minutes. Smiling Mind tracks your sessions and creates a report that shows you which types of mindfulness worked best for you.

What does it cost? Free. Sign up for an account at the Smiling Mind website, or download the app from Google Play or the Apple App Store.

Headspace

Headspace, available online and as a smartphone app, offers guided meditations and breathing exercises designed to help you to reduce stress and anxiety.

Who should use this? Anyone who wants to learn how to manage their stress and is willing to try something new.

How does it work? Select a guided meditation and follow the instructions on screen.

What does it cost? Limited free guided meditations; pay $12 per month and up to unlock more options. Available at Headspace.com and from Google Play and the Apple App Store.