All writing tools
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.
MacOS built-in dictation features
Apple computer and laptop users have high-quality dictation technology built right into their operating systems; there's no need to buy extra software.
Who should use this? People who use Apple computers.
How does it work? Watch a demo on using Dictation on a Mac, or go to Apple's support site to learn how to use your voice to enter text on your Mac.
What does it cost? It's included in the MacOS.
How can I get it? You've already got it if you own an Apple computer.
Microsoft Windows built-in dictation features
Windows computer and laptop users also have dictation technology built into their operating systems.
Who should use this? People who use PCs or laptops that run Microsoft Windows 10 or Windows 7 (although the older version of the technology may not be as accurate as that in Windows 10 and 11).
How does it work? Watch a demo on setting up speech recognition in Windows.
What does it cost? It's included in Microsoft Windows.
How can I get it? To activate Speech Recognition, press Windows logo key + Ctr l+ S in Windows 10 or Windows 11. Go to the Microsoft Windows Support website for more information.
Dragon by Nuance
Dragon is a speech-to-text program that lets you dictate text and edit documents. It also lets you control your computer and surf the web with your voice.
Who should use this? It is the best choice for people with strong accents or speech impediments. If you use a Windows PC or laptop, you'll want Dragon -- it works well with most Windows programs.
How does it work? Download the software, set up a user profile, and then use a microphone or headset (or your laptop's built-in mic) to dictate text and give voice commands to your computer. Watch this demo to learn more.
What does it cost & how can I get it? There are several versions, but the Home version is fine for most students; visit the Nuance website for details. (Dragon is available from online sellers such as Amazon too.)
Co:Writer Universal
Co:Writer is 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.
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.
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.
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, as Windows PC and MacOS downloads, and as smartphone apps.
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. Watch my Mindomo demo to see it in action.
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. The mobile app is free, and available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
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.
Built-in spelling and grammar checkers
Here are links to video tutorials that show you how to check your documents for errors in Word and Docs.
Google Docs (spelling checker only)
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