Popular Assistive Technology for College Students
Reading Aloud
Hard Copies of Textbooks:
Kurzweil 3000 (pdf)--Text-to-speech (TTS) for reading textbook aloud.
Online Textbooks and Materials:
Chrome Extensions (pdf)--TTS for reading aloud information on the web, online textbooks, etc.
Microsoft Edge--Read aloud PDFs, as well as Read aloud web pages and ebooks.
Redshelf TTS-Text-to-speech is available in Redshelf.
TTS on IOS devices (pdf)--Read aloud on your iPhone/iPad.
TTS on Android devices--Read aloud on your Android device.
PDFs:
Upload to Kurzweil 3000 (pdf)--Text-to-speech (TTS) for reading textbook aloud.
Use the Read Aloud Option in Acrobat Reader.
Canvas and Textbook PDFs in Canvas:
Immersive Reader (IR)--TTS for reading aloud in Canvas (and Microsoft Word).
Alternative Formats in Canvas allows access to Immersive Reader, Audio, Beeline Reader, etc.
Students with Vision Impairments:
VoiceOver, JAWS, and NVDA--Screen readers for students with vision impairment.
Zoomtext, Ctrl + or -, etc. --Magnification for students with low vision.
Note-Taking/Writing
Echo Pen (pdf)--Pen that records lectures and syncs recording with handwritten notes.
Voice Memo (IOS) (pdf)--Record lectures on your iPhone/iPad
Android Recording Apps--Recording apps for Android devices.
Otter--App that records and transcribes.
Messenger Pigeon is a note-taking/recording app that provides professionally typed notes.
Peer Note Taking: If eligible, you may request a peer notetaker.
Google Voice Typing (pdf), Office 365 Dictate, Windows Touch Keyboard Microphone and Mac Dictation--Type using your voice.
VoiceOver, JAWS, and NVDA--Screen readers for students with vision impairment.
Study Skills
SQR3--A reading method that promotes enhanced learning of reading material.
Quizlet—Electronic flashcards with built-in text-to-speech.
Cornell Note-Taking Method (CNT) Video and CNT template—CNT can be utilized for taking notes while reading or in class.
Tips to creating flashcards--Make your own flashcards for deeper learning
Study Smarter, Not Harder--Tips to studying more efficiently.
Time-Management--Tips to using a calendar for managing your study time.
Learn More About Assistive Technology:
To learn more about assistive technology, please feel free to peruse this website, email seaston@hancockcollege.edu, or make a training appointment by calling 805-922-6966 ext. 3274.
Remember to check out BookShare, NLS, Learning Ally, etc. for free textbooks and Sensus Access for converting electronic materials.