All study and test-prep tools

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.

Forest

This app - available as a mobile app and Chrome browser extension - 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.)

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.

Kurzweil 3000

Kurzweil 3000 reads articles, books, and other materials out loud--including web pages. It also allows you to highlight important passages and add "sticky notes," then export that text into a study guide--that you can then turn into an MP3 file to listen to on a mobile device.

• Who should use this? Students who have reading challenges such as dyslexia, who speak English as a second language, and students who learn best by listening.

• 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 Skyline) offer Kurzweil 3000 as an accommodation for their students. Check with your school's resource center.

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. The Chrome browser extension includes a Reader view that strips out distracting ads and displays text in a larger, cleaner type. 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. There is also a browser extension for Google Chrome.

• 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. In addition, it allows you to highlight important passages and export that text into handy study guides.

• Who should use this? Students who have reading challenges such as dyslexia, who speak English as a second language, and students who learn best by listening.

• 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.

 Deep-Breathing Guide: Calm

A good way to head off panic or anxiety is to take a few minutes and simply breathe. This website displays an animated graphic that guides you through taking deep, calming breaths.

• Calm.com

For even better results, breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.

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. 

Insight Timer

Finally, a meditation app with experienced meditators in mind as well as newbies. Insight Timer offers a wealth of free guided meditation sessions and inspirational videos, plus a terrific timer designed for meditators.

Who should use this? People who already meditate will be delighted; people who want to learn won't be talked down to.

How does it work? Create an account, then check out the icons at the bottom of the screen to access a wealth of options.

What does it cost?  Generous free guided meditation and mindfulness sessions; varying prices to premium features. Available from Google Play and the Apple App Store. 

The Mood Meter 

This smartphone app helps you become more aware of your feelings and helps you shift your mood.  

Who should use this? Anyone who wants to develop a better sense of their emotions can benefit from this app. 

How does it work?  After creating an account, you can plot your moods and track how your daily activities affect how you feel. The app is very visual and easy to use. Reminders can be set up to remind you to check in with yourself. The app offers strategies, quotes, and pictures to help you "shift" from one mood to another.

What does it cost?  $.99 (on Google Play and the Apple App 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.

Stop, Breathe, & Think

This smartphone app offers targeted mindfulness activities and guided meditations based on your current state of mind.

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?  You can create an account, or simply "browse" the app to see what it offers.

What does it cost?  Generous free guided meditation and mindfulness sessions; pay $10 per month and up to unlock more options. Available from Google Play and the Apple App Store.