Educational Apps for Students

Built-in Accessibility Tools and Features

Learn about the many accessibility tools and features already built into the operating system on your own computer or device from the resources below.

Operating System: Accessibility Features:

Microsoft Windows

 
  • Narrator screen reader and text-to-speech
  • Magnifier, magnification tool
  • Speech Recognition for voice input and voice controls
  • On-screen keyboard, keyboard shortcuts, sticky keys
  • Ease of Access Center to customize the visual display including font, contrast, zoom

Learn more at https://www.microsoft.com/enable

Mac OSX

 
  • VoiceOver screen reader as well as text-to-speech tool
  • Zoom/magnification, contrast options, cursor size controls
  • Dictation and Voice Commands
  • Onscreen keyboard, mouse keys, slow keys, sticky keys
  • Dictionary and word completion

Learn more at http://www.apple.com/accessibility/osx

Apple iOS

 
  • VoiceOver screen reader and speak screen tool
  • Siri and dictation 
  • Zoom/magnification, font and contrast adjustments
  • Dictionary and word completion
  • Assistive Touch, Switch Control

Learn more at  http://www.apple.com/accessibility/ios

Android

 
  • TalkBack screen reader and text-to-speech output
  • Voice Access, dictation and voice commands
  • Switch Access alternative to using the touch screen
  • Magnification, color inversion, high-contrast and large text  

Learn more at https://support.google.com/accessibility/android/

Free and Low-Cost Apps for College Students

 While there are hundreds of tools and apps available, this list is  intended to provide a variety of options without being overwhelming and is limited to free and/or inexpensive options for you to explore.   Below are some of the most current  and popular tools and apps available to support college students with reading, writing, note-taking, organizing and study-skills.  (Note: Many of these tools and features exist within the Read&Write software available free to the UNH community.)

  • Are you an auditory learner who prefers to listen to information rather than read it in print?  Or, maybe you'd like to listen to your reading assignments during your commute to school, walking across campus, or while you are on the treadmill at the gym.  Check out Natural Reader or  Voice Dream Reader under the READING tab.
     
  • Do you struggle with taking notes in class? Maybe your notetaking could benefit from synchronized audio recording of the lecture along with your notes. Check out Notability or AudioNote  found under the NOTE-TAKING tab.
     
  • Do your writing and proof-reading skills need a little extra help?  Take a look at Grammarly or GingerSoft  found under the WRITING tab.
     
  • Are you a visual thinker and organizer?  Take a look at Popplet under the BRAINSTORMING/MAPPING tab.
     
  • Do you struggle to keep track of assignments or with studying?  Check out myHomework or Quizlet found under the STUDY-SKILLS/ORGANIZATION tab.

Browse Apps by Category

Name / Cost   Description / Compatibility

Popplet

Cost: Free - 
$4.99 (app)

  
  • Online  or app-based mind mapping
  • Quickly jot down your ideas and sort them visually
  • Students use Popplet to think and learn visually. By capturing facts, thoughts, and images,
    students learn to create relationships between them and generate new ideas. 
  • Learn more at: http://popplet.com/

Compatibility: Online Resource; iOS: iPad, iPhone

Ideament

Cost: Free - $2.99

  
  • Draw and create mind maps, concept maps, and flow charts
  • Convert your diagram into a text outline, or outline and turn it into a concept/mind map
  • Use to brainstorm, illustrate concepts, make lists and outlines, plan presentation and create organizational charts
  • Import text into Idea Sketch and automatically create diagrams and outlines
  • Learn more at: http://www.nosleep.net/

Compatibility: Windows; Mac; iOS: iPad, iPhone; Windows Phone

Inspiration Maps

Cost: $9.99

  
  • Brainstorm and create mind maps using this app that’s similar to the full Inspiration Program
  • Organize projects to create flow charts
  • Take notes using the visual system and icons to create maps and diagrams
  • Learn more at: http://www.inspiration.com/inspmaps

Compatibility: iOS: iPad, iPhone

MindMeister

Cost: Free - $8.49/mo

  
  • Mind Mapping/Brainstorming tool for use on personal devices and the web
  • Collaborate in real time with other people
  • Use the program to present your work
  • Full use of software program and features cost a small, monthly fee
  • Learn more at: http://www.mindmeister.com/

Compatibility: Online Resource; Android;  iOS: iPhone, iPad 
Name / Cost    Description / Compatibility

Evernote 

Cost: Free

  
  • A one-stop place to collect notes, files, web clippings, and images with the ability to access them on virtually any device
  • Collect and find your information easily
  • Great tool for researching, planning events and everyday organizational use
  • Collaborate with others on projects using the sharing features
  • Learn more at: http://evernote.com

Compatibility: Windows; Mac; iOS: iPad, iPhone;  Android; Windows Phone

OneNote

Cost:  Free

  
  • Take all your notes in OneNote by typing, writing with a touchscreen, importing pictures, video, web links and other resources
  • Divide up your classes and work by notebook, section, and pages
  • Using OneDrive online, share your OneNote document for others to work on and interact with
  • Search your notes for the ability to easily find what you need
  • Learn more at: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/onenote/

Compatibility:   Windows, Mac OS, iOS: iPad, iPhone, Android, Windows Phone

Penultimate  

Cost:  Free

  
  • Write, sketch, draw or doodle notes and information on your iPad
  • Lifelike,  in-app paper imitates writing on real paper
  • Sync with your Evernote account for access anywhere, anytime using your computer or mobile devices
  • Search your notes using the search feature in your Evernote Account
  • Learn more at: https://evernote.com/penultimate/

Compatibility: iOS: iPad, iPhone

WritePad

Cost: $0.99 -$8.99 

  
  • Take notes with your stylus or finger while handwriting recognition turns these notes into typed text
  • Recognition adapts, adjusts, and learns your style of writing over time
  • Built-in spell check with custom dictionary, context analyzer, autocorrect, and Shorthand feature
  • Synchronize documents with Evernote, Dropbox, iTunes, Google Docs, Email and more!
  • Learn more at: http://www.phatware.com

Compatibility: iOS: iPad, iPhone; Android

AudioNote

Cost: $4.99-$19.99

  

Compatibility:  Windows; Mac; iOS: iPad; Android

Notability  

Cost: $9.99

  
  •  Write, type, or annotate using highlighters your notes using the all in one notetaking app
  • Ability to take pictures and audio record with sound being linked to your notes
  • Use Google Drive, Dropbox, and Box to import, export and share documents such as PowerPoints and take notes directly on them
  • Organize all your notes in one place
  • Learn more at: http://www.gingerlabs.com/

Compatibility: Mac; iOS: iPad, iPhone

iAnnotate 

Cost:  $9.99

  
  • Annotate PDF, Word Doc, PowerPoint, and image files with this app
  • Use the typewriter, pen, highlighter, stamp, note, underline, photo, voice and other tools to annotate your document
  • Import PDFs or compress and export for secured sharing with others
  • Learn more at: http://www.branchfire.com/iannotate/#leaveyourmark

Compatibility:  iOS: iPad, iPhone

Name / Cost

   

Description / Compatibility 

Balabolka

​

Cost: Free

   
  • Text-to-Speech program using the voices installed on your computer
  • Save online text as mP3, mP4, WAV, OGG or WMA file for portable or later listening
  • Reads documents from the clipboard or file types such as DOC, EPUB, HTML, PDF, RTF, and more
  • Customize the background color, font size, and reading options including pitch and rate
  • Learn more at: http://www.cross-plus-a.com/balabolka.htm

Compatibility:  Windows

NaturalReader

 Natural Reader logo

Cost: Free

  

  • Text-to-Speech software which converts Microsoft Word, Web pages, PDFs, and Email into spoken text

  • Customize reading voice and speed to meet your personal needs

  • Floating toolbar to read text in other applications

  • Online Text-to-Speech program with options to input text from various sources on your computer

  • Learn more at: http://www.naturalreaders.com/

Compatibility:  Windows; Mac OS; Online Resource

AcrobatReader

Cost: Free

  
  • Read Out Loud is a Text-to-Speech (TTS) tool that is built into Adobe Reader. It can read searchable text contained within the PDF document window.read searchable text contained within the PDF document window.
  • The Read Out Loud function is found under the View menu
  • You can adjust the voice settings from the Edit menu --> Preferences--> Reading
  • To see a video of how this works, check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETOohmYui3Q 
  • To download Adobe Reader, go to:  https://get.adobe.com/reader/

Compatibility:  Windows; Mac OS

Capti Narrator 

Cost:  Free

   
  • Convert documents and web pages into text-to-speech
  • Upload documents from Dropbox, Google Drive, Clipboard, Instapaper, or Web Browser
  • Listen to document immediately or save it to your playlist for future listening
  • Adjust speech rate along with the choice of built-in voices; additional voices for purchase
  • Learn more at: https://www.captivoice.com/capti-site/

Compatibility:  Windows and Mac Browser Extension; iOS: iPad, iPhone

 

VBookz PDF Reader

Cost: $14.99

  
  • Read PDF files with this app
  • Interactive cursor allows readers to follow along with text
  • Use annotation tools such as highlighting, text, notes, and bookmarks to help support your reading
  • Read books in text mode with the option for Dyslexie Font
  • Import PDFs using email, Dropbox, or through iTunes
  • Learn more at: http://vbookz.com/

Compatibility:  iOS: iPad, iPhone

Voice Dream Reader

Cost:
iOS         $14.99
Android  $9.99

  
  • Text-to-speech app to read books with the ability to customize your screen for preferred reading options
  • Read by listening to the text, visually or both at the same time
  • Supports PDF, Word Docs, EPUB, DAISY, eBooks, Web pages and more with the ability to integrate your Bookshare books or books in Dropbox, Evernote, Pocket, Gutenberg and more
  • Includes multiple language options along with various fonts, including Open Dyslexic font, and voices, including the option to purchase additional voices
  • Highlight information in the reading and export it to other programs and apps
  • Learn more at: http://www.voicedream.com/features/

Compatibility:  Android ; iOS: iPad, iPhone

GhostReader

Cost: $24.99

  
  • Text-to-Speech app for Mac computers
  • Reads your text aloud with the ability to customize voices and modify the pronunciation of words so it sounds correct when reading
  • Ability to zoom and highlight words
  • Convert text to audio files for on-the-go listening
  • Import text from a variety of formats including Text, Word, HTML, PDF & RTF
  • Learn more at: http://www.convenienceware.com/ghostreader

Compatibility:  Mac

CamScanner

Cost: Free

  
  • Use your camera phone to scan documents, notes, whiteboards, business cards or any other document
  • Use the Optical Character Recognition (OCR) feature to convert images to readable text
  • Add annotations to your scanned documents
  • Sync documents across devices
  • Learn more at: https://www.camscanner.net/

Compatibility:  Android; iOS: iPad, iPhone; Windows Phone 8

TextGrabber

Cost: $4.99

  
  • Using the camera of your device, capture text and translate it using OCR
  • Easily extract text from books, magazines, newspapers, ads, etc.
  • Use VoiceOver (iPad only) to listen to your document in a text-to-speech format
  • Captured text can be edited and/or copied to another source
  • Learn more at:  https://www.abbyy.com/textgrabber/

Compatibility:  Android; iOS: iPad, iPhone

Prizmo

Cost: $9.99

  
  • Take a picture and have immediate conversion into text with this OCR program for text-to-speech
  • Ability to change the voice and interactive reading display with words highlighted as they are read
  • 10 different languages built-in with over 30 addition for download
  • Ability to edit the OCR results to correct spelling errors or reorder text
  • Learn more at: http://www.creaceed.com/prizmo/about

Compatibility:  iOS: iPad, iPhone

Fokus

Cost:  Free

  
  • Highlight only the text you want to read while Fokus dims and darkens the rest the window
  • Highlights the paragraph you’re reading with the ability to change the opacity of the background overlay
  • Chrome or Firefox extensions with the ability to turn the feature on or off
  • Learn more at: Chrome https://chrome.google.com or Firefox https://addons.mozilla.org/

Compatibility: Chrome and Firefox Browsers

Readability

Cost: Free

  
  • Turns any web page into a clean reading page
  • Eliminates distractions and other visual clutter
  • Read your articles now or save them for future reading
  • Adjust text size and line length for easier reading
  • Safari internet browser has built-in feature that does similar features
  • Learn more at: https://www.readability.com/

Compatibility: Online Resource;  Android; iOS:  iPad, iPhone

Rewordify

Cost:  Free

  
  • Rewordify replaces higher-level vocabulary with words that are easier to understand
  • Help build understanding within readings and builds vocabulary
  • Difficult words are replaced and highlighted
  • Click on the words that were replaced to see the original word in the text
  • Learn more at: http://rewordify.com/

 

Name / Cost   Description / Compatibility

Any.do

Cost:  Free

  
  • Manage your life in a simple, clever, and fun way using this to-do list app
  • Sync your tasks on your mobile device and computer or use the Chrome extension
     to sync with Gmail
  • Use the reminder feature so you never forget what you need to do or where you need to be
  • Learn more at: https://www.any.do/anydo

Compatibility:  Android; iOS: iPad, iPhone; Chrome Extension; Chrome App

Quizlet

Cost: Free 

  
  • Online resource of study tools and game of virtually any educational subject
  •  7 modes including traditional flash cards allow students to study in varied ways to help
    master material
  •  Generate your own content or use content other users have created
  • Learn more at: http://quizlet.com/

Compatibility: Online Resource;  Android; iOS: iPad, iPhone

Evernote

Cost: Free

  
  • A one-stop place to collect notes, files, web clippings, and images with the ability to
    access them on virtually any device
  • Collect and find your information easily
  • Great tool for researching, planning events and everyday organizational use
  • Collaborate with others on projects using the sharing features
  • Learn more at: http://evernote.com

Compatibility: Windows; Mac;  Android;  iOS: iPad, iPhone;  Windows Phone

Study Blue

Cost: Free 

  
  • Study virtually any topic with this on-the-go flashcard study aid
  • Create your own flashcards or use one of the over 150 million notes and cards already
    created by other users
  • Test yourself and get your score of how many right and wrong, with the option to focus
    more on the items you don’t know
  • Study on the go using your mobile device
  • Learn more at: http://www.studyblue.com/

Compatibility: Windows; Mac; iOS: iPad, iPhone; Windows Phone

gFlash+

Cost:  Free

 

  
  • Robust platform for creating, downloading, and manipulating flashcards in every subject
     under the sun.
  • Multiple study methods: Adaptive, Flashcard Boxes, Self-Test Quiz and a card Matching Game
  • Fully functional card editor - create and edit your own card sets, right from within the app
  • User-defined and generated multiple choice questions
  • Ability to include zoomable images and audio/video clips directly through gFlash editor
  • Learn more at: http://www.gwhizmobile.com/

Compatibility:  Android; iOS:  iPad, iPhone

myHomework

Cost: Free

  
  • Track your homework, tests, projects, and lessons
  • Set and receive reminders when assignments are due or tests are coming up
  • Set up your class schedule within the app
  • Sync your information with any of the available devices
  • Learn more at: https://myhomeworkapp.com/

Compatibility: Windows; Chrome Extension; iOS: iPad, iPhone; Android; Kindle

inClass

Cost:  Free

  

  • Keep track your class schedule, notes and assignments in one place

  • Create reminders of when tasks are due

  • Take and share notes using text, videos, audio, or photo notes

  • Learn More at:  http://www.inclassapp.com/

Compatibility: iOS: iPad, iPhone

iStudiez Pro

Cost: $2.99 -$9.99

  
  • Stay organized and on top of all your school work and your schedule with this app
  • Using the built-in planner with alerts and reminders, track tasks, homework, deadlines, meetings, and your grades
  • Sync on all your devices so you’re never without this tool
  • Learn more at: http://istudentpro.com/

Compatibility: Mac; Windows; iOS: iPad, iPhone

iAnnotate 

Cost:  $9.99

  
  • Annotate PDF, Word Doc, PowerPoint, and image files with this app
  • Use the typewriter, pen, highlighter, stamp, note, underline, photo, voice and other tools to
    annotate your document
  • Import PDFs or compress and export for secured sharing with others
  • Learn more at: http://www.branchfire.com/iannotate/#leaveyourmark

Compatibility:  iOS: iPad, iPhone
Name / Cost Description / Compatibility

Grammarly

Cost: Free
  • Check your spelling and grammar as you type; the "contextual spelling checker" even detects correctly spelled words used in the wrong context
  • Find the right word you are looking for with synonym suggestions
  • Grammar checker Grammarly can fix hundreds of complex grammatical errors
  • Adding Grammarly to Chrome means that your spelling and grammar will be corrected nearly everywhere you write on the web including email, Facebook, Twitter, etc. 
  • Learn more at: https://www.grammarly.com/

Compatibility: Chrome Extension; MS Office Add-in

Fleksy

Cost:  Free
  • Shrink Fleksy for more screen space, or expand for easier typing.
  • Powerful word prediction and next-generation autocorrect system edits your text without the need to even see the keyboard. Powerful enough for individuals who are blind or low vision to use.
  • Easily add punctuation, space, delete words, and much more with just a swipe of your finger-- easy, intuitive, and fast.
  • Learn more at: http://fleksy.com/

Compatibility:   Android; iOS: iPad, iPhone

Dragon Dictation

Cost:  Free

Compatibility: iOS: iPad, iPhone

VoiceNote II 

Cost:  Free
  •  Extension for Google Chrome that allows you to type by simply speaking out loud
  • Create a shortcut for easy use with other applications
  • Speak your punctuation or click the buttons to add it to the text
  • Learn more at: https://goo.gl/LVMywx

Compatibility: Google Chrome App

TextExpander

Cost:  $4.99
  • Type more with less effort using this custom keyboard shortcut app
  • Create custom abbreviations called snippets of frequently used words and phrases for easy, quick entry into your documents
  • Insert snippets by simply touching on them on your screen
  • Use Dropbox to sync your snippets across devices
  • Learn more at: https://textexpander.com/

Compatibility:   iOS: iPad, iPhone

Voice Dream Writer

Cost:  $9.99
  •  Make fewer mistakes, use the right words and organize your writing better with this app
  • Text-to-speech and voice-to-text help you to proofread to avoid awkward sentences or grammatical mistakes
  • Dictionary, Phonetic Spell Checker, and Word Finder help you use the correct words when writing
  • Outline of paper allows for better structure and ease when restructuring your paper
  • Learn more at: http://www.voicedream.com/writer/

Compatibility:  iOS: iPad, iPhone

TypO-HD

Cost: $4.99 - $14.99
  • Easy to use dyslexia app that helps you write without spelling errors.
  • Word prediction along with text-to-speech capability allows you to hear the word options before you select them
  • Ability to enter text on the screen using speech recognition
  • Listen to your work with the text-to-speech feature
  • Learn more at: http://secondguessapps.com/

Compatibility:  iOS: iPad, iPhone

Ginger Grammar & Spell Checker

Cost: Basic Free; Prem. $8.30 - $14.60/mo
  • Checks your spelling and grammar and fixes it according to the context of your text in Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Chrome
  • Suggests different and better ways to express your sentences (Premium)
  • Provides training to improve your mistakes (Premium)
  • Reads your text out loud (Premium)
  • Learn more at: http://www.gingersoftware.com/features

Compatibility: Windows; Mac; Android, iOS: iPad, iPhone; Chrome and Safari Extension

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