New tools to help you study
Posted on 2 October 2020
It helps you to pick up mistakes really easily and just makes it much easier to check your spelling, check your grammar, check your style, check your sentence length. The screen masking tool highlight lines that I'm reading; this is particularly useful at night when I might be a little bit more tired and need a little more help to pick out my lines.
- Student feedback
Read&Write
Read&Write is a discreet toolbar that integrates seamlessly with the computer applications you already use to study, like web browsers and Microsoft or Google applications. You can use the toolbar as you carry out research across the web, organising content as you go. Have text read out to you, save text as audio, colour mask your screen or highlight and collate key information. Many more features, including a PDF reader, are available to explore in our learner’s guide to Texthelp tools.
View student Rowan’s favourite Read&Write features
EquatIO
What about reading and writing maths? EquatIO is the answer. Simply type, handwrite or dictate any expression, and EquatIO will convert it into accurate, digital maths and formulas which can be added to a Microsoft Word document or G Suite apps with a click. You can also screenshot maths to hear it read out to you. Together with its scientific calculator, molecular viewer and periodic table, EquatIO has the tools to support maths in every discipline and STEM subjects as well. View the information in our learner’s guide to Texthelp tools to find out more.
Get the software
Read&Write and EquatIO are installed on all IT Services managed PCs. Staff and students are able to install Read&Write and EquatIO on unmanaged University owned PCs and personally owned devices temporarily while social distancing is in place. To find out how you can install the Chrome extensions or a copy of the software on your own computer, go to IT Services A-Z software to search for Texthelp.
Other things you may find helpful include:
- Blackboard Ally on the VLE to generate alternative formats for documents,
- MindGenius, a mind mapping tool available from the Software Centre,
- Accessibility techniques and tips in our online student guide.
Consult our Disability team if you need further help and support.