Free Resources

These resources are free to use and may be of some assistance to you.

 

University of Sunderland Library Support for self-help guides and in -person support: Services and support - University Library Services (sunderland.ac.uk)

 

Reading and Writing

 

Immersive Reader on webpages and Microsoft word supports reading and writing by customising how word documents appear while you read and edit. It provides options to allow you to listen to the text read aloud or adjust how text appears e.g. by modifying spacing, colour and how many lines of text you see at once Use Immersive Reader in Microsoft Edge How to Use Immersive Reader in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and OneNote (howtogeek.com)

 

Spelling and Vocabulary

Thesauras  www.thesauras.com  

Wordweb - This is a one-click English thesaurus and dictionary that can look up words in almost any program. http://wordweb.info/free/  

 

Research  

MyStudyBar – freeware - complete assistive technology solution which combines text-to-speech (provided by Balabolka) and mind-mapping (provided by XMind) 

Mendeley - freeware – referencing tool that where users can store and access their account both online and via their desktop. Integrates with MS Office’s referencing tool to enable users to cite references from Medeley. Add notes and mark references as read or unread. 

RefMe – free online tool – referencing tool to help students to collate and organise references and automatically create pre-formatted reference lists in a variety of styles (Harvard/APA etc.). Sign up for a free online account. 

Zotero - freeware – desktop-based referencing tool. Download the extension for Google Chrome and automatically save references on webpages to your Zotero account. Attach notes, images, PDFs and audio to reference entries and automatically generate pre-formatted reference lists . 

F.Lux - freeware - Automatically adjusts your computer screen to reflect the natural light throughout the day; it becomes progressively more red and dim as the sun sets. 

BeeLine Reader – Google Chrome Extension – facilitates smooth tracking when reading by progressively colouring the lines of text. 

  

Composition 

XMind – freeware – Mind-mapping tool that enables users to attach documents, hyperlinks and images. Can export to Open Office. 

Ginger - free version (limited corrections) – Grammar- and spell-checker. Suggests ways to rephrase sentences to improve written expression, translates foreign languages and corrects spellings. Free version features a weekly limit to the number of automatic corrections. Can be upgraded to Premium version for about £6 per month. Extension for Google Chrome highlights errors and suggests corrections on web pages. 

Grammarly - This is the light version of the software. It’s an enhanced grammar and spell-checker. https://www.grammarly.com/students  

 

Proofreading 

Balabolka – freeware – a suite of tools such as text-to-speech which can read text imported from Word documents, PDFs and from the clipboard. Save audio files. Can read foreign languages. 

eSpeak – freeware – Apple Mac alternative to Balabolka. 

Natural Reader – freeware – text-to-speech software. Need to purchase upgrade to be able to create mp3s and use in conjunction with MS Office. 

Zabaware Text-to-Speech Reader - freeware – free version features computerised voices. 

TTS Reader – freeware – full featured text-to-speech software. Create wav or mp3 files 

Select and Speak – Google Chrome Extension – reads aloud from webpages. 

Cereproc - two free voices – free natural sounding voice available for post-16 learners and staff. Must register with a .ac.uk email address. 

Ginger - Ginger Proofreader is integrated with most of your favourite desktop applications and with all major browsers. Ginger Proofreader offers both ESL (English as a Second Language) and native English speakers the ability to correct spelling and grammar mistakes with a single-click. http://www.gingersoftware.com/company-overview/#ixzz26SIQVLi6  

 

Note-taking 

Microsoft OneNote - freeware – Collate typed and handwritten notes, images, audio etc. in notebooks and share them with other users. Download web clipper extension for Google Chrome to capture information from webpages. 

Evernote - freeware – Collate typed and handwritten notes, images, audio etc. in notebooks. Compatible with handwriting recognition. Monthly usage limit applies. Download web clipper for Google Chrome to capture information from webpages.  

KeyBlaze Typing Tutor –freeware – users complete a certain amount of training activities and then play associated typing games. 

Rapid Typing 5 – freeware – Features an onscreen keyboard which helps demonstrate the keys which should be pressed.  Online test for typing speed, games and tutorials. 

Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing - Typing fluency app https://mavis-beacon-free.en.softonic.com/?ex=DINS-635.3  

 

Time-management/Organisation 

Dropbox - freeware – store and access documents via an online account. Syncs automatically across computers, smartphones and iPods which have the Dropbox app. 

DropTask - freeware – Project management tool. Create visual maps of projects, group set of tasks, set deadlines, track progress and share with colleagues. 

Asana – free for up to 15 members – Project management tool that tries to overcome the reliance on emails. Create tasks, organise tasks into project and communicate with colleagues via the comments within projects. 

Google Calendars - free online tool – create events, schedule tasks and set reminders. Access the calendar on a smartphone via Google Calendar app. 

 

Access to IT 

Non-visual desktop access (NVDA) – freeware - screen reader to support blind/partially sighted users to access computers 

 

Examinations and Assessment 

Anki - open source - Flashcard software with a comprehensive range of features. 

StudyBlue – freeware – develop flashcards to support revision. Need to upgrade to Pro version to access and share flashcards with other members.  

Mnemosyne Project – freeware – Create flashcards, test yourself and track progress through statistics. Share and access shared content for free.  

OpenCards – freeware – Uses PowerPoint slides to make flashcard sets. User friendly with a wide range of features. 

BrainYoo – freeware – Create multiple choice questions from flashcards. Sync with associated app to review cards on smartphone.  

jVLT & Parley – Flashcard software specifically designed for learning languages. 

 

Communication/Social Interaction 

Google Groups –free online tool – create groups of students post messages directly on message board or via email. Facilitates collaboration and communication during group work.  

 

Subject-specific 

 

Astronomy 

Celestia & Stellarium – open source – software that enables you to view the night sky on the computer. 

Engineering, Animation, Design, Architecture 

AutoDesk – freeware - Package includes 3ds Max, AutoCAD and Maya. 

 

Languages 

Language Packs for MS Office – free – download language interface packs, proofing tools and screen tips. 

Mathematics 

GraphCalc - open source – free graphing calculator 

Mathway – online tools – multifunctional calculator 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise   Basic Maths and English study skills/tips/tasks. Very easy to use and has clear factsheets on numerous areas of numeracy and literacy. Particularly good for suggesting strategies, for example the ‘look, say, cover, write, check’ technique to aid spelling. These are basic skills and a good starting point.

 

Music 

Phonascus   – open source – software for learning music theory. 

Audacity - open source – Easy to use multi-track editor and recorder. Can record computer’s internal sounds. 

Ardour - open source – Record, edit and mix audio tracks 

 

Physics 

Physion – open source – Interactive physics simulator 

Snippy - freeware – Screen capture tool that allows specific areas of the screen to be copied.