Technology to Enhance Your Learning Experience

From taking notes on your laptop to watching lecture recordings, working on group projects, and studying for exams, you probably use technology every day at college. But did you know the technology you already use could also make learning more accessible, flexible, and effective?

Discover Assistive Technology (AT)

According to Understood.org, assistive technology refers to “any device, software, or equipment that helps people work around challenges.”

Your laptop, smartphone, or tablet may be more than just a device. With built-in accessibility features and apps, it can become a powerful tool to support your learning. Tools like text-to-speech, speech-to-text, captions, digital notetaking, and time management features can help you engage with course materials, organize your ideas, and stay on track.

The best part? While these tools can be especially helpful for students with disabilities, they can benefit all learners!

Explore the Tools. Find What Works for You.

Discover built-in accessibility features that can support your learning in four key areas:

Reading — Discover tools that make reading more manageable, support comprehension and retention, and help you engage with course materials in ways that work for you.
Writing — Explore tools that help you organize your thoughts, develop your ideas, and express them clearly.
Notetaking — Discover tools to capture key information, organize your notes, and review important concepts.
Time Management — Find tools to plan your schedule, prioritize tasks, and keep track of assignments and deadlines.

You don’t necessarily need to download something new or buy additional technology. You may already have tools at your fingertips that can help you learn more effectively, stay organized, and make the most of your learning experience!

Smart devices - Android

There are several ways to listen to text on your Android device:

Android Accessibility Suite

Reading mode

Talkback: Hear your screen read out loud

Text-to-speech output

Assistive Technology iphone speak selection speak screen

Smart devices - Apple

Your iPad and iPhone has a built in text-to-speech that can read aloud text on your device. This means you can listen to the text in your emails, documents, webpages, etc.

Hear iPhone speak the screen, etc.

Hear iPad speak the screen, etc.

AT - Support for Reading

Text-to-Speech (TTS) is an assistive technology feature that converts written text into spoken words—allowing you to listen to digital content instead of reading it on screen. This tool can be especially helpful for students who experience challenges with reading, comprehension, retention, or maintaining focus.

Many devices come with built-in TTS tools that are easy to use and highly effective.

immersive reader, canvas, text to speech

If your course instructor enabled the Immersive Reader in CANVAS, it can be used when viewing pages, assignments, course home page, and syllabus. Just click the Immersive Reader button in CANVAS.

The Immersive Reader in CANVAS offers a variety of features to enhance your reading experience:

Read text aloud
Change the speed of reading
Highlight sets of one, three, or five lines for greater focus
Change font size, text spacing, and background color
Split up words into syllables
Highlight verbs, nouns, adjectives, and sub-clauses
Choose between two fonts optimized to help with reading
Select a word to see a related picture and hear the word read aloud as many times as necessary

How to use Immersive Reader in Canvas?

To listen to specific text on a page, use the Select-to-speak feature:

Turn on Select-to-speak

At the bottom right, select the time. (Or press Alt + Shift + s)
Select Settings .
At the bottom, select Advanced.
In the "Accessibility" section, select Manage Accessibility Features.
Under "Text-to-Speech," turn on Enable select-to-speak.

Chromebook Simulator - Turn on select-to-speak

Select and hear text

Important: Depending on your keyboard, you can press the Search key or the Launcher key for some shortcuts. Both keys work the same

To select what text you’d like to hear:

Highlight the text and press the Search key + s.
At the bottom right, near the time, select Select-to-speak . Then select a line of text or drag the pointer over an area of the screen.
On a touchscreen: At the bottom right, near the time, tap Select-to-speak . Then tap a line of text or drag your finger over an area of the screen.

Your Chromebook will read the section aloud and each word will be highlighted.

To stop Select-to-Speak while it’s reading, press Ctrl or the Search key . You can also select Stop .

Tip: With navigation controls, you can pause and play, adjust speed, and skip lines of text.

Additional resources

ChromeVox, built-in screen reader, which will read full pages aloud
To change the language or voice of spoken text

Microsoft Office

Immersive Reader - in Word for the desktop, macOS, Web, and iPad. Listen to text read aloud and/or adjust how text appears by modifying the text spacing, color and more.
Read Aloud - a built-in text-to-speech feature in Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and OneNote.

Pages (MAC)

Choose Edit > Speech > Start Speaking

PDF

Adobe Reader (free) Windows, MAC
- Open PDF with Adobe Reader
- Click View, then Read Out Loud
  - Activate Read Out Loud
- go back to View, then Read Out Loud
  - Select either Read to End of Document or Read This Page Only

Previewer (built in for MAC)
- Enable Speech
  - Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click Accessibility, then click Speech.
- Select the “Speak selected text when the key is pressed” checkbox.
  - By default, speaking is enabled when you press Option-Esc.
- To have your Mac start speaking, press Option-Esc. To stop the speaking, press Option-Esc again.
  - If text is selected when you press the key, the selected text is spoken. Otherwise, available text items in the current window are spoken; for example, if Mail is the current window, an email message is read. If no text items are available, you hear a beep.

Apple Books is a built-in app on the iPhone and iPad that allows you to download free or paid eBooks, add your own PDFs and listen to audiobooks. With the Apple Books app you can read your favorite books on any of your Apple devices just sign in with the same Apple ID on each device. You can customize your reading experience by adding bookmarks and/or adjusting the font and brightness.

Live Text on iOS allows users to take a picture of textbook pages, handouts, flyers, posters, etc.,) and select and interact with the text in the image. After taking a picture press the live text button the text.

Live Text allows users to:

Copy text in images, paste it somewhere else and/or listen to the text with Spoken Content
Translate text in images
Search the web based on what is in the image
Make a phone call if there is a phone number in the image
Send an email if there is an email address in the image
Look up a location on Apple Maps if there is an address in the image
Look up words in the iPhone dictionary
Share the text with other people, via the iOS Share menu

Your iPad and iPhone has a built in text-to-speech that can read aloud text on your device. This means you can listen to the text in your emails, documents, webpages, etc.

Open Settings .
In Settings, select Accessibility from the list
On the Accessibility screen, select Spoken Content
On the Spoken Content screen, select Speak Selection and Speak Screen to set the toggle switch to On
- Speak Selection allows you to tap and hold any text until the selector tool appears
- Speak Screen allows you to swipe down with two fingers from the top of the screen to hear the content of the screen.

Resource: iPad user guide; iPhone user guide

VoiceOver is a built in screen reader for your iPad and iPhone. VoiceOver uses gestures to help people who cannot see the content on the screen or find buttons they are looking for. When rolling a finger over different objects, VoiceOver will read everything on the screen. A double tap will open the object. Learn more - VoiceOver on an iPad and VoiceOver on an iPhone

Turn VoiceOver on or off

Note: When using VoiceOver, VoiceOver gestures must be used to navigate the iPad.

To turn VoiceOver on or off, do any of the following:

Activate Siri and say “Turn on VoiceOver” or “Turn off VoiceOver.”
If you’ve set up Accessibility Shortcut, triple-click the Home button or top button (depending on your iPad model).
Use Control Center.
Go to Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver, then turn the setting on or off.

Have your Mac speak text that’s on the screen

From the Apple menu , click System Preferences

Click Accessibility
Select Read & Speak (or Spoken Content)
- Select the voice that you want to use
Select the “Speak selected text when the key is pressed” check box
- By default, your Mac speaks text when you press the keyboard shortcut Option - Esc. To set a different keyboard shortcut, click “Set Key to assign a keyboard shortcut”. This will be the shortcut you use to hear text read aloud

VoiceOver is a built-in screen reader on a MAC. VoiceOver enables users with visual disabilities to control their computer using a rich set of keyboard commands. VoiceOver speaks descriptions of items on the screen and can be used to control the computer using only your keyboard.

Turn VoiceOver on or off on Mac

Press Command-F5. If VoiceOver is on, pressing the keys turns it off.
Use Siri. Say something like: “Turn VoiceOver on” or “Turn VoiceOver off.” Learn how to use Siri.
If your Mac or Magic Keyboard has Touch ID, press and hold the Command key while you quickly press Touch ID three times.
Choose Apple menu
> System Settings, then click Accessibility in the sidebar (you may need to scroll down). Click VoiceOver on the right, then turn VoiceOver on or off.

Learn more about VoiceOver on a MAC

Reading Mode

Do you have a lot of online reading to do for class? Chrome Reading Mode can help you stay focused by simplifying the page and reducing distractions. With Reading Mode, you can:

Listen to text read aloud and choose the voice and reading speed.
Choose a color theme that feels comfortable.
Change the font and text size for easier reading.
Adjust line and letter spacing to make text easier to follow.

Quick tip: Use Ctrl + Shift + R on Windows/Chromebook or Command + Shift + R on Mac to turn on Reading Mode.

Other Text-to-Speech Options

Chrome also offers extensions that can read online text aloud. Some options include:

Read Aloud
Readme
Read the Web — Need accommodation for Kurzweil 3000. Add the extension and sign in using your Kurzweil 3000 username and password.

Whether you’re reading articles, textbooks, or class materials, Reading Mode can make online reading more comfortable and focused.

To listen to text content on a Firefox webpage, click the Read Aloud icon on the Firefox menu or press the F9 key to activate.

When the Read Aloud feature is activated on a Firefox webpage, the Read Aloud toolbar will appear, click Listen or press the key command N

Reading Mode in Microsoft Edge allows the Microsoft Edge browser to highlight text, auto-scroll and reads PDFs, eBooks, and webpage content aloud to you.

There are multiple ways to active the Read Aloud function:

Press F9 or click the Reading Mode icon in the address bar
For part of a page, select the text, right‑click → Open selection in Reading mode
You can also type read: before the URL in the address bar and press Enter

Pixie - Web Accessibility & Productivity Tools

Reading on the web has just gotten customizable! Introducing Pixie!

The Pixie widget will give you quick access to important features by hovering over the icon. Features include: Reader View, Dictionary, Mute, and Text to Speech voice reader.

JAWS Software

JAWS (Job Access With Speech) is a screen reader that provides speech and Braille output for the most popular computer applications on a PC for users whose vision loss prevents them from seeing screen content or navigating with a mouse. JAWS allows users to independently navigate the Internet, write a document, read an email and create presentations.

Narrator is a screen-reading app that's built into Windows.

Two ways to start Narrator

Press the Windows logo key + Ctrl + Enter together to start Narrator. Press these keys again to stop Narrator. On many keyboards, the Windows logo key is located on the bottom row of keys, to the left or right of the Alt key.

- or -

Press the Windows logo key + Ctrl + N to open Narrator settings, and then turn on the toggle under Use Narrator.

NVDA is a screen reader that allows blind and vision impaired people to access and interact with the Windows operating system. NVDA is a free download. (Note: NVDA is only available for PCs running Microsoft Windows 7 SP1 and later.)

N V D A - free screen reader

Download NVDA

New Reading Strategy: Bionic Reading

Bionic Reading apps / Bionic Reading Word Add-in

"Bionic Reading® is a new method facilitating the reading process by guiding the eyes through text with artificial fixation points. As a result, the reader is only focusing on the highlighted initial letters and lets the brain center complete the word. In a digital world dominated by shallow forms of reading, Bionic Reading aims to encourage a more in-depth reading and understanding of written content.

The Bionic Reading® reading method can be individually adapted to the needs of all readers. This flexibility allows Bionic Reading® to provide maximum customization for all users."

bionic reading example, technology, devices

FREE Office 365 Account for VCCCD students

microsoft office 365, software, word, powerpoint, excel

AT - Speech-to-Text

Speech-to-Text (also known as voice-to-text, dictation, or speech recognition) is a tool that converts spoken words into written text. In other words, you speak—your device types. This can be a powerful alternative to typing or handwriting, especially for students who may:

struggle with spelling (speak the word and see how it’s spelled)
think faster than they can write or type
have mobility or physical challenges that affect writing

Speech-to-Text tools are built into most devices and can enhance your writing process—especially if speaking your thoughts and ideas is easier and faster than typing. However, they’re not perfect. Background noise, speaking speed, and pronunciation can all affect accuracy. While you may need to make a few minor edits, Speech-to-Text remains a powerful tool that can save time, reduce frustration, and even make writing a more enjoyable task.

To turn on Dictation

On your Mac, choose Apple menu
> System Settings, then click Keyboard in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.)
Go to Dictation on the right, then turn it On. If a prompt appears, click Enable.

To Dictate text

Place the insertion point where you want the dictated text to appear.
Press the microphone icon , if available in the row of function keys, use the dictation keyboard shortcut, or choose Edit > Start Dictation.

Note: Press and release microphone icon to start Dictation; press and hold microphone icon to activate Siri (Siri must be enabled).
When the feedback window shows a microphone icon with a fluctuating loudness indicator, or you hear the tone that signals your Mac is ready for dictation, dictate your text.
To insert a punctuation mark or perform simple formatting tasks, do any of the following:

Say the name of the punctuation mark, such as “exclamation mark.”
Say “new line” (equivalent to pressing the Return key once) or “new paragraph” (equivalent to pressing the Return key twice). The new line or new paragraph appear when you’re done dictating. For a list of the commands - Commands for dictating text.

When you’re done dictating, press the dictation keyboard shortcut, the Return key, or click Done in the feedback window.

Open a new or existing document and go to Home > Dictate while signed into Microsoft 365 on a mic-enabled device.

Tip: You can also start dictation with the keyboard shortcut: ⌥ (Option) + F1.
Wait for the Dictate button to turn on and start listening.
Start speaking to see text appear on the screen.

Video Resource: How to use Dictation in Microsoft Word for the web

Open a new or existing document and go to Home > Dictate while signed into your Microsoft 365 account on a mic-enabled device.
Wait for the Dictate button to turn on and start listening.
Start speaking to see text appear on the screen.

Video Resource: How to use Dictation in Microsoft Word for the web

Available in Chrome browsers

To voice type in a google doc

Check that your microphone works. Microphone settings are typically in the System Preferences on a Mac, or the Control Panel on a PC

Open a document in Google Docs with a Chrome browser.
Click Tools Voice typing. A microphone box appears. When you're ready to speak, click the microphone.
Speak clearly, at a normal volume and pace.
Note: punctuation should be dictated as well.
When you're done, click the microphone again.

Correcting mistakes while voice typing

If you make a mistake while typing with your voice, move your cursor to the mistake and fix it without turning off the microphone
After correcting the mistake, move the cursor back to where you want to continue voice typing
To see a list of suggestions, right-click words underlined in gray

Using voice commands

Commands can be used to edit and format your document. For example, "Select paragraph," "italics," or "Go to the end of the line."

TIPS:

Voice commands are available only in English. The account language and document language must both be English.
Voice commands are not available in Slides speaker notes.

Resource:

speech-to-text, speech, text, dictation, voice typing, technology, electronic, devices — speech-to-text, voice typing

Smart device

Windows 10

MAC

Dictation on a Mac

Strategies for College (Linda O'Brien)

Linda O’Brien, author of "How to Get Good Grades in College", states:

It takes more than being smart or studying hard to be successful in college. You need to know how to manage your time, how to take good notes, and how to do well on tests. You also need to know how to study effectively. This booklet will show you how to do all of these things and more.

College is an investment in your future. Work hard and make the most of it! "

View Linda O'Brien's Strategies for College Success online

AT - Notetaking

Developing an effective notetaking process is a valuable skill for college students. Whether you’re taking notes during lectures or while reading your course materials, notetaking involves organizing information in a way that makes it easier to understand, study, and retain.

Notetaking is a skill that takes practice and exploration. There are many methods to try, such as the Outline Method, SQ4R, Cornell Method, Mapping Method, and more. You may find that different courses benefit from different approaches—for example, notes for a math class may look very different from notes for a history class. And that’s ok! The goal is to develop a notetaking style that works for you—one that helps you identify key concepts, main ideas, and supporting details, and organizes information in a way that boosts your comprehension and memory.

Below are some resources to help you build and refine your notetaking skills:

Taking effective notes during lectures is a crucial skill for college success. Lectures often cover a lot of information quickly, so having a reliable system to capture key points helps you stay engaged, retain knowledge, and prepare efficiently for exams. Different strategies work better for different subjects and learning styles, so it’s worth exploring a few methods to find what fits you best.

Below are few practical notetaking techniques that can help you organize information clearly and make the most out of every lecture.

Focus on Key Points
Don’t try to write down everything verbatim. Listen for main ideas, definitions, examples, and repeated concepts that are likely important.
The Outline Method
Organize your notes hierarchically with main topics, subtopics, and details using bullet points or numbers. This keeps information structured and easy to review.
Cornell Method
Divide your page into three sections: cues, notes, and summary. Write detailed notes during class, jot down key questions or keywords in the margin afterward, and summarize the lecture at the bottom.
Mapping Method
Use diagrams or concept maps to visually connect ideas and show relationships between concepts. This is great for subjects with interconnected ideas.
Charting Method
Create tables to compare facts, dates, or categories side-by-side. This works well for classes with lots of data or facts, like history or science.
Sentence Method
Write every new thought or fact on a separate line as a sentence. This is fast and useful if the lecture moves quickly or isn’t very structured.
Use Abbreviations and Symbols
Develop your own system of shortcuts to speed up writing. For example, use “&” for “and,” “w/” for “with,” or arrows for cause and effect.
Review and Revise Soon After Class
Spend 10-15 minutes after the lecture reviewing and clarifying your notes while the material is fresh. Fill in gaps, highlight important points, and summarize.

Taking notes while reading can significantly enhance your ability to process, understand, and retain information. By actively engaging with the text—highlighting key points, summarizing concepts, and jotting down questions—you transform passive reading into an interactive learning experience.

As the University of Reading highlights, “Learning how to manage your reading and take effective notes can give you back hours of your time for studying.” Effective note-taking helps you focus on what matters most, reduces the need for repeated reading, and makes reviewing material much more efficient.

Developing this skill not only boosts comprehension but also improves your overall study efficiency, freeing up valuable time to focus on other academic priorities.

Note-Taking Strategies for Reading

Highlight and Annotate
Use a highlighter or underline key phrases and concepts. Write brief comments or questions in the margins to engage actively with the material.
Summarize Each Section
After finishing a paragraph or section, pause to write a short summary in your own words. This reinforces understanding and helps you identify main ideas.
Use the SQ4R Method
This stands for Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Record, and Review. It guides you through structured reading and note-taking to improve comprehension and retention.
Create Concept Maps or Diagrams
Visualize relationships between ideas by drawing charts or mind maps. This is especially helpful for complex or interconnected topics.
Develop a Vocabulary List
Jot down new or difficult terms with their definitions. Revisiting this list will improve your grasp of subject-specific language.
Organize Notes by Theme or Topic
Instead of copying text verbatim, group your notes around themes, questions, or arguments presented in the reading.

Apps

Flexicil
MarginNote3

Be prepared for class

Review course syllabus
- understand expectations
- office hours
- attendance policy
- reading schedule
- due dates: assignments, exams, etc.
Prior to each class
- review notes and what has already been covered
- complete required readings
- re-read chapter summary
- identify vocabulary
- assess your understanding
- are there questions you have about the material?
- things you’re still confused about?
- write these down and bring to class
Arrive early and get a good seat
- reduce/avoid distractions
Interact with instructor; actively participate
- ask questions
- contribute with comments
Come organized with all necessary course supplies

During lecture

Actively Listen
- Focus on the speaker - give your undivided attention
- Don't prejudge or assume you already know the material
- Ask for clarification
- Listen for verbal cues and watch for nonverbal cues
- Listen for requests

After lecture

review notes after class
if needed, rewrite lecture notes
- fill in gaps from your memory while they are still fresh in mind
- rewriting provides an opportunity to (re-)organize your notes in a more logical or coherent fashion
  - make note of your questions and ask instructor next class

Technology-Supported Notetaking as an approved accommodation

Want to explore technology-supported notetaking options? Meet with Shirley Ruiz, ACCESS Alternate Media Specialist, to discuss tools available to you.

Please note: Technology-supported notetaking must be an approved accommodation through ACCESS, and a Request for Accommodations (RFA) must be on file for the current semester.

Explore Technology-Supported Notetaking Options

Lecture recordings and transcripts allow you to relisten to lectures, fill in gaps or add details to your own notes, review challenging concepts to better understand and study for exams. Listed below are a few technology supported notetaking options:

Digital Recorder - If you are eligible and this option meets your notetaking needs, ACCESS can loan you a digital recorder.

Record and replay lectures — Record classroom lectures and listen to them again when reviewing course material.
Review and add to your notes — Revisit challenging concepts, fill in gaps, and add details to your notes.
Transfer recordings — Use the USB connection to download audio recordings to your computer for easy access while studying.

Messenger Pigeon - Important: Do not create an account. If you are eligible, ACCESS will create an account for you.

Record and replay lectures — Record classroom lectures and listen to them again when reviewing course material.
AI-generated transcript — View an AI-generated transcript of your lecture recording.
AI-generated abstract — A brief overview of your lecture to identify the main topics and key ideas.
Bookmarks — Mark important parts of a recording so you can quickly find and revisit them.
AI-generated quiz — Generate a quiz based on your recorded lecture to test your understanding and review key concepts.
AI study assistant — Use tools like Simplify and Define to explore concepts and better understand course material.
Professional Summary Notes — Request summary notes prepared by a professional notetaker based on your lecture recording.

Jamworks - Important: Do not create an account. If you are eligible, ACCESS will create an account for you.

Record and replay lectures — Record classroom lectures and listen to them again when reviewing course material.
AI-generated transcript — View an AI-generated transcript of your lecture recording.
AI-generated notes and summaries — Review key information and main ideas from your lectures.
Audio highlights — Quickly revisit important parts of a recording.
AI-generated quiz — Generate a quiz based on your recorded lecture to test your understanding and review key concepts.
AI assistant — Ask questions, use AI prompts, and explore concepts to strengthen your understanding.

VoiceMemo - The Voice Memos app allows you torecord classroom lectures using your iPhone or mac laptop.

Record and replay lectures — Record classroom lectures and listen to them again when reviewing course material.
AI-generated transcript - View an AI-generated transcript on supported iPhones, depending on your device, iOS version.
Allows you to review the recording and transcript when studying.

Tip: Before recording a classroom lectures, submit the Request for Accommodations form and chat with your instructor(s) of your approved accommodation.

Reusable Notebook for taking notes

technology, electronic, devices, rocketbook, electronic notebook, write, scan, reuse

Rocketbook is a reusable notebook. Write your notes with the PILOT FriXion pen then simply wipe the pages clean with a wet cloth.
Rocketbook also has an app. When using the Rocketbook app, your written notes can be saved to your cloud service and/or emailed. Notes can then be sorted and organized to make browsing them easier.
- Handwritten text can be OCR

blackboard, electronic notebook, writing, technology

Reusable smart notebook has a semi-transparent surface that allows you to take notes on different templates or mark up documents
App-enabled digital notebook great for taking notes using your own handwriting.
Erase like a pencil with Exact-Erase or clear the reusable notebook completely with the push of a button.
Scan the Blackboard Smart Scan notebook with your phone and use the Blackboard app to save, enhance, markup, send, and share your notes. Compatible with OneNote, Google Drive, Dropbox, and Evernote.

AT - Time Management

A Key Skill for College Success

As a college student, mastering time management is essential. According to MindTools, “Time management is the process of organizing and planning how to divide your time between different activities. Get it right, and you'll work smarter—not harder—to accomplish more in less time, even when deadlines are tight and pressure is high."

1. Use a Planner or Digital Calendar

Why it helps: Keeps track of assignments, exams, and personal commitments.
How to do it: Use tools like Google Calendar or a physical planner to block out study time, class schedules, and deadlines.

2. Plan Weekly and Daily

Weekly: Map out major tasks and deadlines.
Daily: Choose 2–3 priority tasks to complete each day.
Why it helps: Reduces overwhelm and builds momentum.

3. Build Routines

Establish consistent sleep, study, and exercise schedules.
Why it helps: Creates habits that support long-term success.

4. Learn to Say "No"

Avoid overcommitting to clubs, work, or social activities.
Why it helps: Protects time for academics and self-care.

5. Prioritize Tasks with the Eisenhower Matrix

Categories:
- Urgent and important
- Important but not urgent
- Urgent but not important
- Neither urgent nor important
Why it helps: Teaches you to focus on what truly matters and avoid wasting time on non-essential tasks.

6. Break Work into Smaller Chunks (Pomodoro Technique)

How it works:
- Study for 25 minutes
- Take a 5-minute break
- Repeat 4 times, then take a longer break (15–30 minutes)
Why it helps: Increases focus and prevents burnout.

7. Reflect and Adjust When Needed

Ask yourself:
- What worked this week?
- What didn’t?
- What will I change?
Why it helps: Keeps you growing and optimizing your time.

Google Calendar
S.M.A.R.T Goals
FocusList (Apple & Mac)
Pomodoro Timer - Online
Mindful Browsing
Stay Focusd (Chrome)
Time Out (Mac) - Break reminder
ClearLock (Android)
Cold Turkey
Freedom - Block Distractions (Apple)
Hocus Focus (MacOS)

Discover Assistive Technology (AT)

Explore the Tools. Find What Works for You.

AT - Support for Reading

Text-to-Speech (TTS) supports reading

Android

CANVAS

Chromebook

Documents (Microsoft Office, Pages on a MAC, and PDFs)

iPad and iPhone (Apple Books app)

iPad and iPhone (Live Text)

iPad and iPhone (Spoken Content)

iPad and iPhone (VoiceOver)

MAC (speak selected text)

MAC (VoiceOver)

Reading on the Web - Chrome

Reading on the Web - Firefox

Reading on the Web - Microsoft Edge

Reading on the Web - Pixie

Screen Reader - JAWS

Screen Reader - Narrator

Screen Reader - N V D A

Text-to-Speech apps

New Reading Strategy: Bionic Reading

Bionic Reading

FREE Office 365 Account for VCCCD students

Microsoft Office 365

Microsoft 365 Accessibility Features

Microsoft - Check spelling and grammar

AT - Speech-to-Text

Writing with Your Voice

Dictation (Windows 11)

Dictation on a MAC

Dictation in Microsoft Word for the web (macOS)

Dictation in Microsoft Word for the web (Windows)

Smartphones and tablets

Voice Typing in a Google Doc

Video Resources for Speech-to-Text

Equatio Speech-to-Math

Strategies for College (Linda O'Brien)

How to Get Good Grades in College

AT - Notetaking

Notetaking Strategies - during Lecture

Notetaking Strategies - while Reading

Notetaking Strategies - Before, During & After Class

Notetaking Apps

Approved for a Notetaking accommodation through ACCESS?

Reusable Notebook for taking notes

Rocketbook

Boogie Board Blackboard Smart Scan Reusable Notebook

AT - Time Management

A Key Skill for College Success

Techniques to develop effective time management skills

Apps

Resources

Time Management spotlight

Alternate Media Specialist

Study Tips

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