Assistive technology & resources
On this page you will find a list of Assistive Technology and other resources to help you with your studies.
This list is checked periodically and given in good faith, but we take no responsibility for any non-NTU apps you may choose to install on your own devices. Please bear in mind that these apps may be supported by advertising or may need premium subscriptions.
NTU applications, resources and guidance
- NTU Study Helper - Check out the NTU Study Helper guide presented by the Libraries team for a collection of selected apps designed to help with time management, avoiding procrastination, note-taking, and other skills relevant to studying.
- DSA Software - Students eligible for Disabled Students Allowance can take advantage of software and technology training.
- MyNTU - Access your timetable, record attendance, use maps to get around campus, and access email using the MyNTU app.
What about AI, ChatGPT, and things like that?
The guidelines for appropriate AI use vary across specific assessments - see our do's and dont's list for more information.
Note-taking/managing notes
Applications/software
- AudioNote - A note-taking app that synchronises the audio to the notes you are taking. Download AudioNote
- Evernote - A useful text, audio and image note-taking app which allows sharing of notes between devices via an account. Allows for document creation and document storage (word, pdf, etc). Download Evernote
- Outline - A note-taking app which allows you to create different notebooks for all of the areas of your life. Download Outline
References and resources
- Cornell note-taking system - Whether you use pen and paper or adapt it to use on a computer, the main thing is that it helps you during and after the note-taking process. Find out more about the Cornell note-taking system.
- Zettlekasten - A deceptively simple system for managing your notes, but with the potential to scale up and become highly detailed over the long term. Find out more about Zettlekasten.
Flashcards
Pocket-sized flashcards are easy to make (physically or digitally) but not always used as efficiently as they could be. Recognition and recall are not the same thing!
Applications/software
Spelling/grammar
Scanning text
- OCR Scanner - Take a photo of a document and convert it using OCR technology. Download OCR Scanner
- Turbo Scanner - Extract multiple pages from an image. Simply take a picture of a document that you would like to extract text from and email it to yourself or others. Download Turbo Scanner from the Apple store
Text-to-speech
Speech-to-text
- Microsoft Dictate - A voice-recognition application, part of the Office 356 package. Find out how to use Microsoft Dictate.
Mind-mapping
- Simple Mind - This app facilitates brainstorming, idea collating and thought structuring. It enables easy experimenting and editing and offers a range of styles, colours and fonts. Download Simple Mind+
- Inspiration Maps - A mind mapping app which allows the user to create diagrams which can be built upon. Templates are provided to guide the user with brainstorming for essays, organising projects, and planning for revision. Download Inspiration Maps
- Mind Genius - Use Output Tree or Map diagram layouts, add multiple branches without interruption. Download Mind Genius
- Coggle IT - Produce beautiful notes quickly and easily and collaboratively. Find out more about Coggle IT.
Presentations
- Prezi - Create presentations. Use pre created templates and add text and images. Download Prezi
Dictionaries, thesaurus and vocabulary
- WordWeb - An English thesaurus and dictionary for Windows that can look up words in almost any program. The free version includes definitions and synonyms as well as audio and text pronunciations. Download WordWeb
- Manchester Academic Phrasebank (MAP) - The Academic Phrasebank provides examples of the phraseological elements of writing - perfect for constructing research papers and dissertations. Find out more about MAP.
Vocabulary building
Time management
- Pomodoro technique - A deceptively simple system built for focusing in short, intense bursts and tracking your work over time. Find out more about the Pomodoro Technique.