Tip #1
Meet with the professors of your classes at the beginning of the semester so that you have established a line of communication should you need help or an issue arises during the semester.
- Click on Alex (the student icon below) to listen to how one student used this tip.
- To have this page read to you, please highlight the desired text and press the green “play” button on the upper left-hand corner of the screen.
Tip value:
- Allows you to solve problems early and fast
- Can lead to a better grade
- Helps you feel more secure about the class
Tip Description:
Introduce yourself to the professor at the beginning of the semester (during office hours) to establish a communication line should you need some help or have an issue.
Most students only contact the professor after they already have a problem, and by then it can be too late to deal with the situation. If you intend to invest the necessary time in the class and to attend any face-to-face class meetings, you will benefit from approaching the professor right at the beginning of the semester to introduce yourself. Let the professor know that you intend to do your best and to get a good grade. This line of communication will make it easier to contact the professor with any specific question or issue (before it gets too difficult), and to get a fast response.
However, if you approach the professor at the beginning of the semester and later fail to show up for classes or to do your assignments, you will find that initial contact backfires on you because the professor is not going to take you seriously.
Tip #2
Listen to audio books
- Click on Alex (the student icon below) to listen to how one student used this tip.
- To have this page read to you, please highlight the desired text and press the green “play” button on the upper left-hand corner of the screen.
Tip value:
- Can save a significant amount of time
- Can be combined with other activities such as exercising
Tip Description:
Many book titles are available as audio books. In most cases, these audio books are read by actors who help bring the books to life. If you find yourself tired of reading books, an audio book is an alternative way to get the same information. While you listen, you can take notes, exercise, or do other things that don’t require your full attention. These books are available on iTunes, CDs, and other platforms.
Relevant links:
-Audiobook.com is one sample of a website that gives you fee based unlimited access to audiobooks (this is just one option; you should do your own research with regard to pricing).
- iTunes offers many audiobook titles, but you will need to buy each one separately.
-Amazon has entire sections for audio books (books on CD). In many cases, you can buy them as used books and sell them later on so your overall expense is not that great.
- A short video about the benefits of audiobooks
Tip #3
Use PDF’s Read Out Loud capability to listen to any PDF file
- Click on Alex (the student icon below) to listen to how one student used this tip.
- To have this page read to you, please highlight the desired text and press the green “play” button on the upper left-hand corner of the screen.
Tip value:
-Saves time by allowing you to listen to academic articles or any other material found on PDF files
Tip description:
PDF files have an option called Read Out Loud that allows the computer to read any file to you. The capability is embedded in PDF software, so if you already use PDFs, it is there waiting for you.
Relevant links:
- Written instructions from the Adobe website on how to use Read Out Loud
- Instructional video on how to use Read out Loud
Tip #4
Find alternative/additional ways to access information about your classes’ subjects
- Click on Alex (the student icon below) to listen to how one student used this tip.
- To have this page read to you, please highlight the desired text and press the green “play” button on the upper left-hand corner of the screen.
Tip value:
- Increases your understanding of a given subject by allowing you to see the bigger picture.
Tip Description:
Go beyond the textbook to access additional information to give yourself a deeper understanding of the subject. For example, if you take a history class, sometimes a movie about a relevant historical event will give you a way to see the big picture and build your confidence related to the subject.
Tip #5
Find someone to proofread your writings
- Click on Alex (the student icon below) to listen to how one student used this tip.
- To have this page read to you, please highlight the desired text and press the green “play” button on the upper left-hand corner of the screen.
Tip value:
-Increase the quality of your work and your grades!
Tip description:
By finding a friend or tutor who can read your work before you submit it, you can accomplish two significant objectives. Any spelling or grammar mistakes you might overlook can be corrected, and you can get feedback on whether your writing makes sense before the professor reads it.
Tip #6
Use iPad VoiceOver capability
- Click on Alex (the student icon below) to listen to how one student used this tip.
- To have this page read to you, please highlight the desired text and press the green “play” button on the upper left-hand corner of the screen.
Tip value:
- Saves time
- Allows you to listen to any written material that is on your iPad
Tip description:
The iPad has VoiceOver capability that will read any written material that is shown on your iPad. This includes websites, email, iBook, and PDF files.
Relevant links:
- Written instructions on how to use the VoiceOver function on iPad.
- Video on how to use VoiceOver.
- Video on how to use VoiceOver to read an iBook.
Tip #7
Get help (a tutor) before you “really” need it
- Click on Alex (the student icon below) to listen to how one student used this tip.
- To have this page read to you, please highlight the desired text and press the green “play” button on the upper left-hand corner of the screen.
Tip value:
- Saves time
- Increases grades
- Saves you a lot of headache!
Tip description:
Planning ahead can be a smart move. Get a tutor right at the beginning of the semester when you are facing a challenging subject or a subject that might become challenging. It is easier to stop using the tutor if you have strong control over the subject than it is to get a tutor halfway through the semester when you’re having trouble understanding the material.
Tip #8
Use iPhone VoiceOver capability
- Click on Alex (the student icon below) to listen to how one student used this tip.
- To have this page read to you, please highlight the desired text and press the green “play” button on the upper left-hand corner of the screen.
Tip value:
-Saves time
-Allows you to listen to any written material that is on your iPhone
Tip description:
Any iPhone has VoiceOver capability that will read any written material that is shown on your iPhone. This includes websites, email, iBook, and PDF files.
Relevant links:
- How to use the iPhone VoiceOver function (written instructions)
- A video on how to use VoiceOver on iPhone
Tip #9
Use visual/printed flash cards
- Click on Alex (the student icon below) to listen to how one student used this tip.
- To have this page read to you, please highlight the desired text and press the green “play” button on the upper left-hand corner of the screen.
Tip value:
-More effective than regular (handwritten) flash cards
-Allows for sharing
Tip description:
If you find it difficult to read your own handwriting, or if you are not good at copying text or visuals (graphs, pictures, and drawings), this option might be a great solution. By creating flashcards digitally, you will be able to print all written material. Plus you will be able to use any pictures or drawings that will help you in understanding the content. Also, once you digitally design the cards, you can print a few sets to share with your study group.
There are many ways to create flash cards. One of them is by using Avery labels (2”x4”). Once you download the template from their website (see link below), you will be able to design your own labels, print them, and stick them on a regular flash card. Because you create everything digitally, you can print pictures, graphs, and tables.
One more advantage of this approach is that you can share the work among a few of your classmates, and then you can all print a few sets of the cards. Everyone will be able to read the writing because it’s printed.
Relevant links:
- Avery -2”x4” label template
- A usefull resource for flashcard information
Tip #10
Use MacBook/Apple desktop VoiceOver capability
- Click on Alex (the student icon below) to listen to how one student used this tip.
- To have this page read to you, please highlight the desired text and press the green “play” button on the upper left-hand corner of the screen.
Tip value:
-Saves time
-Allows you to listen to any written material that is on your Apple laptop/desktop
Tip description:
One of the greatest advantages to using VoiceOver when writing a paper is that when you listen to it, you can identify any problems with the flow of your writing. In addition, it will read to you any other written material that is shown on your MacBook/desktop, including websites, email, iBooks and PDF files.
Relevant links:
- Introducing VoiceOver (text)
Tip #11
Use a file folder to collect/organize all the printed class material
- Click on Alex (the student icon below) to listen to how one student used this tip.
- To have this page read to you, please highlight the desired text and press the green “play” button on the upper left-hand corner of the screen.
Tip value:
- Easy to make sure that nothing is lost
- No need to punch holes in papers
Tip description:
Sometimes taking a class in which you print some of the materials at home and get some of the materials in class can create a little bit of a mess and puts you at the risk of losing important documents. Using a file to collect all the relevant material for the class is a simple and great way to make sure nothing gets lost. You can carry the file to class, home or any other place of study to be sure you have all the relevant material.
Tip #12
Record your classes (with permission)
- Click on Alex (the student icon below) to listen to how one student used this tip.
- To have this page read to you, please highlight the desired text and press the green “play” button on the upper left-hand corner of the screen.
Tip value:
-Reduces stress about taking notes
-Excellent review for tests
Tip description:
Recording your classes is a great way to release yourself from the need to take notes. You can focus on listening to the class and understanding the material, knowing that if you need it, the information is always available to you as recorded information. Also, when getting ready for a midterm or a final, listening to the classes again can give you an edge.
If you have any comments or ideas for other tips, please feel free to contact us at: