Do you use a computer/smartphone or device? Do you want to make it easier to use for study and work? This page gives some suggestions for tools that you can use to make reading, writing, watching and working with others easier for everyone.
Most of these suggested tools are already available in your Office 365 or on your phone so you can get started with them straightaway!
The Staffordshire University Software Downloads site has links to allow you to download and install Office 365 and other software to your own devices (PCs/laptops/tablets).
My Computer My Way provides a range of guides offering step by step instructions on how to adapt your phone, computer or tablet to meet a variety of needs. Although aimed as some specific accessibility needs there is guidance which can be of benefit to everyone.
We want to ensure this guide is as useful as possible, so please let us know what you think by completing our short evaluation form.
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Description |
Tool |
Guide |
Availability |
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Text to speech: For when you prefer to listen to your reading. |
MS Speak: reads out Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and OneNote. |
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Read Out Loud: reads out PDF documents. |
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ClaroRead Chrome Extension: reads back text on a Google Chrome web page and in Google Docs. |
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Text to Speech Apps: your phone can read text to you. |
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Voice recognition: Why type when you can dictate instead? |
MS Dictate: available on the Online versions of Microsoft Outlook, Word and PowerPoint and converts speech to text. |
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Ask Google Assistant: use voice to send messages, search, set reminders etc. |
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Siri: assistant on iPhones to send messages, set reminders etc. |
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Reading onscreen: Read quicker and easier or adjust how you read onscreen |
MS Learning Tools and Immersive Reader: Simplifies the screen to make reading easier. Shows syllables, parts of speech and other comprehension tools. |
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Edge: a browser that includes features to help you read the web more easily. |
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Spreed: speed read one word at a time. |
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Blackboard Ally: Convert documents on Blackboard to alternative formats. |
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Beeline Reader: Make online reading easier and faster. |
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Writing: Tools to check grammar, speed up your typing, write clearly or use predictive text. |
MS Word: use automatic headings, contents lists, auto-correct and keyboard shortcuts to make Word work for you. |
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| MS PowerPoint: Present images and ideas effectively. |  Office 365 |
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Grammarly: Check the grammar of your text as you type |
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Hemingway: Review text when complete - highlight text that's hard to read and suggests alternatives. |
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Video and audio: When you want to record audio instead of writing or typing When you want to read captions from video instead of listening |
Voice Recorder app: records your voice and other speakers nearby. |
App available on most smartphone devices. Look for:
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MS Teams: making captions visible. |
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YouTube: making captions visible. |
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Planning, mind mapping, notes: When you want to get organised |
MS OneNote: Create and synch notes, to-do lists and drawings. |
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MindGenius: create mind maps. |
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Collaborate and meet: When you want to work with others at the University. |
MS OneDrive: Share and work together on documents. |
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MS Teams: work together, share documents, chat and web-conference. |
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Free download
Phone apps
Free online tool
Office 365