Learning Technology Resources

Our office has identified a variety of free and open source learning technology resources.  These recommendations have been received from reliable sources; however, you are responsible for any issues associated with the download or installation of software on your personal computer. If you are interested in information about commercial programs that address similar items as discussed below, please contact our office or research the Internet.

Not sure where to begin?  We recommend you start with a free VARK assessment to help you understand how you tend to approach learning.  After you this assessment, review the following links to see what might work best for you and your learning.  Take the Visual, Aural, Read/Write and Kinesthetic Assessment now >>

Types of programs available

For More Information

Concept Mapping Programs

A concept map is a diagram showing the relationships among concepts usually represented by a shape, such as boxes or circles, which are connected with arrows. They can be used for organizing and representing information or knowledge.  You can use concept mapping techniques in taking class or reading notes and in pre-paper writing exercises.

  • Brainstorm online with bubbl.us. Easily create colorful mindmaps to print or share with others. Almost no learning curve.  Learn more about Bubbl.us >> 
  • CmapTools is a software suite that facilitates the collaborative construction, sharing and publishing of knowledge models represented as concept maps.  Learn more about CMAP Tools >> 
  • FreeMind is a premier free mind-mapping software written in Java.  Learn more about FreeMind >>
  • Simple Mapper was developed to power a web site on the brain.  You can use it to organize what comes out of yours, to make a concept map that shows relationships between concepts and ideas, to make a network diagram that shows interactions between people, molecules, stars, or any group of things or to make a workflow that shows how something works.  Learn more about SimpleMapper >>

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Dictionary and Thesaurus Programs

Dictionary programs can help you find a variety of information. The obvious reason for using a dictionary is to find a definition. However, you can also look up the word's function or part of speech, the pronunciation, and origins or roots of words. In some cases, using a dictionary program can help confirm the spelling of a word.

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Hearing Assistance Programs

Hearing Assistive Technology makes sound accessible to people with a hearing loss. Through technology, people with hearing loss are gaining improved access to information. Some programs of interested are identified in the links below.

  • MAGpie (Media Access Generator) is the original free caption- and audio-description authoring tool for making multimedia accessible to persons with sensory disabilities.  Learn more about MAGpie >>

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Keyboarding Programs

There are two types of keyboarding programs identified below. One is for learning or improving your typing skills and the other is a virtual keyboard designed for anyone with difficulty typing on a physical computer keyboard.

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Magnification Program

Some individual's needs are met with use of a larger monitor, lowering screen resolution, or altering font choice and size. However, in other cases more magnification is necessary. Magnification software will magnify the text and graphics that appear in programs and applications. Many magnification programs are designed to work like a magnifying glass moving over a page. Programs can automatically follow the cursor, magnifying the area around it. Several programs are identified below.

  • Another Lens displays a magnified view of the area of the mouse cursor. Learn more about Another Lens >> 
  • With Desktop Icon Reader, you can associate self-recorded (with a microphone) wave files to the icons on the desktop.  Learn more about Desktop Icon Reader >>
  • Magnifixer is a screen magnifier utility. You can place it anywhere on your screen, make it any size you want and select a zoom level. Magnifixer will always show the area of your screen where the mouse cursor resides.  Learn more about Magnifier >> 
  • Super Magnify magnifies portions of your screen up to 15 times. With special interpolation routine to maintain detail when magnifying. 32 bit Freeware program.  Learn more about Super Magnify >> 
  • Zoom is a screen enlargement utility. It displays a floating window that shows an enlarged view of the area around the cursor. Learn more about Zoom >> 

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There are many resources available for assistance with math related topics. This can include information on text-to-speech for math (Math Player), online calculators and writing math on the computer. 

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Screen Reader Programs

A screen reader is a software application that attempts to identify and interpret what is being displayed on the screen. In many cases this is done through some form of text-to-speech; however, a full screen reader will allow access to more than just the text content, it also allows access to menu bars etc.

  • NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA) is a free and open source screen reader for the Microsoft Windows operating system. Learn more about Non-Visual Desktop Reader (NVDA) >> 
  • Orca is a free, open source, flexible, and extensible screen reader that provides access to the graphical desktop via user-customizable combinations of speech and/or braille. Learn more about ORCA >> 
  • Thunder is award-winning free screenreader talking software for people with little or no sight. It works well with Windows 7, Vista or XP. Thunder is available all over the world in several languages and it really is absolutely FREE! Learn more about Thunder >>

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Speech-to-Text Programs

Speech-to-Text converts spoken words to text. It may also be referred to as dictation software. It allows for entering information into the computer without the physical use of the keyboard.

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Text-to-Speech Programs

Text to Speech software allows the computer to read most documents aloud. Many programs work in several applications, e.g. word processing, web browsing, etc; however, some are specific to one piece of software. Open source text-to-speech programs have a range of voices from which to choose. Students may need to try difference programs to find a voice that works for them.

  • Balabolka is a Text-To-Speech (TTS) program. All computer voices installed on your system are available to Balabolka. The on-screen text can be saved as a WAV, MP3, MP4, OGG or WMA file. The program can read the clipboard content, view the text from AZW, CHM, DjVu, DOC, EPUB, FB2, HTML, LIT, MOBI, ODT, PRC, PDF and RTF files, customize font and background colour, control reading from the system tray or by the global hotkeys. Requires MS Windows.  Learn more about Balabolka >> 
  • NaturalReader is a Text to Speech software with natural sounding voices. This easy-to-use software can read to you any text such as Microsoft Word files, webpages, PDF files, and E-mails. NaturalReader can also convert any written text into audio files such as MP3 or WAV for your CD player or iPod (paid version).  Options for Windows or Mac version.  Learn more about Natural Reader >> 
  • ReadPlease 2003 (Free Edition) offers full support for all Microsoft voices, reads text via Windows clipboard from any program, Adjustable voice speed (rate) and more.  It offeres British English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish options (additional download).  Learn more about ReadPlease >> 
  • The Ultra Hal Text-to-Speech Reader application will read your documents out loud in one of its many high quality voices.  Learn more about UltraHal >>

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Word Prediction Programs

Word prediction technology is used to assist with text entry. These programs predict the word you are typing and the next word based on word frequency and context.

  • LetMeType helps you enter text, but regardless of the program you use. Running in the background, it analyses what you type. After some time it has collected enough information to guess a word after you have typed the first two or three letters. A list of the most probable words is displayed, and you can select one with a single keystroke or just continue typing.  Learn more about Let Me Type >> 

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Audio Description

"Audio description" refers to an additional narration track of information in visual media that describes what is happening.  This description generally occurs during the natural pauses in the audio. 

  • "LiveDescribe" is free software that allows "the home user as well as the studio professional" to add high quality descriptions to virtual any video source" therefore increasing the overall accessibility of the media.  Visit LiveDescribe for more information

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Open Source Projects

Open source projects are more global in nature. They generally deal with non-profit projects and cover a variety of programs in one location. Two known projects are Project Possibility and EduApps.

Project Possibility

A non-profit community service project that aims to create open source software that is designed for people who have disabilities including a variety of educational tools, word prediction, music in screen-reader friendly format, and an accessible currency converter.  Learn more about Project Possibility >>

EduApps Project

An initiative developed by the JISC Regional Support Centre Scotland North East and consists of four different collections of incredibly useful software:

  • AccessApps are e-learning solutions to support reading, writing, and planning as well as sensory, cognitive and physical difficulties.
  • LearnApps are applications with learning in mind (including some games).
  • MyStudyBar is a floating toolbar to support literacy.
  • TeachApps are applications specifically for developing and testing learning materials.
  • Learn more about EduApps Project >>

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