BEST APPS FOR ACADEMICS
A guide to the best apps
for education and research
Nicole Hennig
Pam Nicholas
Best Apps for Academics:
A Guide to the Best Apps for Education and Research
by Nicole Hennig and Pam Nicholas
Version 1, April 2014
© 2014, Nicole Hennig and Pam Nicholas
BestAppsforAcademics.com
Table of Contents
6
Introduction
26 Chapter 2 – Reading & Annotating
Who this book is for
Reading and annotating documents
The authors
Reading ebooks
How this book came to be
Managing citations
Subject areas and examples
Reading news via RSS
A word about platforms
Reading news with smart recommendations
Resource guide
Saving web pages to read later
Companion website
Feedback
11 Chapter 1 – Productivity
Managing files in the cloud
Managing and generating secure passwords
To-do lists
Calendars
Journaling
Other useful productivity apps
BestAppsforAcademics.com
49 Chapter 3 – Research & Reference
Specialized search engines
Wikipedia client
Dictionary
Private search engine
Unit conversions
Subscription database content provided by your library
Finding open access articles and publications
Special exhibit apps from libraries and archives
Table of Contents
68 Chapter 4 – Taking Notes, Writing & Studying 104 Chapter 5 – Collaboration & Sharing
Best full-featured notes app
Full-featured social media app
Taking notes by handwriting and sketching
Shared whiteboard
Recording audio notes
Collaborate with mapping tools
Speech recognition
Distance meetings and presentations
Scanning documents
Text editor for Dropbox
Microsoft Office editor
Create beautifully formatted documents and work with
Microsoft Office documents
Flashcards for studying
121 Chapter 6 - Presenting, Lecturing &
Publishing
Edit and present slide decks
Create simple, beautiful presentations
Mind mapping
Wirelessly mirror the display of an iPad with projector or large
display
More useful apps for note-taking, writing, or studying
Create interactive ebooks
Recommended accessories
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Table of Contents
136 Chapter 7 – Discipline-Specific Examples &
Guides
145 Further Resources
Books
Examples:
Apps and websites about apps
Language and literature
Blogs
Digital humanities
Other books and courses by Nicole Hennig
Art
Journalism
Social science research
Biology
Geology
Medicine
Computer science and engineering
Math
App guides:
Art, Engineering, Geology, Journalism, Language-learning,
Math, Medicine, Multiple subjects, Science, Social sciences
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155 Updates & Feedback
Introduction
Welcome to Best Apps
for Academics!
Introduction – Welcome to Best Apps for Academics!
Who this book is for
This book is for students and professors who would like to make best use of smartphones and
tablets in their academic work.
If you already use preinstalled apps on your device, but haven’t had time to explore the other
useful apps, then this book is for you. We’ll point you to the best apps by category so you
won’t have to wade through the millions of apps available on your device’s app store (some of
poor quality).
The Authors
Nicole Hennig is an independent user experience professional,
teaching and inspiring educators and librarians about mobile
technologies. She worked as webmaster and head of user
experience for the MIT Libraries for over a decade. She is a winner
of multiple awards, including the MIT Excellence Award for
Innovative Solutions, and the MIT Libraries Infinite Mile Award for
Innovation & Creativity.
Pam Nicholas enjoys helping people navigate the technological
landscape as an IT professional for the MIT Libraries, where she
received an Infinite Mile Award for results, outcome, and
productivity. In addition, she spends her time writing, making
music, and taking photographs.
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7
Introduction – Welcome to Best Apps for Academics!
How this book came to be
The idea for the book grew out of a series of well-attended workshops for the
MIT community about mobile apps. See: libguides.mit.edu/apps. Nicole
created and offered these workshops together with Remlee Green, user
experience librarian at MIT. They have been offering these popular workshops
since the iPhone was first released, and in 2013 Nicole decided to begin work
on an ebook version, with the help of coauthor Pam Nicholas.
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank our friends and colleagues in the MIT Libraries for
supporting our work with mobile apps and our workshops for the MIT
community.
Subject areas and examples
We’ll cover apps that could be used by academics and scholars in any subject
area. We won’t go into depth about apps for specific fields, such as
architecture or chemistry – those may be the topic of future books. We will,
however, give a few specific examples of how academics are using these apps
in their individual disciplines.
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8
Introduction – Welcome to Best Apps for Academics!
A word about platforms
We’ll be focusing on apps primarily for Apple’s iOS platform, and secondarily
for Google’s Android platform. Many apps are available on both platforms,
and for those that are for iOS only, we’ll recommend alternatives for Android
users. Our own experience is primarily on Apple’s platform, and the majority
of users we supported at MIT during the early years of mobile apps used iOS.
We know that many users have both Apple and Android devices, and we’re
happy that different alternatives are available.
For each app, we tell you what platforms it runs on. For example:
• Android – Google’s mobile platform (we don’t list details about
versions)
• iOS – Apple’s mobile platform for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch
• iOS (universal) – Apple’s term for apps that are optimized for all
screen sizes, including iPad
• iOS (iPad only) – Apps that are designed only for the iPad.
Some iOS apps are offered with different versions for iPhone and iPad (usually
with different prices). Some iOS apps are not universal, but they can run on
iPads in a small window, which you can tap on to double the size.
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9
Introduction – Welcome to Best Apps for Academics!
Since apps are updated frequently, we listed the version number for each app
at the time of publication. Most apps keep the same core features over time,
and with updates, the developers fix bugs or add new features. Depending on
when you’re reading this, a newer version of the app may exist with more
features.
Resource guide
At the end of this book, we’ve included a list of discipline-specific app guides
that are freely available on the web. We’ve also included a list of resources,
including books, blogs, and a few apps that contain app reviews.
Companion website
For updates to the information in this book, visit our website at
smallwow.com/apps. We plan to create an updated version of this book
when there is enough new information for a second edition.
Feedback
We hope you enjoy this guide! If you’d like to send feedback, use this contact
form. We’d love to hear from you.
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10
Chapter 1
Productivity
Chapter 1 – Productivity
Manage files in the cloud
Dropbox
Dropbox allows you to easily access your files from multiple devices,
including your phone or tablet. No need to drag around external
drives, just sign up for an account and your files are always available,
even while using a shared computer at a conference or in a hotel lobby.
Do you want to collaborate with a colleague on a paper, share your
music composition with a friend, or use that photo you took with your
iPhone on your office computer? If you can open a web browser, you
can get to your data via Dropbox.
Sign up for a free account and receive 2 GB of storage. For increased
space purchase a Pro account (prices start at $9.99/month for 100 GB).
Dropbox employs standard encryption methods to transfer and store
data, keeping your personal data secure. Read more about Dropbox’s
security policy. If you’re at an organization that needs FERPA or HIPAA
compliance, Dropbox currently doesn’t offer that, so try Box instead.
Its features are very similar to Dropbox, with the added ability to
support HIPAA and HITECH standards. Many universities have set up a
campus-wide service using Box.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
Developer: Dropbox, Inc.
Version: 3.0.2
Runs on: Android, iOS (universal)
Price: Free for up to 2GB of storage
Developer’s website:
dropbox.com
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Chapter 1 – Productivity
Examples
Instructors can manage online project submissions easily with Dropbox.
Dropbox is great for sending files that are too large for email.
Similar apps worth trying
Box – iOS (universal), Android
Google Drive – iOS (universal), Android
SkyDrive – iOS (universal), Android
Dropbox for iPhone.
SugarSync – iOS (universal), Android
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Chapter 1 – Productivity
Managing and generating secure passwords
1Password
We all know it’s not safe to use the same password on multiple sites – a
security breach at one site makes them all vulnerable – but creating
different, secure passwords of fifteen characters or more is time
consuming. Plus, remembering all of these passwords is nearly
impossible.
1Password takes the hassle out of password management by
generating secure passwords based on the requirements of the sites
you visit. It then stores and fills in these secure passwords for each site,
so you only need to remember one master password to unlock the app.
Your passwords (and other information, such as secure notes) are
stored in an encrypted file, accessible from all your computers and
mobile devices. Browser extensions allow you to easily paste
addresses, credit cards, and other information into websites. Your
information is encrypted and secure. See “How secure is 1Password?”
for more details.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
Developer: AgileBits, Inc.
Version: 4.3.2
Runs on: Android, iOS (universal)
Price: $17.99
Developer’s website:
agilebits.com/onepassword
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Chapter 1 – Productivity
Example
Academic Technology at The College of William & Mary recommends
1Password for their community. They also discuss how it works in your
desktop web browser:
The browser add-ons are awesome, and it’s how I most often use 1Password. It
works similarly in Chrome and Firefox (and I’m guessing Safari also). If you
come across a place on the Web where you have to log in, you click on the
1Password key button, enter your main password, and then select which site
you’re trying to access. If you haven’t yet saved the password in 1Password, it
will ask you if you want to save it. Once saved, anytime you go to that
particular site, you can have 1Password fill in your info and you’re in.
1Password’s lock
screen.
Similar apps worth trying
LastPass – Free for Android, iOS, and other platforms. Similar to
1Password. Premium version also available.
1Password’s
category screen.
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Chapter 1 – Productivity
Individual entry in 1Password
for iPhone.
1Password for iPad.
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Chapter 1 – Productivity
To-do lists
Todo
Todo provides a balance between ease-of-use and multiple features,
without being overwhelming. You can put items into categories and
under contexts such as home, work, or vacation. Todo allows you to
integrate the Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology for task
organization, or use your own. You can keep tasks synchronized across
all your computers and mobile devices using Dropbox, iCloud, Todo
Cloud 7, or Toodledo (free web app).
Example
MIT Libraries recommends Todo to their students in their guide, “Apps
for Academics: Mobile websites and apps.”
Developer: Appigo, Inc.
Version: 6.2.1
Runs on: Android, iOS
Price: $4.99 for iPhone, $4.99 for
iPad
Developer’s website:
appigo.com/todo
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Chapter 1 – Productivity
Todo lists &
contexts.
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Todo list view.
18
Chapter 1 – Productivity
To-do lists
Paperless
We like to-do lists so much, we couldn’t pick just one app! Paperless
boasts a clean, intuitive design. Each list item can be expanded to a full
page, giving you plenty of room to elaborate on tasks. You can sync
with Dropbox or iCloud and access on multiple devices.
You can use Paperless for short-term checklists, such as grocery
shopping or packing lists, and for long-term life and productivity
planning. For example, life-planning categories might include money,
food, exercise, or learning a language. Work, study, or project
categories could include courses you’re taking, presentations you’re
going to give, or book writing projects. You can create sub-lists of items
to accomplish in each area to keep yourself moving forward on your
goals.
Developer: Crush Apps, Inc.
One charming feature of Paperless is that you can assign a different
icon to each list, selecting from hundreds of icons that are included,
allowing you to quickly identify a particular list.
Developer’s website:
crushapps.com/paperless
BestAppsforAcademics.com
Version: 2.2
Runs on: iOS (universal)
Price: $2.99
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Chapter 1 – Productivity
The free version (limited to thirty total list items) does not include
automatic backup and syncing, backup via email, or importing
previously exported lists via email. We recommend the full version.
Example
Paperless is useful for keeping track of items where due dates aren't
useful.
Similar apps worth trying
Wunderlist – iOS (universal), Android
Paperless lists.
Clear – iOS, see Koalcat’s Clear for an Android copycat version.
Paperless icons –
select one for each
list.
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Chapter 1 – Productivity
Calendars
Fantastical 2
Fantastical has a beautiful and intuitive calendar interface that plugs
into the calendars you already use and recognizes natural language.
For example, entering “study break each Thursday at 7” adds the
recurring appointment into your calendar on the proper days.
DayTicker view provides a sleek, alternative way to see what’s coming
up in your schedule.
If your device supports dictation, you can speak the details of your
event and it will turn into a calendar entry. It also integrates with iOS
Reminders, so you add, edit, and manage them from the app. Events
with addresses will display in a map, and you can open directions in
Google Maps. You can customize the font sizes and choose between
light and dark themes.
Fantastical is a pleasure to use and a vast improvement over the
standard calendar interfaces.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
Developer: Flexibits, Inc.
Version: 2.0.4
Runs on: iOS
Price: $1.99
Developer’s website:
flexibits.com/fantastical-iphone
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Chapter 1 – Productivity
Example
Fantastical is recommended as part of the Macademic Ninja Kit by
Aleh Cherp, professor of environmental sciences and policy at Central
European University and associate professor at Lund University.
Similar apps worth trying
Calendars by Readdle – iOS (universal)
Fantastical’s natural
language interface.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
Fantastical’s
monthly view.
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Chapter 1 – Productivity
Journaling
Day One
This beautiful, well-designed journal app is useful for students,
professors, writers, and anyone who wants to track their experiences
and accomplishments. Customize your journal with photos, include
weather conditions, and use the geolocation feature to keep track of
where you wrote a particular entry. Add a passcode to make your
journal private, or share it with the world via social media (you can
easily share your entries via Facebook, Twitter, and Foursquare). One of
the best features is the ability to set custom alerts that remind you to
journal. Sync all your devices via Dropbox or iCloud.
Examples
Many academics use journaling as a reflective practice for student
learning.
See this paper on learning journals and how they can be used in
academic studies: “Learning Journals and Logs, Reflective Diaries,”
by Jennifer Moon, University of Exeter, from the Centre for Teaching and
Learning: Good Practices in Teaching and Learning, 2003.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
Developer: Bloom Built, LLC
Version: 1.12
Runs on: iOS (universal)
Price: $4.99
Developer’s website:
dayoneapp.com
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Chapter 1 – Productivity
Day One’s website has an interesting list of how people are using the
app, including as a work journal, idea log and more.
Similar apps worth trying
Momento – iOS
Journalized – iOS
DayJournal – Android
Moleskine – iOS (universal), Android
Add a new entry or photo, view
starred items, and more in Day
One.
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Day One’s journal page, with photos
and weather.
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Chapter 1 – Productivity
Other useful productivity apps
IFTTT – iOS. Enables you to create “recipes” that fit the statement, “if this,
then that.” It allows your various apps to perform useful actions by
communicating with each other. Makes automation easy. For details, see,
“Review: If you want an app to control your other apps, then try
IFTTT.”
Logmein – Android, iOS. Handy, free remote desktop app that works
together with Logmein Free for Mac or Windows.
Hojoki – Android, iOS (universal). Integrate Dropbox, Evernote, Box,
Google Drive, and more. Provides a way to search across all your files that
are located in different cloud services. Also good for managing the work of
teams who work with files in cloud services.
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Chapter 2
Reading & Annotating
Chapter 2 – Reading & Annotating
Reading and annotating documents
GoodReader
With GoodReader, you can read and annotate just about any type of
file, such as:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Plain text
Word, Excel, PowerPoint files
Images: JPG, PNG, etc.
Video: QuickTime, MP4
Audio: MP3
HTML
GoodReader easily handles massive PDF and TXT files. You can convert
a PDF to plain text and make it wrap properly on small screens for ease
of reading, and switch back and forth between graphical and text views
if you need to see images. Its tabbed interface allows you to view
multiple documents in different tabs and switch between them.
Developer: Yuri Selukoff
Version: 3.20.1
Runs on: iOS
Price: $4.99 for iPhone, $4.99 for iPad
Developer’s website:
goodreader.com/goodreader.html
GoodReader connects to Dropbox and other cloud storage (SkyDrive,
SugarSync, Box, and any WebDAV, AFP, SMB, FTP, or SFTP server) for
transferring files – or even entire directories – from your desktop
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Chapter 2 – Reading & Annotating
computer. Extensive annotation features are included – highlights, popup boxes for notes, arrows, freehand drawing, and more.
Example
Jonathan Messer, a PhD candidate at the College of William and Mary and
academic technology consultant at the University of Richmond, describes
his process for keeping journal articles organized, read and annotated.
GoodReader
converts PDF to
plain text,
wrapping
properly on small
screens.
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Chapter 2 – Reading & Annotating
GoodReader’s
connection
options.
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GoodReader’s
annotation
options.
29
Chapter 2 – Reading & Annotating
Reading and annotating documents
iAnnotate PDF
iAnnotate PDF is a very robust annotation app for PDFs, as well as DOC,
PPT, and image files. Search, bookmark, add annotations, insert
images, email, add sticky notes, make handwritten notes and
signatures, and zoom text. You can also create PDF files. Both iAnnotate
and GoodReader are used widely by academics.
Example
Dave Yearwood, an associate professor and chair of the technology
department at the University of North Dakota, describes using
iAnnotate for academic work.
Developer: Branchfire, Inc.
Version: 3.0.3
Runs on: Android, iOS (iPad only)
Price: $9.99
Developer’s website:
branchfire.com/iannotate
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Chapter 2 – Reading & Annotating
Similar apps worth trying
Documents by Readdle – iOS (universal)
PDFPen – iOS (iPad only)
PDF Expert – iOS (iPad only)
PDF Connoisseur for iPad – iOS (iPad only)
iAnnotate’s
annotation features.
Annotation charts
and images in
iAnnotate.
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Chapter 2 – Reading & Annotating
Reading ebooks
Kindle
The Kindle app remains one of the best apps for reading ebooks, and
it’s available free for multiple platforms and devices. The ebooks are
usually cheaper than print versions, and free samples of every book
available help you decide which books to purchase.
Your titles are stored in Amazon's cloud, which gives you instant access
to all your books from anywhere, and you can add or remove them
from your device at anytime. Kindle syncs between devices, so if you
own an iPhone and iPad, an Android device and a PC, or any other
combination, it will remember where you left off reading when you
switch devices. Font size and other layout aspects are adjustable,
which makes for easy reading, even on small screens.
You can view popular notes and highlights, and share your own on
Facebook and Twitter. A built-in dictionary is included with the app,
making it easy to look up any word as you read. When an author
updates a title, you get notified and can freely download the updated
edition – especially useful for subjects that are rapidly changing.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
Developer: Amazon.com, Inc.
Version: 4.1.2
Runs on: Android, iOS (universal)
Price: Free
Developer’s website:
amazon.com
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Chapter 2 – Reading & Annotating
Example
Kindle's "Whispercast" service can be useful in academic institutions for
managing services centrally, as described in “Amazon Enhances Its Position
in Academic Markets with Launch of Its Whispercast System”:
The service allows administrators to register significant numbers of devices at
once, or customize the device for each individual. Alternatively, existing owners
of their own Kindles can register with the network and receive centrally
managed services. Within an organization’s network, apps or content can be
centrally managed as well as network access control.
Kindle’s highlighting
and dictionary
lookup feature.
Similar apps worth trying
Megareader – iOS (universal), free and public domain books
Nook – iOS (universal), Android
Kobo – iOS (universal), Android
Google Play Books – iOS (universal), Android
Cover view in your
Kindle library.
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Chapter 2 – Reading & Annotating
Set up your own collections in the Kindle app.
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Dictionary lookup in Kindle for iPad.
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Chapter 2 – Reading & Annotating
Reading ebooks
iBooks
Apple’s iBooks has a few useful features that are sometimes
overlooked. The app allows you to sort your books into categories on
your virtual bookshelf, and also allows for reading PDFs and EPUBformatted books from sources other than Apple. You can use it on your
Mac as well as on your iOS devices.
In addition, iBooks is designed to read multi-touch textbooks and other
interactive books that have been created with Apple’s free program,
iBooks Author.
Examples
The University of Minnesota recommends iBooks, and mentions
useful features for students, such as the ability to add highlights and
notes to a central repository. They also recommend iBooks’s study card
features for creating flashcards from book glossaries.
Developer: Apple, Inc.
Version: 3.2
Runs on: iOS (universal)
Price: Free
Developer’s website:
apple.com/ibooks/
See this video demo to see the study cards feature in action.
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Chapter 2 – Reading & Annotating
iBooks shelf – your
library.
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Highlighting in iBooks.
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Chapter 2 – Reading & Annotating
An interactive
book for iPad,
created with
iBooks Author.
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Chapter 2 – Reading & Annotating
Managing citations
Papers 3 for iOS
Papers has a user-friendly interface for organizing and annotating your
PDF articles. You can drag PDFs into your library (in the desktop
version), and it looks for matching copies in online repositories in order
to include relevant metadata (author, journal title, etc.).
You can also search and download papers from within the app. It works
with several library databases, such as PubMed, IEEE Explore, and Web
of Science. It also searches Google Scholar.
Developer: Mekentosj
You can sync your library across devices if you are on the same Wi-Fi
network. Full-screen reading mode is conducive to focusing on one
article. You can group your papers into collections, and make smart
collections based on metadata for each, similar to smart playlists in
iTunes. You can highlight text (with different colors), and add notes.
Runs on: iOS (universal)
The "Magic Manuscript" feature in the desktop app (available for Mac
or Windows) makes it easy to insert citations into your writing. It’s also
simple to click “insert bibliography," and format the citations using the
long list of built-in styles. Many video tutorials are available to help
with every aspect of using this app.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
Version: 3.1.1
Price: $14.99 for mobile app, $79
for desktop version
Developer’s website:
www.papersapp.com/ios/
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Chapter 2 – Reading & Annotating
You can also export your Papers library to other citation managers,
such as EndNote (via EndNote XML format), RefWorks, Zotero (via RIS
format), or BibTeX, and use one of those products to insert citations
into your paper.
For more information about choosing a citation management tool, see
this useful guide from the MIT Libraries: Useful Citation Management
Tools.
Similar apps worth trying
ZotPad (for Zotero) – iOS (universal)
Papers for iPhone –
search Google
Scholar.
Mendeley Reference Manager – iOS (universal) – for Android, see
Scholarly (an unofficial Mendeley app)
Sente – iOS (iPad only)
EasyBib – iOS, Android
See also MIT Libraries - Overview of citation software at MIT.
Annotation features
in Papers for iPad.
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Chapter 2 – Reading & Annotating
Example
Joachim Scholz, a PhD student in marketing at
Queen's University in Canada, writes in detail
about using Papers for citation management and
annotation of PDFs in this article: Start loving to
organize your PDFs, with Papers.
Select a search
database in
Papers.
Article metadata in
Papers.
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Chapter 2 – Reading & Annotating
Reading news via RSS
Reeder 2
Reeder is a useful tool for people who have many RSS feeds. Before
Google Reader closed, Reeder was a favorite app for many because it
was used as a front end for it. Now it’s a front end for Feedbin, Feedly,
Feed Wrangler, and Readability.
It’s a useful app for reading your feeds on a small screen. You can
change the font size, switch to the website view to see the original look
of the article, or send it out to Safari to use your bookmarks or other
sharing tools.
Many sharing options are available from Reeder: Delicious, Instapaper,
Readbility, Pocket, Evernote, Pinboard, Twitter, Facebook, Buffer, and
more. This makes it handy for finding material for your social media
feeds. It’s also easy to tweet or email articles directly from this app.
Example
Developer: Silvio Rizzi
Version: 2.1.1
Runs on: iOS (universal)
Price: $4.99
Developer’s website:
reederapp.com
Joachim Scholz writes in detail about using Reeder to keep up with
news stories via RSS.
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Chapter 2 – Reading & Annotating
Story view in Reeder.
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Reeder’s settings screen.
Reeder’s stories in a feed.
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Chapter 2 – Reading & Annotating
Reading news via RSS
Feedly
Feedly provides a fast, free, visual interface to your RSS feeds, with the
images from each article showing prominently. It makes it easy to see
your folders, browse for content that interests you, and switch between
read and unread statuses for each article. It’s simple to save articles in
Instapaper, and also send to email, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, and
Buffer (for scheduling social media posts at preselected times).
Developer: DevHD, Inc.
Version: 18.1
Runs on: Android, iOS (universal)
Price: Free
Developer’s website:
feedly.com
Set up custom
categories in Feedly.
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Chapter 2 – Reading & Annotating
Feedly displays article
images.
Feedly for iPad.
Images are
prominent in Feedly.
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Chapter 2 – Reading & Annotating
Reading news with smart recommendations
Zite
We love Zite! Why? Because it learns your reading preferences and
shows you content related to your interests that you may not see
otherwise. During set up, you pick from pre-defined categories, such as
Arts & Culture, Photography, Technology, and Travel. Then, you mark
the articles you receive as "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" to
personalize your content. It keeps track of articles you read and what
you and your friends share on Twitter to further refine your content.
You can set up a Zite profile and log into your account from multiple
devices to get the same content.
It’s not a feed reader like Reeder and Feedly; it's a content discovery
tool that gets smarter the more you use it, leading you to content from
sources you may not have known about or followed.
Zite includes sharing options for Twitter, Email, Facebook, Evernote,
Instapaper, Pocket, Google+, and LinkedIn. It’s easy to open articles in
Safari and you can adjust the text size for optimal viewing. You can set
up multiple users within Zite (handy if you share your iPad with others).
BestAppsforAcademics.com
Developer: Zite, Inc.
Version: 2.5
Runs on: Android, iOS (universal)
Price: Free
Developer’s website:
zite.com
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Chapter 2 – Reading & Annotating
Example
Dr. Clay Clark, professor of biochemistry at North Carolina State University,
mentions Zite as convenient for finding news that he wouldn't find otherwise,
in his post on NC State’s Biochem Blog: “Apps for the Academic: checking in
with the iPad.”
Similar apps worth trying
Flipboard – Android, iOS (universal)
Pulse – Android, iOS (universal)
Stories in Zite’s Travel
Photography
category.
Publication-specific news apps, such as BBC News – Android, iOS
(universal), or NPR News – Android, iOS (separate versions for iPhone and
iPad)
Thumbs up if you like
a story in Zite.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
46
Chapter 2 – Reading & Annotating
Saving web pages to read later
Instapaper
Instapaper is a service for saving articles from the web to read on your
mobile device or desktop, online or offline. Content is optimized for
reading on small screens: font size, margins, screen color, etc. can be
adjusted; text wraps properly, so there’s no scrolling right and left as
you might on websites not designed for mobile. It also saves the
images from articles, but skips the ads. It’s great for people with lots of
saved articles, because you can make folders to store them all.
Instapaper support is built into many apps, like Reeder, Zite, and
Feedly, so it's easy to save from them. If you set up "friends," you can
choose people from your contacts or Twitter and see the articles they
are sharing. “The Feature” shows you articles and essays saved often
across the web, hand-picked by Instapaper editors. Browse through
and save articles you like for reading later.
Special note: Instapaper works with articles from the open web, not
articles behind paywalls.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
Developer: Instapaper, LLC
Version: 5.1.4
Runs on: Android, iOS (universal)
Price: $3.99
Developer’s website:
instapaper.com/iphone
47
Chapter 2 – Reading & Annotating
Articles
formatted
for a small
screen.
Choose fonts,
sizes, and
background.
List view of your
saved stories in
Instapaper.
Similar apps worth trying
Pocket – Android, iOS (universal)
Readability – Android, iOS (universal)
BestAppsforAcademics.com
48
Chapter 3
Research & Reference
Chapter 3 – Research & Reference
Specialized search engines
Wolfram Alpha
Wolfram Alpha uses a knowledge base of curated, structured data to
provide direct answers to fact-based questions. Rather than returning a
list of documents that might contain your answer, as traditional search
engines do, Wolfram Alpha gives you some of the tools of a data
scientist and makes it easy to work with data.
Wolfram Alpha works best for scholars who need to quickly find
contextual data. Topics covered include mathematics, statistics,
physics, chemistry, engineering, astronomy, earth sciences, life
sciences, units & measures, dates & times, weather, places &
geography, people & history, culture & media, music, words &
linguistics, sports & games, colors, shopping, health & medicine, and
more.
Some highlights:
• Uses natural language input. For example, you can enter
phrases like "What is the population of Los Angeles, CA?"
• Built on Wolfram's earlier product, Mathematica, so you can
input mathematical equations and get answers.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
Developer: Wolfram Alpha, LLC
Version: 1.6.0
Runs on: Android, iOS (universal)
Price: Free, Premium version $2.99
Developer’s website:
products.wolframalpha.com/
iphone
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Chapter 3 – Research & Reference
• Includes hundreds of datasets, such as "all current and
historical weather."
• Searches data from external sources, such as the FAA for
flight paths.
• Integrates with Apple's Siri (and Iris for Android) to query
when you ask a question.
• Includes: currency converter, stock analysis, almanac, and
high-end graphing calculator.
Example: A musician can look up "C major 7th chord," and it shows the
names of the notes, chord root, music notation, keyboard display,
guitar chord voicings, intervals, and much more. Tap the "play" button
next to the chord and hear what it sounds like.
Tap the play button
next to a chord to
hear it.
More examples of search terms:
"characters in a Midsummer Night's Dream"
"oscar for best actress 1958"
"Harriet Tubman"
compare things: "salary mathematician, physicist, chemist"
The pro version launched in early 2012: For $4.95 per month ($2.95 for
students), you can input your own data for analysis. It takes up to 60
different data formats, such as raw tabular data, images, XML, audio,
and dozens of specialized formats.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
More information
about the C Major
7th chord.
51
Chapter 3 – Research & Reference
Examples
John Erickson, assistant professor of mathematics and computer
sciences at Chicago State University, uses Wolfram Alpha in his math
courses to illustrate real-world applications. He describes it in this
YouTube video, “Teaching College Math With Wolfram Alpha”:
I’ve been able to have my students download data and perform
regressions and actually do various types of data-fitting, all inside
Wolfram Alpha. And I was really pleasantly surprised that this was even
possible.
For many useful search tips, see Become a Wolfram Alpha Expert with
These Useful Search Techniques.
Biographical
information.
If you’re a writer or an academic, I’m sure there are lots of times when
you find yourself sitting there, stuck in your work simply because you
don’t know some small, specific piece of information. Well, the Wolf can
fetch that small fact in an instant. Things like the death rate in
California, the birth rate in Canada, or the unemployment rate in
Houston, Texas.
Another useful resource is this slide deck by Josh Murdock, a.k.a
“Professor Josh,” at Valencia College: Howl at Engagement with
Wolfram Alpha.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
Comparing salary
data.
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Chapter 3 – Research & Reference
Many other apps use Wolfram Alpha to power their data. For more
examples, see Course Assistant apps for Algebra, Calculus, or Music
Theory.
Math calculations.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
Tides.
Statistical info.
53
Chapter 3 – Research & Reference
Specialized search engines
PubGet
PubGet is an easy-to-use search tool for PubMed, which focuses on
getting quickly to full-text PDF articles. It covers life sciences journals,
such as Cell, Current Biology, JAMA, Nature, Nature Medicine, New
England Journal of Medicine, PLOS Medicine, PLoS Biology, Science,
and The Lancet. You can set up your institutional affiliation in the
settings and get access to the journals your academic library subscribes
to. It also includes a large number of open-access articles, which are
searchable within the app. The simple, useful interface allows quick
access to full-article PDFs.
You can save PDFs in your library and open PDFs in apps like iBooks or
iAnnotate PDF to annotate articles. You can do advanced searches
using specific metadata, such as authors, description, ISSN, issue,
journal title, or keywords.
Tip: Search for open access articles with this tag: "open:access"
Developer: Pubget, Inc.
Version: 2.0.1
Runs on: iOS (iPad only)
Price: Free
Developer’s website:
pubget.com
See PubGet's website for useful tips and information.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
54
Chapter 3 – Research & Reference
Example
DePaul University and many other academic
libraries recommend PubGet to their students
and give instructions on how to set up the app
with your local library’s database subscriptions.
PubGet’s search
screen.
PubGet’s article
view.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
55
Chapter 3 – Research & Reference
Wikipedia client
Articles
Why use a Wikipedia client app instead of your mobile web browser?
Lots of reasons! Articles includes a beautiful and intuitive interface,
wraps text properly for your screen size, and has an orientation lock,
which is handy for reading while reclined. Use the quick navigation
table of contents, and easily skip to relevant sections of an article.
Search for words within a page, bookmark your favorite articles, and
keep a history of your searches. Get a closer view of images and save
them to your mobile device. You can also save articles you want to read
later into a queue. It also uses the geolocation feature of your mobile
device enabling you to use the "nearby" feature to find Wikipedia
articles about places near you.
Developer: Sophiestication
Software
Examples
Price: $1.99
If you have doubts about using Wikipedia in college classrooms, read
this article by Jonathan Obar, PhD, of Michigan State University and
University of Toronto: “Why Wikipedia Does Belong in the
Classroom.”
Developer’s website:
sophiestication.com/articles
BestAppsforAcademics.com
Version: 2.6.1
Runs on: iOS (universal)
56
Chapter 3 – Research & Reference
According to Obar:
Wikipedia Education Program professors incorporate
Wikipedia into courses by having students
collaborate with the community of Wikipedia editors
(“Wikipedians”) to write course-related Wikipedia
articles, replacing traditional term papers. Student
preference for the Wikipedia-way has been
demonstrated, and the incentives are clear…
Taken a step further, when we introduce Wikipedia
into the classroom as a teaching tool, we provide
students with a space to reflect and learn about the
nature of knowledge and its evolution, about the
normative ideals of participatory democracy and
about the role of information in societal development.
See also:
Wikipedia Education Program
Guide for university projects involving the
editing of Wikipedia
BestAppsforAcademics.com
Search results panel
in Articles.
57
Chapter 3 – Research & Reference
Similar apps worth trying
Wikibot – Android, iOS. Tabbed browsing, fully
customizable font sizes, syncs browsing history,
bookmarks and reading queue with your other
devices via iCloud.
Saved screens in iPad
version of Articles.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
58
Chapter 3 – Research & Reference
Dictionary
Merriam-Webster
Dictionary
It's handy to have a full dictionary and thesaurus on your mobile device
(Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Thesaurus is included with its dictionary
app). Includes Word of the Day, save your favorite words, and the
ability to see a history of words you've looked up.
Another helpful feature, although only available when online, is voice
search: speak your word into the app without knowing how to spell it,
and it will recognize the word and look it up. Voice search is powered by
Nuance, makers of Dragon NaturallySpeaking, which has been
available for desktop computers for several years, so the technology is
mature.
The free version is supported by ads, while the premium version
includes over 1,000 graphical illustrations and 20,000 additional entries
covering people, places, and foreign terms.
Developer: Merriam-Webster, Inc.
Version: 3.0.1
Runs on: Android, iOS (universal)
Price: Free, Premium edition $3.99
Developer’s website:
merriam-webster.com/dictionaryapps/android-ipad-iphonewindows.htm
Tip: Tap the small speaker icon to hear the word pronounced.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
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Chapter 3 – Research & Reference
Example
This app makes sense for any student (it saves carrying a heavy
dictionary). You can speak to the app and hear words spoken within the
app. If you turn on the VoiceOver feature of your Apple device, you can
have the entire definition read aloud. For details, see “How to make
the most of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary App,” which discusses
how useful it is for people with dyslexia.
Similar apps worth trying
WordBook English Dictionary – Android, iOS
Speak a word, and
Dictionary
recognizes it.
Dictionary.com Dictionary & Thesaurus – Android, iOS
For each definition,
tap the speaker icon
to hear the word
pronounced.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
60
Chapter 3 – Research & Reference
Private search engine
DuckDuckGo Search & Stories
DuckDuckGo is a unique search engine that protects your privacy by
not tracking your searches. Using it avoids the “filter bubble,” a
problem with other search engines, such as Google, where results are
tailored based on your search and click history. Read more about
DuckDuckGo’s philosophy.
Use DuckDuckGo when you want to do a quick, private search and keep
your info separate from Google’s filtered search results. The app
includes “goodies” – special search features, such as calculations,
conversions, geography facts, music, etc. It connects to Wolfram Alpha
(described in this chapter) for its fact-based search results.
Developer: DuckDuckGo
Version: 5.0.1
Runs on: Android, iOS
Price: Free
Useful features
• Save bookmarks within the app.
• Connect to Readability for saving articles.
• Email or Tweet links.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
Developer’s website:
duckduckgo.com/app
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Chapter 3 – Research & Reference
• Open results in Safari (useful if you have bookmarklets or
other features in Safari that you want to use).
• A section called “stories” lets you browse and save news
stories from their list of sources.
To learn more about the filter bubble effect, watch this video: “There
are no ‘regular results’ on Google anymore.”
DuckDuckGo’s
search screen, with
recent searches.
“Goodies” screen.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
DuckDuckGo’s results
screen includes
Wikipedia links.
62
Chapter 3 – Research & Reference
Unit conversions
Convertible
Convertible’s well-designed interface makes it easy to convert many
units of measurement and currency. When you choose currency, a list
of regions and countries displays which can be marked as a favorites
for easy access. It refreshes online with latest currency conversion
rates.
Along with traditional units of measurement, such as length, mass,
currency, energy, and volume, it also includes playful non-standard
units such as snail speed, Judy Garland as length of measurement,
bamboo growth speed, etc. Writers might find it useful for generating
clever analogies or comparisons. For example, 1 grain of rice = .039 of 1
banana, and Judy Garland = .89 Alfred Hitchcock. You can share your
conversions with email, Twitter, and Facebook.
Similar apps worth trying
Developer: Efecto Pty, Ltd.
Version: 2.1
Runs on: iOS (universal)
Price: $.99
Developer’s website:
convertible.efecto.com
Convertbot – iOS
Convertor Free - Android
BestAppsforAcademics.com
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Chapter 3 – Research & Reference
Select units.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
Convert currencies.
Convert units of mass..
64
Chapter 3 – Research & Reference
Apps that use subscription database
content provided by your library
Since access to subscription databases depends on whether you have access
to a library that subscribes, check with your own library to see which
subscription databases are available as mobile apps or mobile websites. For
example, MIT Libraries has this list of apps for library research.
Examples of apps for subscription databases:
• ACS Mobile: American Chemical Society - Read articles in
American Chemical Society publications on the iPod Touch,
iPhone, and iPad. Filter journals to see your favorite ACS
publications quickly. Save favorite abstracts in a folder for
offline reading. Share links via email, Facebook, and
Twitter. Android and universal iOS app.
• EBSCOhost - Search for and read journal and magazine
articles on a variety of topics, including history, economics,
and environmental science. Mobile site or iPhone/Touch app.
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Chapter 3 – Research & Reference
Apps for finding open access articles and
publications
• CORE Research Mobile – An app from the Open University for
facilitating free access to scholarly publications. Android, iOS
(universal)
• BrowZine – Search, read and save articles from open access
journals. Android, iOS (iPad only)
• ArXiv – Browse and search the arXiv.org repository, hosted by
Cornell University. Over half a million e-prints in physics,
mathematics, computer science, quantitative biology, quantitative
finance, and statistics. iOS.
• arXiv Mobile – A similar app to ArXiv, for Android.
Special exhibit apps from libraries and archives
Some apps created by libraries and archives showcase exhibits and
collections. Here’s a sampling.
• NYPL Biblion: Frankenstein, and World’s Fair – by the
New York Public Library – iOS (iPad only)
BestAppsforAcademics.com
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Chapter 3 – Research & Reference
• NYPL Point: John Cage’s Prepared Piano (iBooks Author), and
other Point publications by the New York Public Library – iOS (iPad
only)
• Library of Congress Virtual Tour - iOS
• National Archives DocsTeach – iOS (iPad only)
• To the Brink: JFK and the Cuban Missle Crisis - National Archives –
iOS (iPad only)
Biblion app by the New York Public Library features special collections.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
67
Chapter 4
Taking Notes, Writing &
Studying
Chapter 4 – Taking Notes, Writing & Studying
Best full-featured notes app
Evernote
Evernote is packed with features that make it appropriate for academic
use, including the ability to easily sync your notes between all your
computing devices: desktop and mobile.
Not only can you access your information via the web, desktops and
many mobile platforms, but you can also input data through a variety
of methods, including by typing notes, taking photos, speaking voice
memos, and emailing notes to your account.
Developer: Evernote Corporation
The storage limits for accounts are not based on how much data you
store, but on a monthly upload bandwidth. Theoretically, you can store
terabytes of data as long as you spread out your uploads over time.
Runs on: Android, iOS (universal)
A unique feature: if you send an image, Evernote scans it and performs
optical character recognition, so you can search the text inside your
images. The recognition feature is not instantaneous; it can take
anywhere from one minute to 24 hours to process. If you upgrade to a
premium account the images get processed more quickly.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
Version: 7.3.0
Price: Free, Premium account
available $4.99/month or $45/year
Developer’s website:
evernote.com
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Chapter 4 – Taking Notes, Writing & Studying
Evernote includes browser extensions, so you can clip web pages
(whole or parts) to save into your account. You can create "notebooks"
to organize your notes and set up shared notebooks for group projects
(read-only for free accounts, editable for premium). You can also assign
multiple tags to notes to increase search flexibility.
Evernote also has a reminders feature, with in-app and optional email
alarms, the ability to make to-do lists and pin notes to the top of each
notebook.
The Premium account includes:
• Increased monthly upload allowance: Upload 1GB of data per
month to your Evernote account.
• Top priority support: Get answers to your questions even faster.
• Editable shared notebooks: Allow others to edit the contents of
your shared notebooks.
• Searchable attachments: When you add PDFs and Microsoft
Office files as attachments to notes, you can search inside them.
• Note History: View previous versions of notes.
• Offline notebooks: designate some or all of your notebooks for
offline viewing.
• Passcode lock your notes on mobile devices.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
Evernote’s
organizational
structure makes it
easy to find your
notes.
The ability to store
various items –
images, notes, or
lists – in one place
make Evernote an
indispensable app.
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Chapter 4 – Taking Notes, Writing & Studying
Many other apps work together with Evernote. See the Evernote Trunk
for examples.
Similar apps worth trying
Springpad – Android, iOS (universal)
Examples
Jennifer Carey, Director of Academic Technology at the Ransom Everglades
School in Miami, writes about Using Evernote for Research in history courses
as a way for students to collect all their sources.
Set reminders
in Evernote.
Christopher Mayo has a collection of Evernote shared notebooks, showing
the potential of using it in interesting ways.
Michael Andrew West, a student, scans every paper that he is given in his
classes and puts them in Evernote, making them searchable on all his
devices.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
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Chapter 4 – Taking Notes, Writing & Studying
Kevin Eagan, on the blog, Critical Margins, writes about scanning
handwritten notes to save in Evernote. The app can recognize and save the
words in your image – if your handwriting is clear enough!
For more examples, see Nicole’s Storify site: “How academics and scholars
are using Evernote.”
BestAppsforAcademics.com
72
Chapter 4 – Taking Notes, Writing & Studying
Taking notes by handwriting and sketching
Penultimate
Sometimes the best way to input data into your device is through good,
old-fashioned handwriting. Penultimate is the go-to app to fulfill this
need, and you can use it with your finger or stylus.
Choose from different virtual paper backgrounds, including plain,
lined, and graph paper. You can purchase other types of backgrounds,
such as music notation staff paper, in their Paper Store.
Penultimate includes simple tools for drawing, and allows you to insert
photos and draw on them. The lines it draws are very smooth and you
can adjust the pen size and save multiple notebooks.
Send pages or notebooks by email or to your device’s camera roll, or
open in other apps for different kinds of editing.
Examples
Developer: Evernote Corporation
Version: 5.1
Runs on: iOS (iPad only)
Price: Free
Developer’s website:
evernote.com/penultimate
Michael Andrew West of Right Now in Tech describes his use of
Penultimate to help him become paperless in “How iPad helped me
become paperless in college.”
BestAppsforAcademics.com
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Chapter 4 – Taking Notes, Writing & Studying
Dr. Graham Basten, a teacher fellow at De Montfort University,
describes using Penultimate to make live notes on his iPad
connected to a projector during a biochemistry lecture. After the
lecture, he saved the notes as a PDF document to add to class
resources.
Similar apps worth trying
PenSupremacy - Android
Bamboo Paper – Android, iOS (iPad only)
Paper by FiftyThree - iOS (iPad only)
Create notebooks for
all your interests in
Penultimate.
Jot! The iPad Whiteboard - iOS (iPad only)
Sketch and draw in
Penultimate.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
74
Chapter 4 – Taking Notes, Writing & Studying
Penultimate includes a variety of
paper styles.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
75
Chapter 4 – Taking Notes, Writing & Studying
Taking notes by handwriting and sketching
Notability
Notability is "note taking extreme." You can both draw and type to
input data, and also import photos or PDFs to draw on top of them.
Turn recording on while you type, and it will sync what you write with
the audio.
You can write with your finger or stylus, using a variety of pen and
highlighter functions in the app. You can also change fonts, use
different styles of paper, add sticky notes, or import web pages.
Notability can back up to cloud services or import from them. For
example, you can import a PDF from Dropbox to draw, annotate, and
type on it. Upload it back to Dropbox (or email) and share with your
collaborators.
Developer: Ginger Labs, Inc.
Version: 5.13
Runs on: iOS (iPad only)
Price: $1.99
Developer’s website:
gingerlabs.com
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Chapter 4 – Taking Notes, Writing & Studying
Examples
The instructional technology blog at the University of California
Berkeley’s Law School recommends Notability for writing on PDFs or
taking notes during class. They discuss using it as a whiteboard
replacement, connected to a projector.
This biology teacher at an independent school in the UK also discusses
the use of Notability in the classroom:
As a teacher I use it for general note taking but it really comes into its
own when marking electronically submitted work on an iPad. Any Word/
Pages file can be saved as a PDF (using the Pages app in my case,
though I am sure other conversion tools are readily available) and
imported into Notability where it is straightforward to mark on to the
PDF. You can the send the student their marked work back whilst
retaining a copy for your records.
Similar apps worth trying
Enhance your notes with drawings and
color in Notability.
Soundnote - iOS (iPad only)
Pear Note (see “Sync your meeting notes with audio with Pear
Note”) – iOS (universal)
BestAppsforAcademics.com
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Chapter 4 – Taking Notes, Writing & Studying
Easily add text via the
keyboard and draw
on the same note in
Notability.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
Notability’s file
system makes it
easy to keep your
notes organized.
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Chapter 4 – Taking Notes, Writing & Studying
Recording audio notes
iTalk Recorder
iTalk Recorder is simple: just hit the red button and you're recording.
Record entire class lectures, create high-quality field recordings, and
share them through email, Dropbox, and direct file sharing via iTunes.
iTalk Recorder is capable of multitasking – it can record in the
background while you type. Recordings are in AIFF format in your
choice of three sample rates (11.025, 22.05, or 44.10 kHz), and the app
has the ability to append to existing recordings.
Developer: Griffin Technology
Version: 4.6.7
Examples
Runs on: iOS
The University of New Hampshire recommends using iTalk Recorder
to record lectures on their Disability Services for Students site.
They also recommend many other useful apps for those with
disabilities.
Price: Free, Premium version $1.99
BestAppsforAcademics.com
Developer’s website:
store.griffintechnology.com/
italk-premium
79
Chapter 4 – Taking Notes, Writing & Studying
The User Experience department of the MIT Libraries used iTalk
Recorder for interviewing MIT students about how new technologies
are impacting the way they work and study. Nicole led this study
(Digital Scholarship at MIT), which helped the MIT Libraries design
better services for their students and faculty. See some of the results in
this slide deck: “Academic E-Reading: Themes from User Experience
Studies.”
Just click the big
button to start and
stop recording in
iTalk.
Easily search and
access all your
recordings.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
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Chapter 4 – Taking Notes, Writing & Studying
Speech recognition
Dragon Dictation
Dragon Dictation is based on Dragon NaturallySpeaking, a speech
recognition technology first developed in 1997 by Nuance
Communications. The app is easy to learn and use – tap the red button,
talk into your device, and Dragon Dictation transcribes what you say.
You can also speak punctuation – say “comma,” and it will insert a
comma. You can immediately see and edit the transcription. When
done, you can send it as a text, email, or save it to the clipboard. You
can also use Dragon Dictation to speak your Facebook and Twitter
updates, which is useful for users with disabilities, and for everyone.
Many languages are included.
Example
Developer: Nuance Communications
Version: 2.0.28
Runs on: iOS (universal), Android
version is called Dragon Mobile
Assistant.
Price: Free
The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity recommends Dragon
Naturally Speaking (desktop versions) for students who have wordretrieval difficulties, grapho-motor weaknesses, or problems
committing ideas to paper in a timely fashion.
Developer’s website:
nuancemobilelife.com
Now that it's also an app, many schools recommend it as one of the
best apps to get for your iPad.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
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Chapter 4 – Taking Notes, Writing & Studying
Click and speak,
Dragon does the rest.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
Dragon Dictation’s
uncluttered interface
adds to usability.
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Chapter 4 – Taking Notes, Writing & Studying
Scanning documents
JotNot Scanner
JotNot is a document scanner in your pocket. Use the camera in your
mobile device to photograph articles, documents, receipts and more,
and JotNot will save a clear copy. No need to bring whole books to
class, just scan the few pages you need to use.
You can flatten out document wrinkles after scanning using JotNot's
image-processing tools, which include image stabilization, white
balance, and edge detection. Scan multiple pages into one document
and save in different formats, including PDF or JPEG, email your scans,
connect to Dropbox, Evernote, Google Drive, and other cloud services.
It’s nice to have all your scans in one list, but even better to store in a
cloud service, which is easily done. You could even save your scan to
GoodReader (see entry in this book) and annotate your documents.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
Developer: MobiTech 3000
Version: 4.1.2
Runs on: iOS (universal)
Price: Free
Developer’s website:
mobitech3000.com
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Chapter 4 – Taking Notes, Writing & Studying
Examples
In “Going Paperless With Your iPhone and Evernote,” Thanh Pham
describes a step-by-step process for scanning documents and storing
them in Evernote. He uses JotNot Scanner.
In addition to the uses you can imagine by having a scanner in your
pocket, music students can capture scores they want to study.
Similar apps worth trying
Scan2PDF Mobile – Android, iOS
JotNot makes it easy
to capture a flat
image of your
document.
TurboScan - iOS
Genius Scan – Android, iOS (universal)
JotNot includes the
ability to upload your
scans to cloud
services.
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Chapter 4 – Taking Notes, Writing & Studying
Text editor for Dropbox
Elements 2
A well-designed text editor app is handy when you want to quickly type
and not worry about formatting. Elements links with and saves notes to
Dropbox, so you can type notes during a class or meeting and keep
them backed up, even if you lose or misplace your iPad.
Even though you’re not saving the formatting, sometimes you want to
adjust how the text looks while you’re typing it. For this, ten fonts are
included. You can change the size and switch between light and dark
themes. Also, you can add up to three widths for text, which gives you
bigger margins. There is also a built-in spellchecker.
Developer: Second Gear
The app comes with a scratch pad for storing ideas or paragraphs you
want to use repeatedly, and you can make folders to organize your files.
You can email the document as it is, or export as HTML or PDF. If you
choose HTML, Elements can save your note to Dropbox, iTunes, or
email. A print button is available, so you can print directly if you have
an AirPrint-enabled printer on your network.
Price: $4.99
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Version: 2.7
Runs on: iOS (universal)
Developer’s website:
secondgearsoftware.com/
elements
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Example
Fiction writer John Brownlee describes how he uses Elements in his
review:
As a fiction tinkerer, I love it: Elements will slurp in any document in your
Dropbox folder and allow you to easily edit it, versioning any changes
every thirty seconds. It even gives you statistics on what you’re writing,
like word and line count. The interface is just the way I like my text
editors, devoid of any fancy rich text formatting. I’ve been using it in
conjunction with my favorite OS X text editor, WriteRoom, and it’s like the
two applications were umbilically entwined from birth.
Use Markdown or
plan text when
writing in Elements.
Similar apps worth trying
Nebulous Notes - iOS (universal)
IA Writer - iOS (universal)
Drafts – iOS ($2.99 for iPhone, $3.99 for iPad)
Create multiple
folders within your
Elements folder in
Dropbox.
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Microsoft Office editor
Quickoffice
Quickoffice allows you to create and edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
files on your mobile device. If someone sends you a Word document,
you can open it with all the formatting intact and easily make changes.
It has built-in spell check, find/replace, track changes, and the ability to
add comments. You can also open and view PDFs and attach files to
emails. With spreadsheets you can do basic editing and formatting,
change fonts, alignment, borders, and view charts.
Now that Quickoffice is owned by Google, you’ll need a Google account
to use it on your mobile device. Use an existing account, or sign up for a
new one. Then you can save files on your device or to Google Drive.
For details on using Quickoffice with Google Drive, see “What’s The
Difference Between Google Drive And Quickoffice, And Which
Should You Use?”:
And as far as being a competent document editor goes, Quickoffice is
still the superior app. … Quickoffice simply offers more features. … Not
only is the interface easier to handle, but since the editing takes
BestAppsforAcademics.com
Developer: Was Quickoffice, Inc.,
now owned by Google
Version: 6.1.4
Runs on: Android, iOS (universal)
Price: Free
Developer’s website:
google.com/drive/apps.html
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place offline, it’s going to provide a smoother
experience.
But Quickoffice has a serious drawback. It can
load Microsoft Office files saved to Google Drive,
but it displays Google Documents as PDFs –
unless you have the Google Drive app installed,
in which case it will load that instead.
Quickoffice is a more capable option for people
who need to do more intense work using their
Android devices or want to work with documents
saved to internal storage. Drive is good for
people with solid internet connections who
aren’t put off by saving data to Google’s servers.
The latter app also has nice collaboration
features that could make it worth using on its
own. But at the end of the day, these two apps
work better together than they do alone.
Create and edit
spreadsheets in
Quickoffice.
For a detailed comparison of Quickoffice with
other document editing apps, see “Document
Editing Shootout Part 2.”
Work with
presentations in
Quickoffice.
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Similar apps worth trying
Documents to Go – Android, iOS (universal)
CloudOn - Android, iOS (universal) – Uses a
back-end virtual server connection to
present real Microsoft Office apps on your
mobile device.
hopTo – iOS (iPad only)
QuickOffice includes feature-rich text editing, external keyboard
support, and the ability to save as PDF.
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Create beautifully formatted documents and work with Microsoft
Office documents
Pages
Pages is part of Apple’s iWork suite, which also includes Numbers
(spreadsheets) and Keynote (presentations). It runs on both Mac OS X
and iOS, and allows you to create beautiful letters, reports, flyers and
other documents. It’s easy to share documents in multiple ways: email,
print, copy to iTunes, open in other apps, and access your files on any
device using iCloud.
You can easily share with others who are using Microsoft Office on a
Mac or PC. Just save as a Word, Excel or Powerpoint file.
As of September 2013, Pages and the other iWork apps come free with
new iOS devices.
Developer: Apple, Inc.
Version: 2.1
Runs on: iOS (universal)
Price: $9.99 (free on new iOS
devices)
Developer’s website:
apple.com/ios/pages/
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Pages helps you
create visually
pleasing
documents.
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Add charts and
graphs in Pages.
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Chapter 4 – Taking Notes, Writing & Studying
Customize fonts,
styles, and
graphics in Pages.
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Flashcards for studying
Brainscape
Brainscape is a flashcard app that you can use either to create your
own cards or download pre-made cards. It’s useful for students who are
studying a discreet body of knowledge that lends itself to flash cards.
It has a unique feature compared to other flashcard apps – it uses
confidence-based repetition. Rate your confidence on a five-point scale
for each answer you give and it will show your lower-confidence terms
more frequently. It also gives you stats on your progress, individually
and collectively.
Developer: Bold Learning
Solutions, Inc.
Version: 2.20
If you create a free Brainscape account on their servers, it syncs your
progress on all your devices. You can make two-sided cards using the
web version of the app on your computer.
Runs on: iOS (universal)
Categories of pre-made cards include Test Prep (GRE, MCAT, etc.),
Languages, and Knowledge Junkie (music, sports, tech, food and drink,
science, geography, etc.).
Developer’s website:
brainscape.com
Price: Free
Brainscape’s blog is worth following for its useful tips on learning.
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Example
A student at Ashworth College describes how she uses Brainscape to create
her own flashcard decks for studying. You can even share your decks on
Brainscape's website:
Since starting my program I have been making flashcards for each lesson as a
way to help myself retain the information. I plan to use them to prepare myself
for the semester exam. I recently found out that I can give out a URL that will
link people directly to my flashcards and that they could use them as well so I
have decided to publish the URL here in case anyone is interested.
Similar apps worth trying
Study subjects are
grouped by category
in Brainscape. The
colored bar indicates
your mastery of the
topic based on how
well you know the
answers to the
flashcards.
Duolingo – language learning “gamified” – Android, iOS (universal)
Google Translate – imperfect, but useful translator – Android, iOS
(universal)
Rate how well you
know each answer.
The lower your
score, the more
frequently the card
will appear.
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Chapter 4 – Taking Notes, Writing & Studying
Easily find new
subjects to study
from within
Brainscape.
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The confidence
breakdown gives you
a visual
representation of how
well you know your
subjects.
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Chapter 4 – Taking Notes, Writing & Studying
Mind mapping
Mindmeister
Mindmeister is one of the best of the many mind mapping apps
available because it’s so easy to learn and use. Set up a free account on
their website, and make mind maps in your web browser or mobile
device.
Create, view and edit online or offline and sync later. Add images,
colors, and icons. Organize your maps into folders.
Export your maps in several formats, such as MindManager, Freemind,
RTF, PDF, and PNG.
Create up to three maps in the basic version, or upgrade to Pro,
Personal, or Business for unlimited maps. Mindmeister offers standard
and education pricing.
Examples
Developer: MeisterLabs
Version: 5.3.4
Runs on: Android, iOS (universal)
Price: Free
Developer’s website:
mindmeister.com/mobile
Kevin J. O'Shea at Purdue University has a detailed how-to guide for
using Mindmeister in the classroom, including sample lesson plans.
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Chapter 4 – Taking Notes, Writing & Studying
Mindmeister's blog has an education category,
also with useful examples.
Similar apps worth trying
iThoughts HD - iOS (iPad only)
Inkflow: Think Visually! - iOS (universal)
Popplet - iOS (universal)
Idea Sketch - iOS (universal)
Mindmeister allows
you to create
complex mind maps
with ease.
iBrainstorm - iOS (iPad only)
The included tools
make it possible to
create a visually rich
mind map.
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In Mindmeister, it’s
easy to export
your mind map to
a variety of
formats.
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Chapter 4 – Taking Notes, Writing & Studying
More useful apps for note-taking, writing, or studying
• Text expanders, macros: TextExpander - iOS (universal), TypeIt4Me
Touch - iOS (universal)
• Print directly to all printers, not just AirPrint: Print N Share Android, iOS (universal)
• Browse web and takes notes (split screen): Side by Side - iOS (iPad
only) Taposé - iOS (iPad only)
• Concentration aids: Coffitivity (ambient noise for creative thinking) iOS (universal), Focus at Will (neuroscience based music service to help
you focus) - iOS (universal)
• View or listen to course materials (video or audio): iTunesU - iOS
(universal), Tunesviewer for viewing iTunesU content on Android.
Khan Academy iOS, Khan Academy Android. Podcasts - iOS
(universal), Instacast - iOS (universal), Downcast - iOS (universal)
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• LMS (Learning management system) apps: Blackboard Mobile Learn
iOS, Blackboard Mobile Learn Android, Moodle Mobile iOS, Moodle
Mobile Android, Canvas iOS, Canvas Android.
• MOOC apps: We hope to see more mobile apps being developed for
platforms such as EdX, Coursera, and Udacity. Coursera has a mobile
app, but other official apps were not available at the time of
publication of this book. Some unofficial apps such as Coursistant are
available, but none stand out as worth recommending at this time.
Recommended Accessories
The following accessories are our top recommendations for use with the iPad.
For excellent in-depth reviews of all kinds of
accessories for mobile devices, see iLounge's
category search.
Keyboards and cases
• Apple Wireless Keyboard: The Bluetooth
keyboard made by Apple is lightweight and
works well with iPad and iPhone.
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Apple wireless keyboard.
Apple wireless keyboard with smartphone.
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Chapter 4 – Taking Notes, Writing & Studying
• Adonit Writer Plus for iPad (3rd-Gen): This
keyboard/case combo gets excellent
reviews because it can hold the iPad at
different angles, has an internal
rechargeable battery that lasts two weeks
between charges, and works well as a
protective case.
Adonit Writer Plus for iPad keyboard/case combo.
• Logitech Bluetooth Easy-Switch
Keyboard for Mac, iPad + iPhone: Logitech
is known for their innovative peripheral
designs (mice, keyboards, etc.), and the
"easy-switch" keyboard is getting excellent
reviews. With a tap of a button, you can
switch between three different Bluetooth
devices (after pairing). It's thinner and easier
to pack than Apple's keyboard, uses
Logitech Bluetooth Easy-Switch Keyboard.
rechargeable batteries, and has backlighting.
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Stands
• Standzfree Floor Stand for iPad: Good
solution for using your iPad hands-free while
sitting in a chair or lying in bed. Great for
musicians (read music on your iPad).
Styluses
Length
extension
available for
use while
standing.
Standzfree floor
stand.
• Adonit Jot Pro: This unique stylus uses a
clear plastic disk as its tip, which allows you
to see the fine point of the line you're
drawing. This makes it feel more like writing
with a smooth pen than most styluses. It has
a screw-on cap to protect the plastic disk
and is magnetic, so it can latch on the side
of most iPads.
Adonit Jot Pro
stylus.
• Just Mobile AluPen Pro: This well-designed
accessory is both a stylus and a pen. Both
the rubber stylus tip and the pen can be
replaced. Comes with leather carrying case
and a spare stylus tip.
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Just Mobile
AluPen Pro
stylus.
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• Sensu Artist Brush and Stylus: A brush and stylus in one, for use with
touchscreen devices. It works particularly well with digital painting
apps, such as ArtRage, Sketchbook Pro, Paper by Studio 53, and similar
apps.
Sensu Artist Brush and Stylus
• Pencil by FiftyThree: A professional level tool with a unique flat shape
(like a carpenter’s pencil) that comes in either walnut (wood) or
graphite (brushed aluminum). The eraser tip allows you to erase
without changing tools in the app. It connects via Bluetooth for many
advanced features. It’s designed for use with their app, Paper, and also
works with other drawing apps.
Pencil Stylus by FiftyThree
Where to find reviews of the best accessories
• iLounge: In-depth reviews and ratings of accessories, such as cases,
keyboards, stands, and speakers. Use their category search to find
reviews, sorted by rating or price.
• iPhone and iPad Styluses compared: Excellent review article from
MacWorld, with extensive feature comparison chart.
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Chapter 5
Collaboration & Sharing
Chapter 5 – Collaboration & Sharing
Full-featured social media app
Hootsuite
Hootsuite is a social media app for Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare, and
LinkedIn.
It’s one of the best apps for Twitter, especially if you use multiple
Twitter accounts. You can set up tabs for each of your accounts and
post under all of them. Create tabs for tweets, sent tweets, my tweets
retweeted, mentions, direct messages and more.
You can use Hootsuite to search Twitter, see trending topics, and view
stats on your accounts. Easily save hashtag searches and display all
related tweets, a handy feature when people are live tweeting events at
conferences. You can choose from more than one retweet style, which
is useful if you prefer the old way of retweeting.
You can also use it to view, comment and “like” items on your Facebook
news feed, view and comment on your Foursquare stream and check-in
history, and view and post to your LinkedIn stream.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
Developer: Hootsuite Media, Inc.
Version: 2.5.3
Runs on: Android, iOS (universal)
Price: Free
Developer’s website:
hootsuite.com/features/mobileapps/iphone
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The pro version allows for unlimited social networks, more push
notifications, and is ad-free. The free version is so good that if you don’t
mind ads, you may not need to upgrade.
Examples
HootSuite has a Campus Ambassador program
for teaching and encouraging social media best
practices.
Jamyn Edis, a professor at New York University’s
Stern School of Business, uses HootSuite in a course
he designed in 2009 to give students social media
marketing skills. Edis has students complete a
Codecademy track and become a HootSuiteCertified professional as part of the course
requirements.
Read more about his course: “How NYU’s Stern
School of Business is Teaching Digital Skills With
the Help of Codecademy and HootSuite University.”
BestAppsforAcademics.com
View Twitter
streams from
multiple accounts
in Hootsuite. View
mentions, direct
messages, sent
tweets, and
searches.
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Chapter 5 – Collaboration & Sharing
Also, At Syracuse University:
HootSuite University was integrated into the curriculum as part of the
graduate and undergraduate social media classes that I teach at the
S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. Students used
Hootsuite Pro to learn how to manage multiple social networks, such as
Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and LinkedIn. Video-based lessons, case
studies and testing through HootSuite University were integrated
throughout the course.
Similar apps worth trying
Scheduling tool for Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn: Buffer - Android,
iOS
Other social media apps: Twitter - Android, iOS (universal);
Facebook - Android, iOS (universal); LinkedIn - Android, iOS
(universal); Pinterest - Android, iOS (universal); Google+ - Android,
iOS (universal); Foursquare - Android, iOS; Flickr - Android, iOS
Blog editing: Wordpress - Android, iOS; Blogpress - iOS (universal);
Tumblr - Android, iOS; Blogsy for iPad - iOS (iPad only); BlogPad
Pro - iOS (iPad only)
BestAppsforAcademics.com
Compose a tweet and select which accounts
to send it to. Shrink links, add photos or
location.
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Shared whiteboard
SyncPad
Take a whiteboard with you wherever you go! SyncPad is a shared
whiteboard app which allows you to work with colleagues across the
globe via a unique URL. After you choose a username for your account,
you are asked to make up a room name, which becomes part of the link
you send to collaborators or viewers. For example, if your username is
“class101” and your room name is “lesson2,” the link becomes: http://
syncpadapp.com/class101/lesson2.
Email the link to people anywhere in the world, and they can see what
you draw on the screen in real time. You can annotate articles or
photos, and import from or upload to Dropbox. Collaborators can view
the whiteboard in a web browser, or in the SyncPad mobile app. For
each person in the virtual room, you can set permissions to allow them
to view only, or to join you in making edits to the screen. The app also
implements password protection and encryption.
Developer: Fifth Layer, Inc.
Version: 2.1
Runs on: Android (Samsung only), iOS
(universal)
Price: Free for up to 3 users per
whiteboard; Pro plans, $5/month for
up to thirty users on a whiteboard
Developer’s website:
syncpadapp.com
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Example
Alan Gandy, instructional technologist at Lone Star College writes:
Your app is the perfect solution for instructors that want to present
remotely over the campus network. Making the client app browser
based means that this can be deployed without any approval or
involvement by campus IT.
SyncPad also works together with Google+ Hangouts.
Similar apps worth trying
Create your own
whiteboard with the
click of a button.
Shared whiteboards: ShowMe Interactive Whiteboard – iOS (iPad
only), Doceri – iOS (iPad only), BaiBoard – iOS (iPad only), Stage:
Interactive Whiteboard & Document Camera – iOS (iPad only),
SyncSpace – Android, iOS (universal)
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Chapter 5 – Collaboration & Sharing
Everyone connected to your SyncPad whiteboard
in real-time sees what you draw.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
Draw on a blank whiteboard or start with a
graphic and draw on that.
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Chapter 5 – Collaboration & Sharing
Collaborate with mapping tools
Google Maps
Google Maps includes turn-by-turn navigation, built-in Google local
search, public transit directions, street view, and more. Quickly search
for local places by selecting restaurants, cafes, or gas stations.
Collaborative maps allow groups to create maps together. Build a
custom map and share it, allowing others to add points and features to
the map.
See Google Maps for Educators and the Google Maps Education
page.
Examples
At UC San Diego, academic computing & media services writes about
their iPad pilot:
Developer: Google, Inc.
Version: 2.6.0
Runs on: Android, iOS (universal)
Price: Free
Developer’s website:
google.com/maps/about
In Urban Studies & Planning, one professor uses her iPad to enhance
student demonstrations in class. Students were given a project where
they were to use Street View images from Google Maps to
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Chapter 5 – Collaboration & Sharing
discuss urban design principles. Students used Notability (an app that
allows the user to write on top of PDFs) and a stylus to draw on their
images to illustrate concepts in different colors. The annotated images
were then saved and uploaded to Ted for later reference. The professor
found that this allowed students to explain their work more fully than if
they tried to use words alone.
Google gives more examples of how to use the app on their tutorials
page.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
Google Maps offers a
variety of options for
directions, including
car, public
transportation,
bicycling, and
walking.
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Chapter 5 – Collaboration & Sharing
Collaborate with mapping tools
Google Earth
Google Earth allows you to explore the world without leaving home. Fly
to your location, search by voice, view layers of information including
roads, borders, panoramic photos and more. The interface makes use
of intuitive, multi-touch gestures, allowing you to pan, zoom, and tilt.
The app also includes virtual tours and fly-through 3D recreations of
selected cities, such as San Francisco, Boston, and Rome.
See the Google Earth Outreach YouTube channel for tutorials and
examples of education and nonprofit use.
See also the Google Earth for Educators community.
Examples
Glenn A. Richard, educational coordinator of the Mineral Physics
Institute at Stony Brook University, has created "Teaching with Google
Earth," a wonderful resource for using Google Earth in the geoscience
classroom.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
Developer: Google, Inc.
Version: 7.1.1
Runs on: Android, iOS (universal)
Price: Free
Developer’s website:
google.com/intl/en/mobile/earth
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Indiana University has a project to explore
innovative teaching and learning with the iPad.
Here's an example using Google Earth in a lab
exercise for an introductory geosciences class:
Students compared a printed geologic map with
a Google Earth satellite image to identify the
specific stratigraphic unit that is quarried locally
for limestone. The Air Sketch app enabled
students to depict stratigraphic units, and helped
them relate the extent of individual rock layers at
the surface and in the subsurface via threedimensional representations. Brassell's class
also used Clinometer for measurement of the
dips of rock specimens, and Dropbox for file
import and export via a shared class account.
Fly around the world
with Google Earth.
Here is an interesting example of mapping
novels for a literature class.
Explore ancient ruins
and historic
locations.
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Use Google Earth
to investigate the
topography of an
area.
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View the layers of
information
you’re interested
in, from roads to
3D buildings.
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Chapter 5 – Collaboration & Sharing
Distance meetings and presentations
Hangouts
Google's app for one-on-one or group conversations includes several
features that make it useful for collaborating:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Use with any combination of phones, tablets, and computers.
Make video calls for up to 10 people.
Sync conversations across all your devices.
Save your video call history.
Enable screen sharing for collaboration.
Integrate your Google Drive documents, so you can see them
while chatting.
• Stream your Hangouts live and in public to YouTube, and save
a copy for those who want to watch later.
Examples
The London School of Economics and Political Science uses Hangouts
for editors, reviewers, and academics in the social sciences to discuss tips
for new reviewers in their book review publications:
BestAppsforAcademics.com
Developer: Google, Inc.
Version: 1.3.2
Runs on: Android, iOS (universal)
Price: Free
Developer’s website:
google.com/+/learnmore/
hangouts
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Chapter 5 – Collaboration & Sharing
Launching fully later in the Spring, we’re planning a series of Google+
Hangouts with our editors, book reviewers, and authors and academics
from across the social sciences. Each Hangout will be based around one of
our most-read disciplines (e.g. economics, sociology, philosophy, etc.) and
will offer tips for new reviewers in that discipline on how to make their
contributions stand out. Each Hangout will be streamed live publicly on the
LSE Review of Books site, and once we’re off the air, viewers can watch and
share any time.
Jeremy Floyd, a professor at Univ. of Tennessee, uses Google+ Hangouts
for his digital media marketing class. He describes his process in detail
here: “How to use Google+ Hangouts in higher education: distance
learning with social media.”
Participate in video
calls with up to ten
people.
See also this Google+ community: Google Hangouts in Education.
Finally, “Six ways to use Google Hangouts for academic productivity.”
Create Hangouts for
your colleagues and
friends.
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See all recent
activity from
groups and
individuals.
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Message your
Hangout groups and
share photos.
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Chapter 5 – Collaboration & Sharing
Distance meetings and presentations
Skype
Skype features free video and voice calls and instant messaging to
other Skype users on desktop computers or mobile devices. You can
also send files, photos, and videos and share your screen.
For a small fee you can call mobile phones and landlines worldwide, or
make group video calls with up to ten people. With a premium account
you can do group screen sharing with up to ten people.
Examples
Dr. Martin Sivula, in “Using Skype as an Academic Tool: Lessons
Learned,” describes several use cases for Skype in academia, including
using the text-base chat feature for student-to-professor questions,
using a web conferencing tool with Skype for group presentations, and
small group collaboration for students, including sharing documents
with Skype.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
Developer: Skype Communications
Version: 4.17.1
Runs on: Android, iOS
Price: Free
Developer’s website:
skype.com
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Chapter 5 – Collaboration & Sharing
John Boyer, professor of geography at Virginia Tech, uses Skype. For
interesting details, see: “'Plaid Avenger' geography prof brings the
world to his students - with the help of Skype”:
Skype is one of the many tools Professor Boyer uses to teach a class of
nearly 3,000 students! In fact last December Boyer sent a YouTube video
request for a Skype interview to Aung San Suu Kyi, and the Nobel Peace
Prize recipient graciously accepted!
More on how Boyer uses Skype:
“‘Supersizing’ the College Classroom: how one instructor
teaches 2,670 students”
Use Skype to place
free video and voice
calls.
Audio of a talk Boyer gave at SXSW
Use the keypad to
dial phone numbers.
For a small fee, you
can call mobile and
landlines
worldwide.
BestAppsforAcademics.com
Quickly see which of
your contacts are
online.
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Chapter 6
Presenting, Lecturing &
Publishing
Chapter 6 – Presenting, Lecturing & Publishing
Edit and present slide decks
Keynote
Keynote is an easy-to-use presentation app similar to PowerPoint. It
comes with a set of well-designed themes, and additional pro themes
are available from several publishers. This makes it easy to design
great-looking presentations.
You can create presentations via the app, but it’s best to create on the
desktop and then copy it to your iPad either via iTunes or iCloud.
When presenting, use a VGA dongle to plug your iPad into the projector,
or use Apple TV to wirelessly stream your presentation and be free to
walk around the room.
A variety of drawing and shape-generation tools are included, which
makes it useful for designing prototypes for web and mobile interfaces,
or similar projects.
Developer: Apple, Inc.
Version: 2.1
Runs on: iOS (universal)
Price: $9.99
Developer’s website:
apple.com/ios/keynote/
You can open PowerPoint slides, and also export Keynote slides in
PowerPoint or PDF formats. For more details, see Apple’s information
about Keynote and PowerPoint compatibility.
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Example
“5 Ways to Use Keynote for the iPad in Your
Classroom” provides several ideas for using
Keynote at any age level, including college
education. For example, you can create a
simulated mobile app using a slideshow that
mimics what a native app can look and feel like.
This works in a presentation by moving from
screenshot to screenshot with occasional use of
animations for transitions to simulate how the
app would function. Perfect tool for mocking up
apps that you might create in an app
programming class.
It’s easy to see and
organize all your
slides in Keynote.
Include graphs,
charts, and more in
your Keynote slides.
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Include interactive
links, soundtrack,
and set up remote
control.
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Chapter 6 – Presenting, Lecturing & Publishing
Edit and present slide decks
SlideShark
SlideShark is an app for presenting PowerPoint slides using the iPad.
Create your slides on the desktop and import them from cloud services,
such as Dropbox, Skydrive, or Box, or open email-attached PowerPoint
files with the "open in..." command. You can also get a free cloud
account on SlideShark for up to 100 MB, so you can upload your slide
decks from your computer. Get more storage for referring friends.
SlideShark preserves fonts and graphics without mangling them, which
can happen in other apps. See your slide’s notes, timers, and next/
previous slides. You can show embedded videos, draw on your slides,
and highlight content, all while presenting. Turn your iPhone into a
remote control with the built-in virtual laser pointer.
It doesn’t work as a Keynote presenter (Keynote itself is better for that),
but you can export Keynote slides as PowerPoint and work from there.
SlideShark also allows you to broadcast your slides in real time to a
remote audience using the Pro or Team version. For details, including
pricing, see SlideShark’s website – free version for up to three people,
or pay for more. A team edition is also available.
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Developer: Brainshark, Inc.
Version: 3.4.0
Runs on: iOS (universal)
Price: Free; Pro accounts: $49/year
for 500 MB, $95/year for 1 GB
Developer’s website:
slideshark.com
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Chapter 6 – Presenting, Lecturing & Publishing
Example
The Chronicle of Higher Education explains
how you can use SlideShark to go paperless at
conferences and in the classroom. Use
SlideShark for displaying your Powerpoint
presentations, along with your presentation
notes.
Similar apps worth trying
Prezi for iPad - iOS (iPad only)
Upload your
presentations to
SlideShark, and
download to make
your presentation.
2Screens Presentation Expert - iOS (iPad
only)
QuickOffice Pro and Documents to Go
Premium are also useful for presenting
slides.
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SlideShark includes
useful tools for
presenters – view
your notes and
upcoming slides, and
check that you’re
staying on track for
time.
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Chapter 6 – Presenting, Lecturing & Publishing
Log into SlideShark to access your slides.
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Present directly from your iPad, or connect
to a projector or display.
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Chapter 6 – Presenting, Lecturing & Publishing
Create simple, beautiful presentations
Haiku Deck
Haiku Deck allows you to create presentations with an elegant,
minimalist look. One unique and useful feature of Haiku Deck is its
ability to search Creative Commons-licensed images to use in your
slides. Built-in themes are included, with premium themes available.
Haiku Deck includes a wide selection of fonts, image filters and layouts
– all you need to make your slides look beautiful. It’s also easy to make
charts and graphs for your slides. Share your decks via Facebook,
Twitter, email, post to your blog, or export as PowerPoint, Keynote, or
PDF.
Haiku Deck also has a free web version, so you can create presentations
in your web browser on your desktop or laptop. You can publish your
slides on HaikuDeck.com with one of three options: public, restricted
(only those who have the link can view it), or private (only you can view
your deck).
Developer: Haiku Deck, Inc.
Version: 2.4.2
Runs on: iOS (iPad only)
Price: Free
Developer’s website:
haikudeck.com
View HaikuDeck.com's gallery for featured and popular decks.
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Chapter 6 – Presenting, Lecturing & Publishing
Examples
Tanya T. Sasser, English Instructor at
Jacksonville State University, describes how
she used Haiku Deck for a "Research
Slam" (part poster session, part poetry slam).
See her slides: Embrace the Messiness: Lessons
from a 21st Century Classroom.
See more at Faculty E-Commons.
Haiku Deck allows
you to create
beautiful
presentations with
ease.
Education case studies using Haiku Deck.
Similar apps worth trying
Other presentation and content creation
apps: Explain Everything - iOS (iPad only),
Voice Thread - iOS (universal), Photo
Slideshow Director HD, - iOS (universal),
Book Creator for iPad - iOS (iPad only)
Presentation timer: Presentation Clock - iOS
(universal)
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Search Creative
Commons-licensed
images based on the
search terms you
enter in Haiku Deck.
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Chapter 6 – Presenting, Lecturing & Publishing
Add graphs and
charts to your
presentation.
The included
layout tools
help you create
a visuallyappealing
presentation.
Haiku Deck
includes a variety
of sharing and
viewing options
for your
presentations.
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Chapter 6 – Presenting, Lecturing & Publishing
Wirelessly mirror an iPad’s display with a projector or large
display
Apple TV in the classroom
Apple TV makes it possible for students and instructors to connect their
iPads wirelessly to a projector or large monitor, enhancing
collaboration in the classroom. Connecting this $99 box to your display
system makes it simple to show student work and give classroom
presentations from iPads, without wires to inhibit movement around
the room.
Apple TV also includes YouTube, Flickr, Vimeo, and iTunes U, making it
easy to project from those sources. In addition,
you can use Photo Stream (Apple’s service for
instantly syncing photos on all your devices) to
display photos as they are taken, which
provides interesting possibilities for classroom
projects involving photography.
Examples
The University of Minnesota has a useful page
of instructions for how to set this up. Here's
a good description of why to use this setup.
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Apple TV allows you
to wirelessly
connect your iPad
to a projector or
display.
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Chapter 6 – Presenting, Lecturing & Publishing
“AirPlay in the Classroom: Apple
TV vs. Reflector App” – Josh
Murdock, a.k.a “Professor Josh,”
currently works at Valencia College
as an instructional designer helping
build online courses, train faculty on
technology, and solve the
Blackboard-related problems of the
world.
Reflector - app for mirroring an iPad
or iPhone display on a Mac or
Windows computer screen. More on
how to mirror your iPad in the
classroom.
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AirPlay makes
connection
between an iPad
and Apple TV easy.
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Chapter 6 – Presenting, Lecturing & Publishing
Create interactive ebooks
iBooks Author
Even though this is not a mobile app (it runs on Macs), iBooks Author is
important to know about, because with it, you can creative interactive
ebooks for Apple’s iBookstore with multimedia features for viewing on
iPads.
iBooks Author’s strengths are that it’s easy to learn and to use, and it’s
free. It includes templates that can be used to create beautiful,
interactive books. The program’s weakness is that these books only run
on Apple’s platform.
However, that’s not a deal-breaker because you can export a version of
your book without the interactive content and make it available on
other platforms, such as Kindle, Nook, or as a PDF available from your
own website.
iBooks Author was created with textbook design in mind. It’s perfect for
setting up a curriculum of ordered course materials, with interactive
charts and graphs, slideshows, embedded videos, and quizzes. It’s also
useful for other types of books that benefit from interactive content,
such as travel guides, cookbooks, museum catalogs and more.
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Developer: Apple, Inc.
Version: 2.1.1
Runs on: Mac OS X
Price: Free
Developer’s website:
apple.com/ibooks-author
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Chapter 6 – Presenting, Lecturing & Publishing
You can make your book available for free in Apple’s iBookstore, or you
can sell it, getting 70% of sales, while Apple gets 30% (the same as app
developers). Having your books in Apple’s store
makes them available to a large audience of
iPad users.
To browse through the catalog of books, open
iTunes, click on “Books,” then look for a link
(usually in quicklinks) called “made for iBooks.”
That brings you to the section of books made
with iBooks Author – books with interactive
content.
Embed interactive
materials into your
ebook using iBooks
Author.
Here are two recommended books made with
iBooks Author:
Paperless by David Sparks, $9.99 (excellent
book about how to go paperless, with
recommended technology, such as scanners
and apps)
NYPL Point: John Cage’s Prepared Piano –
New York Public Library, free
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Readers can use
multi-touch
gestures to enlarge
images you
include.
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Chapter 6 – Presenting, Lecturing & Publishing
For more information, see Nicole’s slide deck from a presentation
about iBooks Author, given at MIT.
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Chapter 7
Discipline-Specific
Examples & Guides
Chapter 7 – Discipline-Specific Examples & Guides
In this section, we look at examples of how apps are used in specific
disciplines, such as art, foreign language learning, journalism, social science
research, biology, geology, medicine, engineering and math.
A. Language and literature
“Chinese Language Classes Experiment With iPads,” Northwestern
University
Two Chinese language classes used iPads to supplement traditional methods
of language study and found them a useful addition to their course material.
Also at Northwestern: “The iPad as a Tool for Enhancing the Acquisition of
Language, Literature, and Culture”
B. Digital humanities
“Textal: a Free Smartphone App for Text Analysis,” The Chronicle of Higher
Education
Textal is an app “that allows you to analyze websites, tweet streams and
documents, spitting out an intuitive word cloud from your search from which
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Chapter 7 – Discipline-Specific Examples & Guides
you can see word frequency and collocates (words that often appear next to
your selected words) at the tap of a finger.”
C. Art
“iPads, Illustration & Reflection,” Plymouth University (UK)
Dan Owens and Rob Stillwell of Plymouth University conducted an
experiment using iPads in a life-drawing class with an app that allows
students to see a video of their drawing process.
D. Journalism
“Mass Communications Students use iPads for Social Journalism Class,”
Virginia Commonwealth University
Marcus Messner, assistant professor of mass communications at Virgina
Commonwealth University, describes how he uses iPads in the classroom:
Students already understand that an iPad is a cool device but I wanted to
show them how to adapt the journalism skills they’ve learned from other
classes for social and mobile media using iPads.
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Chapter 7 – Discipline-Specific Examples & Guides
E. Social science research
“The research lab in your pocket: apps and the academy,” Times Higher
Education
Several professors weigh in on the apps they find useful in their scholarly
work, including a few they’ve created themselves.
The Mappiness Project
Mappiness was created by Dr. George MacKerron and Dr. Susana Mourato of
the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). It was
designed to collect data on how people’s happiness is affected by their
environment. The researchers created an app that beeps to users once or
more a day to check in on their happiness level and a ask few questions, then
sends the data back anonymously, along with their GPS coordinates.
F. Biology
“Yale Students Use iPads to View Live Microscope Images,” Yale
Information Technology Services
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Chapter 7 – Discipline-Specific Examples & Guides
Marta Martinez Wells, a senior lecturer at Yale, uses iPads in her biology
classroom to encourage collaborative learning:
Wells is currently employing the microscope-iPad setup in her entomology
course, in which students spend time studying such things as the
characteristics of dragonfly wings and the innards of a giant hissing
cockroach. She plans in a future course to have students take their iPads
into the field and use them to record and post observations, as well as to
facilitate the collection of specimens.
G. Geology
Mark Wilson, professor of geology, describes the apps he uses when
conducting geological fieldwork in this faculty blog from the Department of
Geology at the College of Wooster:
“Using the iPad in Geologic Fieldwork,” part 1
“Using the iPad in Geologic Fieldwork,” part 2
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Chapter 7 – Discipline-Specific Examples & Guides
H. Medicine
“UC Irvine medical students chronicle experiences working overseas,”
Scope
Brief article that discusses UC Irvine students working with health care
providers in other countries to help them utilize iPads in their practices.
I. Computer science and engineering
“ASK Messaging: An iPad app with a special touch,” The University of
Michigan
Engineering students at the University of Michigan are working on an app that
will make it easier for users with impaired motor skills to compose text on
tablets and other mobile devices.
J. Math
“How I use my iPhone and iPad as a College Math Teacher,” iMore
Math instructor Leanna Lofte uses several apps to enhance her math teaching,
and gives examples of each.
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Chapter 7 – Discipline-Specific Examples & Guides
Discipline-specific app guides
Art
“Art and Drawing apps for your iPad” – Educational Technology and
Mobile Learning
“Art iPad Apps” – Apps in Education
Engineering
“An Interactive Engineering Apps Directory” – American Society of
Mechanical Engineers
Geology
“48 iPad Apps for Teaching and Learning Geography / Earth Science” –
Ideas Out There
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Chapter 7 – Discipline-Specific Examples & Guides
Journalism
“Recommended Apps for Journalists” – Journalist’s Toolbox: Society of
Professional Journalists
“Top road-tested iPhone apps for mobile journalists” - International
Journalists' Network
“Top 10 List Of Must-Have iPhone Apps For Journalists” – NABJDigital
Blog (National Association of Black Journalists)
Language learning
“Language Learning on the Go” – The Wall Street Journal
“What are the best apps for language learning?” – Quora.com
Math
“6 Best Android apps for mathematics/engineering students” –
AndroidFlip
“5 Awesome Math Solvers for iPad” – iPad Appfinders
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Chapter 7 – Discipline-Specific Examples & Guides
Medicine
“Medical App Survey Results” – Penn Medical Student Government
Multiple subjects
“88 Best apps for mobile learning” – Edudemic
Science
“45 Outstanding iPad Apps for Science Learning” – Tripwire Magazine
Social sciences
“Handy mobile apps for social science” – Li Ka Shing Libraray, Singapore
Management University
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Further Resources
Further Resources
In this section, we point you to books, blogs, and websites about apps, other
books and courses by the authors, and the companion website for this book.
Books
Best iPhone Apps - J.D. Biersdorfer
Nicely designed book describing the best apps in several different
categories.
Best Android Apps - Mike Hendrickson and Brian Sawyer
Well-organized book that leads you beyond the titles in Android Market's
"Top Paid" and "Top Free" lists to showcase useful apps.
iPad at Work - David Sparks
Excellent recommendations, tutorials, workflows, and advice about using
your iPad for work.
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Further Resources
Five-Star Apps: the best iPhone and iPad Apps for Work and Play – Glenn
Fleishman
Another good resource for reviews of the best apps, by category.
Best iPad Apps: The Guide for Discriminating Downloaders – Peter Meyers
Suggests best iPad apps in categories, such as "get work done,"
"manipulate photos," and "outline ideas." Discusses why the iPad is
different from a smartphone or laptop and what unique role it can play in
your life.
Evernote Essentials – Brett Kelly
Learn the best practices for using Evernote in useful and creative ways.
Tips for beginners and for power users. Great book!
Take Control of Working with Your iPad – Joe Kissell
Focused on using the iPad for work. Covers creation of documents,
spreadsheets, and presentations, how to transfer files between devices,
manage your calendars, take notes effectively, and print from your iPad.
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Further Resources
See also: “Take Control Live: Working with your iPad” - video
presentations by Joe Kissell (available for purchase) with a document
containing notes for each video. Includes apps for notes, documents,
sharing and useful power tips.
Always On: How the iPhone Unlocked the Anything-Anytime-Anywhere
Future – and Locked Us In – Brian X. Chen
Chen discusses both the positive and negative effects of being "always on"
with our mobile devices. Recommended.
The Essential Guide to Studying with Your iPad – Pia Konig
Tips and tricks for students who are new to the iPad.
iPhone Obsessed: Photo Editing Experiments with Apps – Dan Marcolina
Excellent and fun book about using your iPhone to capture and edit
images. Shows artwork and discusses apps used to create each piece.
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Further Resources
Apps and websites about apps
AppAdvice
This app is a companion to the web
site, AppAdvice.com. Contains iPhone/iPad news,
reviews, and guides to the best apps by function, such
as flight tracker, apps to replace your camera, personal
databases, Google Docs managers, and more.
Appstart
Free iPhone app for browsing selected apps by category.
Best Android Apps – by Android Tapp
Good source of Android app reviews.
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Further Resources
Android Appstorm - website
Another source of app reviews for Android.
h4ckademic
A project to watch from the Harvard University Library. Still in progress, the
project aims to crowdsource a useful list of apps for academic use. From
the project description:
h4ckademic is a dynamic website that will utilize social media like features
to “student source” the identification of the best apps for academic use on
mobile devices. The primary aim of h4ckademic is to provide a single virtual
resource that will allow students to log-in, identify the mobile device they
use, see a selection of top academic apps related to that device, vote on
those apps accordingly.
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Further Resources
Blogs
AcademiPad
AcademiPad reviews apps and workflows for using apps in your academic
life. It's edited by Joachim Scholz, a PhD student in marketing at Queens
University in Canada.
Gradhacker
A blog written by graduate students from a variety of universities. Offers
tips and advice for all aspects of grad student life, including technology
tips.
Beautiful Pixels
If you care about excellent user interface design, this is the blog to follow.
They select and review apps with outstanding design features. Covers
apps for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android, web and more.
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Further Resources
Apptography
The world of photography apps is huge. Since photography can be used in
so many ways as part of an academic's life, this is a good blog to follow for
keeping up with the best photography apps. Covers iPhone, iPad, Mac,
camera add-ons, and more.
Touch Press
Publisher of beautiful interactive book apps for iPad, such as The
Elements, Beethoven's 9th Symphony, and Leonardo da Vinci Anatomy.
Follow them to keep up with their new titles.
Other books and courses by Nicole Hennig
Apps for Librarians: Using the Best Mobile Technology to Educate, Create,
and Engage, by Nicole Hennig.
This book will be published in 2014 by Libraries Unlimited and is a guide to
the best apps for librarians. Librarians need to know about a wide range of
apps both for their own professional use and to recommend to users. It
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Further Resources
will cover categories such as reading, book apps, productivity, research
and reference, multimedia, social media, content creation, and librarycreated apps.
Online courses
Apps for Librarians and Educators
Available via Simmons GSLIS continuing education
for six-week sessions online, or in a self-study
version that you can purchase anytime and
complete at your own pace.
The Book as iPad App
Available via the American Library Association for
four-week sessions online, or in a self-study
version that you can purchase anytime and
complete at your own pace. Useful for anyone who
cares about the future of the book and the blurring
boundaries between book and app.
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Further Resources
Updates
For updates to the information in this book, see our companion website:
smallwow.com/apps
Sign up to get updates for this book and others by Nicole Hennig.
We welcome your feedback!
To offer your own comments and recommendations for future editions of the
book, use this contact form. We’d love to hear from you!
If you enjoyed this book, please add your ratings and reviews in the online
store where you purchased this book. Thanks!
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Updates & Feedback
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Credits
•
•
Cover photo by “spykster” on Flickr.
Copyediting & book design by Kevin Eagan.
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