This resource page includes a number of free and low-cost tools to manage and/or develop executive function skills. Scroll down to access all the categories and tools. Thank you for visiting.
LOW Tech and Readily Available Options:
Start with what is readily available. Use the devices Calendar and Reminders apps and features. Use low-tech tools such as Sticky Notes and colored highlighters. Use Sticky Notes on computers (Stickies on the Mac) and definitely explore Google Keep - syncs across all devices and has excellent features for many different skills. Teach these tools - students do not typically know about or use them effectively. Explicit instruction is key but also be willing to learn from your students. They can become the experts.
PDF Version The purpose of the Task Analysis Work Sheet is to raise student's awareness of the multiple steps that may be involved in a single task and to develop their perception of how much time it takes to complete that task. (from http://www.ldonline.org/article/23676)
Love the name. Right now it is Windows only but they say they are adding Mac capabilities. Set timers, improve focus and productivity. Pro version offers additional features (one time $19 fee).
Similar to 30/30, used to sustain focus and manage distractions. Adds table and graph view to determine how time is spent. $1.99, iOS app based on the Pomodoro Technique
Free (with premium versions) online tool based on the Comodoro Technique. Connect to your current Productivity tool (Todoist, Trello, Evernote, Wanderlist). Chrome extension available.
Chrome extension to help you manage your tasks and distractions. Replace your new tab page with a daily to do list to focus on your most important tasks each day.
a comprehensive online resource designed for college students but includes information that can be adapted for high school students as well. There are tools to help with such tasks as setting goals, time managment skills, identifying effective strategies and developing memory strategies.Target specific skills that you need to work on. Check out the Assignment Calculato
Graphic Organization good for visual thinker/learners, EASY to use, advanced feature, sharing capabilities, customizable, developed by creators of Inspiration/Kidspiration
Students can organize their notes, create flashcards, make use of 3D tools and more in this great mind mapping tool. It is downloadable. The Lite version is free.
Create graphic organizers from scratch or with helpful templates
After you have completed your writing, copy and paste the text into Paper Rater. Paper Rater offers Grammar and Spell Checking as well as plagiarism detection and writing suggestions to improve your writing, as well as a Vocabulary Builder and Writing Style suggestions.
Sidenotes is the simplest way to annotate the web. No more switching tabs, pausing videos, or swapping apps to write down a quick thought. Pop open the sidebar with a shortcut, type your notes, and rest easy knowing your notes are immediately synced with Dropbox Datastores. Each note is attached to a URL, so you're thoughts are attached to the source of the inspiration at all times. Search through all your notes quickly and with ease.
"NoteStar is an Internet utility to assist in the preparation of research papers. Teachers and students can set up research projects with topics and sub-topics. Students may then take advantage of NoteStar's many features to collect and organize their notes and prepare their bibliography page." (from the website)
Collect information for a research project in one place.
When writing a research paper, you may want to explore Research Paper Builder,an online commercial product ($39) .Be sure to check the Free Interactive Demo first.
A resource developed by Karen Janowski,
Assistive Technology Consultant, EdTech Solutions
karen.janowski@gmail.com@KarenJan
This resource page includes a number of free and low-cost tools to manage and/or develop executive function skills. Scroll down to access all the categories and tools. Thank you for visiting.
LOW Tech and Readily Available Options:
Start with what is readily available. Use the devices Calendar and Reminders apps and features. Use low-tech tools such as Sticky Notes and colored highlighters. Use Sticky Notes on computers (Stickies on the Mac) and definitely explore Google Keep - syncs across all devices and has excellent features for many different skills. Teach these tools - students do not typically know about or use them effectively. Explicit instruction is key but also be willing to learn from your students. They can become the experts.
Here's a link to a recently published guide to Google Keep to check out.
Organization and Time Management
Task Analysis and Time Estimation Work Sheet
The purpose of the Task Analysis Work Sheet is to raise student's awareness of the multiple steps that may be involved in a single task and to develop their perception of how much time it takes to complete that task. (from http://www.ldonline.org/article/23676)
A Guide for Time Management
Task Coach
free download to track to do lists. Also offers an iOS app for $.99
Task Timer
Chrome app for time management
Stay Focused
Chrome extension that limits the amount of time you spend on time wasting websites. Highly configurable.
Rescue Time
web-based time tracking software to promote focus and productivity. Offers graphs and visual support. The Lite version is free.
Cold Turkey
Love the name. Right now it is Windows only but they say they are adding Mac capabilities. Set timers, improve focus and productivity. Pro version offers additional features (one time $19 fee).Pomodoro Technique
A Time Management method to help manage distractions and increase productivity. Use a time to work for focused periods with short breaks.
Focus Booster
An online tool based on the Pomodoro Technique (free and premium versions)
Pomodoro Timer
Chrome extension for time management based on the Pomodoro Technique. Set time on task to sustain focus.
30/30 app
Free iOS app based upon the Pomodoro Technique (has not been updated since 2014, can be glitchy)
Study Time app
Similar to 30/30, used to sustain focus and manage distractions. Adds table and graph view to determine how time is spent. $1.99, iOS app based on the Pomodoro Technique
Pomodone
Free (with premium versions) online tool based on the Comodoro Technique. Connect to your current Productivity tool (Todoist, Trello, Evernote, Wanderlist). Chrome extension available.
Pie Time App ($2.99)
iOS app for for younger children to track time using a slice of pie.360 Thinking Time Tracker App ($2.99)
An instructional timer app based upon the "Get Ready, Do, Done" approach developed by Sarah Ward and Kristin JacobsenDayboard
Chrome extension to help you manage your tasks and distractions. Replace your new tab page with a daily to do list to focus on your most important tasks each day.
TrackClass
Helps you organize school work. From reminders to notes to assignments and grades, you'll be on top of your studies! (Free resource)
Google Keep
Free collaborative tool with many features.Syncs across all your devices.
My Homework
online student planner (free and premium versions)
Remind
Awesome free tool to communicate with your students about homework, assignments, feedback, etc.
Study Minder Homework System
Windows based, includes 30 day free trial. $19.99
Todoist
Full featured Task Manager. Multiple platformsTodo.ly
Easy to use free online to-do list and Task Manager
Live Binder - Organize online tools and docs in one place by subject
COACH.ME
Unique goal building and habit tracking iOS app. Free or use the coaches.
Customize your iGoogle Home Page with productivity apps
Study Skills
High School Study Skills -
a sequential approach to improving Study Skills for High School students.
StudySkills.org -
a comprehensive online resource designed for college students but includes information that can be adapted for high school students as well. There are tools to help with such tasks as setting goals, time managment skills, identifying effective strategies and developing memory strategies.Target specific skills that you need to work on. Check out the Assignment Calculato
Before you Study, Ask for Help
Published by The Wall Street Journal, August 15, 2017The Most Powerful Way to Remember More
StudyBlue App -
Free flashcard app, includes text, audio and graphics. Awesome!
Quizlet Mobile Apps -
Free flashcard app, can download any Quizlet card set.
New smart study features. Builds strategic competence.
Learn more here.
Brainscape App -
Study more efficiently. This free app is based upon cognitive science
Additional Resources listed at the UDL Tech Toolkit/Study Skills wiki page.
Memory Tools
Stickies -
computer based sticky notes with reminders. Free.
Google Keep -
collaborative tool with many great organizational features.
Evernote -
helps you capture and remember anything. Record audio, capture photos, type or handwrite notes. Works online or with all mobile devices.
Note Anywhere Chrome Extension -
Make notes on any web page, any position. when you open that page again, the notes get loaded automatically.
Electronic Flashcards
Quizlet
StudyBlue - includes picture and audio support
Flashcard Apps
Chegg Flashcards Free iOS App
Study Blue Free iOS app
A+ Pro Flashcards iOS app - currently free
Screencasting Apps
ShowMe (free)
ScreenChomp (free)
Educreations (free)
Explain Everything ($2.99)
NoteTaking Skills Tips
Notability - audio, text, handwriting input. Can sync audio to inputted text for later review. ($1.99)
Evernote - syncs across all devices. can add text, photos, audio. Does handwriting recognition when searching words. (free)
Audio Note for IOS - Notepad and audio note taker. syncs audio with notes $4.99
Audio Note for Android
Livescribe Pens - for students who prefer handwriting. Sync handwritten notes with audio
Writing Tips
Graphic organizers can help you as begin the writing process. Check out these free, online graphic organizers:
Bubbl.us -
Brain Storming and Organizing Tool good for visual thinkers/learners, EASY to use, very simple, customizable features, sharing capabilities
SpiderNet -
Brainstorming/mind mapping tool. Can add documents, images, maps, share with other collaborators. Watch the twominute video tutorial here.
Text2MindMap-
Create a simple idea web by simply typing the ideas into an outline, Easy to use
Webspiration-
Graphic Organization good for visual thinker/learners, EASY to use, advanced feature, sharing capabilities, customizable, developed by creators of Inspiration/Kidspiration
Recall Plus -
Students can organize their notes, create flashcards, make use of 3D tools and more in this great mind mapping tool. It is downloadable. The Lite version is free.
Exploratree-
Create graphic organizers from scratch or with helpful templates
After you have completed your writing, copy and paste the text into Paper Rater. Paper Rater offers Grammar and Spell Checking as well as plagiarism detection and writing suggestions to improve your writing, as well as a Vocabulary Builder and Writing Style suggestions.
Research
Diigo -
Annotate, Archive, Organize. Download and Install the Diigo Toolbar. Learn more here and also watch the embedded video.
Scrible - Research, annotation and Bibliography tool
Use Evernote as a Research Tool
SideNote Chrome Extension -
Sidenotes is the simplest way to annotate the web. No more switching tabs, pausing videos, or swapping apps to write down a quick thought. Pop open the sidebar with a shortcut, type your notes, and rest easy knowing your notes are immediately synced with Dropbox Datastores. Each note is attached to a URL, so you're thoughts are attached to the source of the inspiration at all times. Search through all your notes quickly and with ease.
Note Anywhere Chrome Extension -
Make notes on any web page, any position. when you open that page again, the notes get loaded automatically.
Notestar -
"NoteStar is an Internet utility to assist in the preparation of research papers. Teachers and students can set up research projects with topics and sub-topics. Students may then take advantage of NoteStar's many features to collect and organize their notes and prepare their bibliography page." (from the website)
Live Binder -
Collect information for a research project in one place.
When writing a research paper, you may want to explore Research Paper Builder,an online commercial product ($39) .Be sure to check the Free Interactive Demo first.
Library Resource Portals
Internet Public Library great resources on any subject for any age
Multnomah County Library Homework Center subject-organized resources for the most-assigned projects
LibrarySpot
Sweet Search - Search engine for K - 12 students, "every website in Sweet Search has been evaluated by our research experts."
For documentation
Bib Me - Bibliography Maker
EasyBib - Bibliography Composer
Research & Documentation Online Download sample papers (MLA & APA styles) with Hacker & Fister's well-known guide
NoodleBib MLA Starter
Citation Machine >
Additional tools at the UDL Tech Toolkit wiki under Research Tools
Collaboration/ Group Projects:
Use Google Docs and Google Presentation – Available at the UDL Tech Toolkit website
Apps for iOS Devices
Search for categories such as Productivity, To-do, organization, flashcards, mind maps, schedules, etc. New apps created daily. Some suggestions:
iHomework
MyHomework
iStudiez
FlashCard Apps - Cramberry - synchs with Computer
Dragon Dictate
Sound Note, Audio Note, Notability
Remember the Milk
Evernote
Thinking Maps
Sidenote