Category Archives: Research

e-Books on iPad as opposed to the Kindle.

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iPad settings“I tend to set up the screen resolution and brightness [on the iPad] to suit my eyes depending on the time of day and lighting. My first job was working in sales but then I took a degree and from then on have really made the most of computer skills to see me through work and any further studies.

I use the iPad as a third monitor (to hold my notes, whilst I write), as a fantastic desktop calculator, to watch the BBC iPlayer in bed, to check and send emails, I use it in front of the television if I am watching a video to check up on facts etc!

The ONLY downside of the iPad is …weight.I wouldn’t want to stand on the tube reading The Times on it for 40 minutes.It has colour, which is missing on the Kindle, and you can browse the ‘real’ Amazon with iPad and read Kindle books [via the Kindle app]. I also do not like the page transform on the Kindle (the page goes black for a second and then refreshes with your new page). Very annoying to my eyesight.

On the iPad you can adjust colour from bright white to beige – I like beige and you have 6 font sizes – finally I run the actual brightness at around 20% but the glossy screen means that it can be difficult to read in direct sunlight whereas the Kindle will work quite happily on the beach!For me the Kindle screen is too small (6″) as opposed to iPad (9.7″)”

Richard – Computer Science

 

Open Library – The record interpreter for definitions and roots

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open library and manuscript“I have to work with ancient manuscripts and find that the online Open Library record interpreter is really helpful when it comes to Latin roots. I use two screens and scan the manuscript into Word and then add notes in comment boxes.”

The Open  Library offers books and papers that can be read online and in several other formats including PDF, Plain text, DAISY, ePub, DjVu, MOBI as well as sending a copy to a Kindle

Becky  – Medieval Renaissance Culture.

‘Voice Ask’ for research and general questions whilst on the move.

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This strategy comes thanks to Sandra Fox who has shared her technology tool tips on her blog. 

“Voice Ask is an assistant like Siri, but it works on all iPhones and iPads [Apple app store £0.69]. And now on Android as well [via Google Play for £2.27]. You can ask it questions on any topic, either by talking to it or write, and it will answer you in a clear voice.”  There is a YouTube video about Voice Ask

Sandra Fox – AT specialist – TeachTapin

Academic phrasebook to aid writing

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This could save the day when you cannot think what to write in certain parts of an assignment or dissertation –  the University of Manchester has an Academic Phrasebank.

It is a general resource for academic writers. It aims to provide you with examples of some of the phraseological “nuts and bolts” of writing organised under the headings to the left. It was designed primarily with international students whose first language is not English in mind. However, if you are a native speaker writer, you may still find parts of the material helpful.

academic phrasebank

Thanks to Andy McMahon 

 

Opera browser has handy mouse gestures

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“I use Opera rather than Internet Explorer to go back a page – right click and a left click, straight one after the other, that makes going back so much easier! Not using Alt / L & R Arrow. I also used Firefox a bit, but Opera is much nicer. You have to do right click followed by left click very quickly!”

” I prefer the layout so much more and the keyboard and mouse shortcuts are so useful. For instance I use right click followed by left click to go back a web page or just the z key.” The YouTube video below illustrates what is possible with mouse gestures.

I find the automatic reloading of a page useful when working on forums which you can customise to however many minutes or seconds you want. Opera also allows you to add your chosen search engines as part of the menu. There is also a function called ‘speed dial’ that provides you with your 4 most important web sites”

Chloe – Psychology