Over the last academic year Learning Services have undertaken 2 projects to identify apps that can support study for our students.
The first project, led by Andrew Billington, aimed to identify apps that could be used to support students with note taking, as a result of changes to the Disability Students Allowance. The second project, led by Lorna Clarke and Emma Child, looked at apps that support student progress, and covered a range of activities including revision, assignment planning and content management. Both projects carried out a review of apps on the market and narrowed this down depending on their accessibility, cost, and usefulness. Testing of the apps was carried out by staff and students, and focus groups with students was used to collect feedback for the final recommendations.
The results identified three new apps that Learning Services will promote and signpost.
Evernote takes notes, creates to-do lists, and saves online information and content. It has the functionality to sync everything between your phone, tablet, and computer automatically.
Instapaper is the simplest way to save and store articles for reading offline, on-the-go, anytime, anywhere. Articles are perfectly formatted and the app allows readers to change the font and background style. The speak function allows you to listen to articles on the go and the archive ensures you can manage what you have read.
Go Conqr allows you to create Mind Maps, Flashcards, Quizzes, Slides and Notes for study and learning. You create resources on the website version then sync using the mobile app to revise and study offline and on-the-go. Share your resources with classmates or search for ready-made resources to learn collaboratively with others.
We have had a soft launch, promoting the apps with the new Faculty of Health and Social Care nursing students who started with us in April. We have also been giving demos and discussing with academic teams at the recent Programme Boards across departments and have received some great feedback from staff. The main campaigns will begin in September as we welcome new students. If you would like to find out more or discuss promoting with your students please get in touch with your academic liaison librarian. 
Rachel Bury
Academic Liaison Manager