How to Use This Book
How to Highlight and Take Notes while Reading
- Use a browser extension for notetaking and highlighting. Search for “[add your browser name] extension for notetaking and highlighting” to find extensions.
- Use an app for notetaking and highlighting on your mobile device.
- Use notetaking software like Evernote, OneNote, or Google Keep.
- Download a PDF version of the textbook and use software like Acrobot Reader or OrbitNote to highlight and take notes. University of Alberta students can access OrbitNote for free using their CCIDs and passwords.
How to Use Speech-to-Text Tools to Listen to This Book
Most OERs are not available in audiobook or MP3 format; however, you can use the tools on your mobile device or computer to read the book aloud to yourself. You may want to experiment until you find an app or system that works best for you.
Remember to review the privacy and security options for any software or apps you install on your device.
Common Text-to-Speech Tools
Read & Write
Read & Write is text-to-speech software. University of Alberta students can access this software at no cost. You can find instructions on how to install Read & Write on the “Read&Write – Installation and Resources” page.
Adobe Acrobat: Read Out Loud
Adobe Acrobat offers a read-out-loud feature for PDFs. To learn more about this feature, visit the page “Conveniently hear PDF files read aloud.”
Android Devices: Select to Speak
You can ask your Android devices to speak text out loud to you. Find out more about the Select to Speak feature.
Apple Devices: SpeakScreen
Apple mobile devices also have an option to speak the text out loud. The page “Hear iPhone speak the screen, selected text, and typing feedback” provides more information.
Chromebooks: ChromeVox
On a Chromebook, you can use ChromeVox to hear text on your screen read out loud.
How to Print the Textbook
You can print this textbook by downloading a PDF version and printing it. You can find the download options on the front page of the textbook.
Attributions
“How to Use This Textbook” by Nancy Bray, Introduction to Academic Writing, University of Alberta, is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0 and was adapted from:
