The right technology could change the way you read. These programmes can take the stress out of your reading and increase your efficiency and productivity.
Equatio
Equatio is a toolbar that helps you engage with mathematical formulas and equations. The toolbar lets you write, edit and insert formulas into your work. You can insert equations as images, LaTeX code, MathML, and more. The toolbar has lots of useful features such as handwriting and voice recognition, Desmos graph editor, interactive periodic table and Molecular Viewer.
Help and how to get started
Equatio can be used on campus computers through the Software Hub.
- Go to your Window’s Start Menu and open the Software Hub.
- Search for Equatio in the Software Hub, press launch.
- Install and launch the app by pressing the ▶️ icon on the CloudPaging Window.
- If Equatio asks you to sign in, choose log in with Microsoft and sign in with your Imperial email address and password.
You can also use the Azure Virtual Desktop to access your campus computer and Equatio remotely from your personal computer.
- Once signed into the Virtual Desktop, go to your Window’s Start Menu and open the Software Hub if it isn’t already open.
- Search for Equatio in the Software Hub, press launch.
- Install and launch the app by pressing the ▶️ icon on the CloudPaging Window.
- If Equatio asks you to sign in, choose login with Microsoft and sign in with your Imperial email address and password.
If you are a member of Imperial staff you can access Equatio via your device's Software Centre.
ATbar
ATbar is a free web extension and desktop app that allows you to change the look and feel of websites and documents. You can increase and decrease font sizes, have text read aloud, use coloured overlays and improve readability. It also includes a dictionary to aid reading.
Help & how to get started:
- ATbar can be downloaded from the ATBar website.
Microsoft Immersive Reader
Immersive Reader is a tool available in Word, OneNote and Outlook which can all be downloaded using your Office 365 account. It will read documents, emails or lecture notes back in a choice of voices and speeds. Readability can be enhanced by changing the font, size, spacing and background colour. Along with this, focus mode can act as a reading ruler to help you keep track of where you are when reading.
Help & how to get started:
Microsoft Immersive Reader is a tool for Microsoft Word, Teams and OneDrive. It can be accessed via Office 365, to download 365 programs for PC or Mac:
- Log in to Office 365
- Your username is your College username followed by @ic.ac.ukg: abc123@ic.ac.uk
- Your password is your College password
ColorVeil
ColorVeil allows you to add a colour filter over your screen to help minimise eye strain and improve readability. It works across all applications and allows you to customise the colour and opacity.
Help & how to get started:
- Colorveil can be downloaded from the ColorVeil web page.