Christmas Student Tips

It’s Christmas

Have a great time in the party season, enjoy the socialising and the festivities on offer, have fun, but be sensible not vulnerable!!!

A reminder of a few points to help you to stay safe and return in January rested, refreshed and ready to begin the new term!

If you’re going out partying, have something to eat to line your stomach.

Don’t be pressurised into drinking more than you want, be aware of your own limits and stick to these. Longer drinks generally have a lesser concentration of alcohol than shots and short drinks and try interspersing these with soft drinks. Don’t ever leave your drink unattended, if you do, don’t drink it and order a replacement.

Charge the battery on your phone before leaving and make sure you have emergency contact numbers.

Keep your keys somewhere safe.

Try to stay with friends and have someone to travel with/share a taxi home. Set up a meeting place in the event you get separated

Keep some money in reserve in case of emergencies, at least enough to cover your full taxi fare if you find yourself alone or others have run out of money.

If you are travelling home for Xmas, remember to secure your accommodation and lock valuables away. Don’t publicise on social media when you are out/away and your accommodation is empty.

Finally, we all hope here at A2B Assessments that you have an amazing Xmas and a wonderful new year!!!

Happy Holidays,

The A2B Team

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Proofreading Tips

Why do you need to proofread?

Constant redrafting / rethinking is ongoing during the writing process, but it is extremely important to leave time to thoroughly revise your work when finishing an assignment or essay. Editing and proofreading are about amending and correcting the final draft. Valuable marks can be gained by thoroughly checking and being critical about your work, and could enhance your grade from good to excellent. Follow these proofreading tips to get the most out of your work.

Editing

There are certain targets and criteria that need to be fulfilled in your work, for example, structure, intelligent analysis, arguments/counter arguments, adequate referencing, word limit etc. Editing is a process where you read your text and modify it to ensure that you have met your objectives and have produced a clear, coherent and accurate work.

Proofreading

Once you have a thoroughly edited piece of work and it is nearly ready for submission, the final stage of the process is to proofread the text in fine detail to eliminate mistakes in spelling, grammar and punctuation.

A few Editing and Proofreading tips

1.If possible, give yourself some time and space away from your finished work so you can be more objective when you return to it with a fresh approach. Mornings, after some rest, can be a good time to edit.

2. Find somewhere to work where you will not be distracted or interrupted.

3. Take regular breaks and do something else for awhile, it can be difficult to concentrate adequately for long periods. Check out our Pomodoro Technique article for further details on this.

4. Try printing a hard copy, leaving space to write corrections. Try larger text or a different font, sometimes a different format makes it easier to spot errors.

5. A blank piece of paper can be useful to cover text that you are not reading, point with your finger to help you focus on specific words.

6. Read the text slowly to yourself and then try reading out loud, as though reading to an audience. Does it make sense and explain clearly what you wanted it to say? Alternatively, ask someone else to read it out loud for you. At the proofreading stage this can also be useful for punctuation errors, are your question marks, full stops, commas correctly placed?  If you have assistive software such as Claro Read or Text Help then you can also use these to read the text back

7. Check referencing is accurate to avoid plagiarism.

8. Double check facts, figures, dates, names, statistics etc to ensure information is accurate.

9. Some people prefer to proofread looking for one problem at a time, for example, punctuation followed by spelling. If you commonly repeat mistakes, make a checklist of weak areas so you can constantly refer to it.

10. Reading backwards is a good tip to check spelling mistakes as it makes you focus on individual words instead of sentences. Use your computer spellchecker but remember this has limitations and won’t correct misused words, for example, whether, weather/ wear, where. Also make sure it is set to ‘British’ English, the default setting is usually ‘US’ English.

11. Do use a dictionary!

12. Finally, try asking someone you trust to do a good job to proofread your work for you, maybe ask another student and offer the same favour in return. It is useful for someone to look at a piece of writing, written by someone else, from a fresh perspective.

 

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7 Revision Tips To Boost Your Exam Performance

Exams are stressful. We get it. If you’re you feeling overwhelmed or nervous, try not to panic, help is at hand!

In this article we’re going to go cover 7 Revision strategies you can implement to increase your exam confidence, performance and hopefully your results.

1) Know the Syllabus

This sounds obvious, but being clear about key objectives means you can focus on necessary information and not waste time on irrelevant content. Ask your lecturers if they can supply you with specific syllabus details so you can then create a concise revision plan.

2) Plan a Revision Timetable Well in Advance of Exams

Last minute cramming is not effective and can be extremely stressful. Many exam failures are due to lack of preparation and planning. Make a timetable as detailed as possible, taking into account when your exams are and targets for each day.

3) Allocate Regular Breaks

Be realistic with your timetable, add plan plenty of rest/refreshment breaks. Scientific research indicates that having regular breaks means you have a higher chance of retaining relevant information. Check out the Pomodoro Method described in more detail in a previous blog post, adapt it to your needs.

4) Review Notes Regularly

Make notes from studying easier to revise by summarising information with bullet points. Make your notes visual by using coloured post-it notes, diagrams, mind maps etc. Devise a system to make it easier to focus on relevant information. For example,
– Highlight key words
– Circle quotes or formula
– Draw a box around place names
– Underline dates
Be sure to check with your tutors anything you don’t understand or are unclear about.

5) Practise Past Papers

Practising past papers will get you used to the exam format, timings and give you some indication of how thoroughly you know your subject, as well as areas you need to improve. Remember, the purpose of revision is partly to identify the things you don’t know well! Time yourself and plan your work as though performing under exam conditions. Although you cannot predict questions based on previous exam papers, examiners do re-use or re-word questions and there is a limit to the number/combination of questions that can be asked. Tutors will usually issue you with past papers and you can download them from examining board websites.

6) Group Study

Group study is not for everyone but a useful activity for some. Revising with others can make the experience more enjoyable and is a good way to share and discuss key concepts and stay on track. Allocate a different study topic to each of the group, learn thoroughly then brainstorm together, lighten the load. If you can explain a topic clearly to others it shows you have a good understanding. A word of warning, enjoy the group experience but don’t treat it as a social gathering and become too distracted!

7) Relax

It is important to relax, everyone wants to do well but remember not every success story is based on academic achievement! Take time out, try to eat healthily, get plenty of sleep and make time for some daily exercise. Be kind to yourself and do an activity you enjoy. However, if you feel overly stressed and anxious it is important to seek further support to help you deal with this. Most universities have a Student Health Adviser, University Chaplain or Disability Team who you can speak to in confidence, they will listen and help you to decide the type of support you need.  You can also check out our previous post and video on tips to relieve stress.

Good luck!

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What is Dyslexia? – A Brief Overview

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is one of a family of Specific Learning Difficulties which affects 10% of the population, 4% severely, it primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling. It is a life long condition, usually hereditary, and can range from mild to severe. It can affect people of all races, is not reliant on social class, ability, gender and occurs independently of intelligence.

What impact does it have?

Individuals who are dyslexic can be affected in different ways in and with varying levels of difficulty. Some of the areas affected are :

-Reading
-Writing
-Spelling
-Information processing
-Speed of processing
-Sequencing
-Working memory
-Short term memory
-Time management
-Organisation
-Orientation
-Navigating
-Expressing thoughts

Other traits …

Many people with dyslexia have other strengths that can compensate for some of the difficulties they may experience, these can include: excellent problem solving skills, good spatial awareness and a high level of creativity. Some famous people with dyslexia are :

Under the ‘Disability Discrimination Act’, Dyslexia is an officially recognised disability and should not hold anyone back when applying for university, reasonable adjustments should be made to enable dyslexic students to be on an equal footing with non- dyslexic peers. Students are usually entitled to access support from the DSA and it is important that this should be applied for as soon as a university place has been confirmed. Support can vary and is dependent on a person’s individual needs but can include :

-Exam concessions, these can include extra time, a scribe, reader etc
-Extra time to complete assignments
-Extra tutorials to aid understanding
-Assistive technology
-Disabled students allowances
-A Study Skills tutor
-A Mentor

Albert Einstein, the famous theoretical physicist is also thought to have been dyslexic.Famous quotes include:

“The words of the language, as they are written or spoken, do not seem to play any role in my mechanism of thought.” (Hadamard, 1945, 142-3; see also Wertheimer, 1959, 213-228).

“I very rarely think in words at all, a thought comes and I may try to express it in words afterwards” (Wertheimer, 1959, 213)

 

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Productivity Hack #1 – Pomodoro Technique

Time Management Hack

Managing time effectively is important when at university, whether it’s studying, completing coursework or exam revision. It is easy to quickly become overwhelmed and feel that there is just not enough time to fit everything in. It can be useful, therefore, to employ techniques to help.

The Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro time-management technique was developed by Frances Cirillo in the 80’s, so called because the timer he used was a tomato (pomodoro in Italian) shaped device.
In simple terms, the idea behind the now famous method is to focus intensely on a piece of work for a length of time, usually twenty five minutes, followed by a short break of about five minutes. These regular breaks reduce tiredness, help to clear the mind, reduce stress and in turn increase productivity, creativity and improved quality and quantity of work.
Even individuals with short attention spans find this technique useful, timings can be altered according to need. Procrastination is eliminated as people are motivated to focus completely on a task and achieve as much as possible before the timer rings, therefore using time more effectively.
The technique is not suitable for all tasks but try experimenting with it to see if your performance is enhanced!
Pomodoro Stages
1 – Remove all potential distractions
For example, close your email browser, switch off social media, put your phone on silent, let people know you are not to be disturbed.
2 – Plan
Decide which tasks need to be completed and how many sessions are needed to do this. The timings recommended can be personalised to your preferences. Multi-tasking doesn’t really work with this method, it’s really about breaking longer tasks into shorter, achievable sessions. Be realistic!
3 – Work
This should be easier without distractions, start the timer, breathe and focus! Sometimes, even with the best planning, interruptions will happen. If they do, it’s important to note that the session then ends and another session needs to begin when the distraction has been eliminated. If unrelated thoughts pop into your head, jot them down on a piece of paper to be dealt with later and carry on with the main task.
4 – Take a break
Now take that five minute break, have a drink, stretch, have a short walk or get some fresh air. Have a piece of paper to tick off when tasks are completed.
5 – Repeat
Begin a new session deciding what you are going to focus on. After a few sessions, usually four, have a longer break, 20 to 30 minutes, maybe have some food and clear your head. Begin further sessions feeling refreshed and motivated to work.
Further reading – Cirillo’s book – The Pomodoro Technique.


Have fun implementing!  Cheers, A2B Assessments
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How To Survive Financially At University

If possible try to save some funds before you go to university, find a holiday job and try to accumulate some savings.

Shop around for a student bank account with good incentives but also the one that will meet your longer term financial needs. Freebies can range from interest free overdrafts to gift cards and free railcards. However look at the small print and the overall best deal. Don’t be too easily seduced, they want your business.

Resist spending your three monthly student loan instalment in the first week or you could quickly spiral into long-term debt. It’s a good idea to divide payments into weekly amounts and try to stick to this. It sounds boring but it is a great idea to devise a budget plan and keep a record of incomings and outgoings and to try to live accordingly.

Prioritise rent and then food. Learn to shop wisely and visit budget supermarkets, their products can be excellent and you can make quite a saving. Search for cheap, healthy recipes, there are hundreds online with visual step by step instructions if you’re not the best cook. Don’t be frightened to experiment, it’s fun. Try not to buy too much fresh food at once to prevent waste and if you have access to a freezer, cook bigger portions and freeze leftovers or eat for lunch the next day. Meat is generally more expensive so more veggie based dishes can be healthy and cheaper and make packed lunches when possible  instead of buying food on the campus. Discuss with flatmates what you can share, for example, condiments, toilet rolls , washing up liquid etc, maybe agree to have a kitty for certain things. Another good idea in shared accommodation is to take turns to cook for the rest of the group maybe once a week. It’s usually cheaper to cook in bulk and hopefully ensures you have a decent and free meal the weeks it is not your turn.

Textbooks can be so expensive. Try to save by buying secondhand, try eBay or Amazon’s ‘used’ option. Try placing messages on Uni sites or social media asking if anyone is selling the particular books you want. Use your university and local libraries, if you think ahead you can reserve books in advance as you need them. Also sell your old textbooks if they are not needed to try to free up some funds, some bookshops even have buy back schemes if textbooks are in good condition.

Make use of your student cards, you can get both an NUS extra card and a UniDays Account. Many places offer healthy student discounts, these can include shopping, eating out, nights out at the cinema. Also look out for free/cheap deals for students. eg. free entry to clubs etc

Even with the best intentions university life is expensive. If your finances are not balancing, a part-time job may be a good idea. Apart from earning money, a job will provide you with transferable skills such as time management, team work, customer service and so on which will look great on future CV’s. Most universities have ‘job shops’ you can register with and local shops, bars and restaurants may be looking out for staff. If you don’t want a year round job, look around early for Xmas jobs, a few weeks of full time work can boost the budget for your return in the new year.

If you do find yourself in financial difficulties, seek help. Most universities will have advisers who can help and give advice about further support.

 

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7 Tips For Making Friends In Freshers

7 Tips For Making Friends In Freshers

1) First of all remember everyone is new and will be feeling excited but also apprehensive and a little shy/ nervous. Some people just hide it better than others. Most people are living away from home for the first time and like you are trying to find their feet.

2) Before you go to Uni, there is probably the opportunity to meet future fellow students and flatmates online. Most universities will have forums for new students where you can discuss courses and accommodation. Be proactive and utilise this, get to know people on social media and possibly meet up beforehand or get together on arrival, you will have made a head start.

3) Be friendly….you don’t have to be an extrovert or the life and soul of the party but try to be welcoming and approachable with your new flat mates/fellow students. You are going to be together for a large chunk of your first year so make a particular effort this week. Even if you’re painfully shy, good advice is to smile, introduce yourself, try to remember names and show interest in the people you meet, ask a few questions but keep it light. Remember they are probably feeling the same.

4) Try to get to your new accommodation early and unpack asap, it’s going to be a busy week and it will help make life easier if your room is organised and everything is at hand. You will meet people as they arrive and it also leaves you more time to socialise and join in with the week’s events!

5) Resist the urge to hide away  in your room, if you are unpacking leave the door open so people can chat if they are passing. If new people arrive, introduce yourself, maybe offer to make them a drink, pass your packet of biscuits around, food is a great ice – breaker.

6) Don’t overdo it but do try to join in with as many things as you can, be open to events on offer and join societies you are interested in. In fact, if someone asks you to join a society with them or try an activity that you hadn’t previously considered, give it a go, you may discover a new passion and at the very least meet new friends.

7) Try to enjoy the experience, you may not meet your lifelong friends in the first week but friendships will be forged. Stress not, you are probably there for at least three years and new friends and different friendship groups  will be established over time. Relax and the rest is easy.

 

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Free Software Showcase – AVG Antivirus

Why is having an Antivirus important for your computer?

Antivirus software plays an integral part in ensuring your computer is safe from malware and viruses. Malware causes adverse effects such as deleting your files without your knowledge, corrupting installed programs and in some cases can even expose your personal data.

So what is AVG Antivirus?

AVG is a free Antivirus that protects your system from malware attacks whether you are offline or online. AVG runs smoothly in the background of your machine and you can control the consumption of computer memory and other resources by controlling the automatic scans. It is generally ranked as the best free antivirus currently on the market.

What does AVG Antivirus do?

AVG performs several essential roles all of which are aimed at protecting your computer.
1. It stops malware and viruses from affecting your computer. This is from either the internet or any storage device that is connected to your PC.
2. Blocks unsafe downloads, links and emails which might harm your computer.
3. The antivirus also gets regular updates to ensure it is up to date with possible threats. It is advisable to ensure that automatic updates are enabled at all times.
4. It has scheduled scans on your computer to ensure any threat is neutralised.

Where to download AVG Antivirus

There are several places where you can download AVG Antivirus. We recommended the parent site avg.com. If for whatever reason that doesn’t work you can also get it on CNET or Softonic.

How to install AVG Antivirus

1. First, uninstall any other antivirus you may have installed before installing it. You can do this by going to control panel >programs >Uninstall a program and from the list remove the antivirus.
2. Go to the download folder and run the AVG install file.
3. In order to install, you have to accept the agreement.
4. Select the free license and the antivirus will start to install.
5. After that, restart the computer for the installation to complete and you’re done.

In conclusion, it essential you have an antivirus installed on your computer and AVG is all you need.

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Video Blog #2 – 7 Ways To Relieve Stress

In our second video blog we’re going to be looking at 7 Ways To relieve Stress.  The video is a brief summary of our full 7 Ways To Relieve Stress Article.  We suggest watching the video and then if you want to learn more, read the full blog post.

If you wish to book a DSA Needs Assessment with us then click here

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7 Ways To Relieve Stress

Stressful situations are a part of life and everyone can find themselves stressed on occasion. There can be numerous reasons fo

r stress, whether it’s a result of the pressure at work, an approaching deadline to submit some coursework or the realisation your exams are upon you and you don’t feel prepared. In such situations, It is common to be unsettled and uneasy with the mind running in overdrive. These instances are bound to occur from time to time and since you cannot live stress-free for the rest of your life, the best option is to know how to counter stress and bring back balance and calm to your life. The following seven ways can help you do just that:

1. Exercising

Exercise is one of the best ways to relieve stress. Yes, it may seem like you are physically stressing your body through jogging or working out but it works wonders in reducing mental stress. If you are stressed after an eventful day, have a run or hit the gym and you will certainly notice the difference in your mood and stress levels. There are also the numerous other health benefits.

2. Take deep breaths

This is of the probably the simplest and fastest way to relieve stress, especially if you are in a place where physically engaging activities cannot be done, for instance, a lecture. Deep breathing helps focus your mind on the breathing away from the stressful situation thereby lowering your blood pressure and heart rate. You have probably heard the saying “take a deep breath” well the latest studies show that you actually need to take at least 4 deep breaths to change your physiology. After doing this you should feel more relaxed and composed.

3. Be Organised

If you feel overwhelmed by the amount of work you have to get through, list everything in a simple checklist can significantly reduce the pressure felt. You can also allocate a time scale to complete the tasks​ listed. This can be referred back to at anytime and help you feel in control. While making your list, you can also note the things that you have successfully completed. Reason being, if you have a look at what you have done, it can help relieve stress by reminding you that you have completed similar tasks in the past.

4. Avoiding Procrastination

Try not to put things off or let them carry over into the next day If you let tasks outrun their course, stress can continue to rise. It is important to make a point of handling your tasks for the day, that very day in order to begin the next one on a clean slate. A to-do list can help with this.

5. Talk to Someone

If you’re feeling stressed about something, talk to a friend or family member. A problem shared is a problem halved. Just getting everything off your chest and sharing it with someone can really make a huge difference.

6. Listen to Relaxing Music

Music has been shown in studies to effect physiological functions, slowing the pulse and heart rate, lowering blood pressure and decreasing the levels of stress hormones. Most studies tended to be on the effects of classical music. However, from personal experience I find anything quite chilled or upbeat helps.

7. Chewing gum

This may seem like an odd suggestion but it actually works. When you chew gum, it increases the blood flow to the brain while also giving you a sense of well-being. It has also been noted that chewing gum can induce brain waves which are similar to those experienced in a relaxed state. A study by Swinburne University in Melbourne showed that chewing gum reduced the stress hormone cortisol in participants.

Adding one or several of the above methods into your day to day activities should help reduce stress and anxiety.

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Free Software Showcase – F.Lux

Free DSA Software F.Lux

In today’s world, most of us have a tech gadget like a smartphone, computer, tablet or an iPad. We have become accustomed to using these gadgets on a daily basis and thereby exposing ourselves to any possible side effects using them might have. One of the side effects is that the screens of these devices emit blue light. When used late at night the blue light has been shown to mess up your circadian rhythm and effect the quality of your sleep. In order to counter this, the F.lux software has been developed. The science behind this software shows that reducing the blue light, by adapting the computer screen to the lighting of your room can reduce these side effects. The f.lux software is equipped with a “f.luxometer” which measures and removes excess amount of blue light.

Effects of using your computer at night
In order to fully understand the importance of the software, it is important to understand how harmful computer screens can be to our sleep. When you use your computer at night, the levels of melatonin are substantially reduced. Melatonin is the hormone responsible for the regulation of our sleep patterns. Simply put, the light produced by the computer “fools” our brains that it’s not yet time for sleep hence the reduced melatonin production. Research shows that the level of this hormone can be reduced by up to 50 percent in some cases. This can have a big impact on the quality of your sleep.

Also when using your computer at night to respond to email or text, there is the possibility of increased tension which can lead to stress. This can be more pronounced if you are responding to serious messages that requires focus. Such as work or study related emails.  Due to the stress experienced, your body produces cortisol which is a stress hormone than when spiked can also effect your sleep.

How to install F.lux software
Click here to visit the F.lux homepage.  There you will find a the download. There are no redirections and the download is immediate. After downloading, you just need to go to your download folder and select it to commence the installation process.

The first step is to accept the license agreement by clicking on the accept button at the bottom of the dialogue box. The software will then extract the installation files and the system will ask you to allow the program to make changes in which case you will click ‘yes’. At this point, the software will ask you to enter your location in order to effectively match the settings of daytime and night automatically without having to input anything else.

We hope you have enjoyed another instalment of the Blog.

All the best,

The A2B Team.

 

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Video Blog #1 – What is Mindfulness?

In our first video blog we’re going to be looking into Mindfulness.  The video is a brief summary of our full “What is Mindfulness” article (posted below).  We suggest watching the video and then if you want to learn more, continue reading on.

Full article…

What is Mindfulness?

Have you ever been glued to the TV and failed to notice when someone steps into the living room? Or when driving, arrived at your destination only to not really remember the last 5-10 minutes of your journey? Well, in such cases, you were lacking in mindfulness and were simply not aware of the present. Your mind was occupied and you failed to comprehend or notice what was going on around you.

With this being said, you can define mindfulness as being able to maintain constant awareness of your surroundings, feelings, thoughts and what is taking place in the present moment. Simply put, it can be defined as paying attention to the present and controlling your mind to stay focused. As a child, this is quite easily done but as we get older, it’s hampered by our many thoughts of the past and future expectations.

How mindfulness helps with mental health.

Mindfulness has been shown to help reduce stress. It is completely normal to suffer from stressful situations.  Such instances certainly take a toll on most people if not everyone. By engaging in mindfulness meditation, it has been shown that there is a notable reduction in stress and anxiety.

Another important benefit of this is boosting one’s focus. Loss of focus is a major issue for most people. This makes it difficult to undertake tasks faster and comprehensively. In order to enable one’s mind to focus and avoid distractions, mindfulness meditation has been one reliable remedy. It enables your mind to develop the ability to maintain focus, which resultantly increases performance and productivity.

How does one start becoming more mindful?

If you want to become more mindful, there are certain things you can try out;

One of the ideal ways is by training your mind. It may sound somewhat difficult and complicated but it’s actually easy and straightforward. This entails beginning to take note of your daily routine, for instance, brushing your teeth. Have you ever taken time to have a look at the toothpaste you use, how the name is written, the type or whether you press it from the bottom or the middle? Such simple things enable your mind to develop a habit of taking note of details and also getting engaged.

Another ideal way is by being brief with your activities. It is always easy for the mind to wander, especially if you are undertaking lengthy activities. Try breaking down the activities you undertake. Doing the activities in small bits ensures that focus is not diverted due to things such as boredom.

Different Mindfulness practices

When it comes to these practices, there are many ways through which you can practice mindfulness and the best thing is that they involve your daily life.There is one which is very basic but amazingly effective and this is taking deep breathes. It may sound all too common but when you breathe in and out, you settle your mind and body thereby being able to control your train of thought.  The phrase “take a deep breath” is often used, however the latest science shows that it is actually 5 deep breaths you should be taking if you actually want to alter your physiology.

Another practice can be taking time to make certain actions. It is our human nature to respond abruptly without taking time to think through our actions. To counter this, try taking time to respond to the phone when it rings. This does not mean ignoring the phone call but taking time to think of the caller; what might be the problem, how does the person currently look like among other things will help in composing your mind.

You can also try reading a book while understanding the context and not just rushing it. Get immersed in the book and let go of any distractions. Such reading develops the mind and enables you to control your mind and thought.

Still, how about writing your to-do list by hand? We are used to making notes on the phone while getting distracted by the incoming texts and calls or alternatively having the list in mind. However, by writing it down, you actually think through each activity and your mind works in the moment.

In conclusion, as much as mindfulness may seem ambiguous in its application to the daily life, it’s actually very important and transformative to many of the people who practice it. Give it a try it might work for you.

All the best,

The A2B Team

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DSA Application Guide

Our DSA Application Guide

Welcome to another value filled post from the A2B Blog. Today we are going to be giving away our DSA Application Guide. This is an informative PDF document which will guide you through the DSA process.

 

This guide will only be useful for students who haven’t yet applied for their Disabled Student Allowance.

 

Now is the perfect time to apply for the 18/19 academic year and this guide will help you do that.

 

It also answers plenty of common questions students have about the disabled student allowance.

 

To open the PDF click the link below or click on the screenshot. If you wish to save/download the file then click ‘File’ on the top toolbar and “Save Page As”.

 

Open DSA Application Guide

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Free Software Showcase – BeeLine Reader

Welcome to another instalment of the A2B Software Showcase.

The Free Software Showcase is one of our regular features in which we take a look at some of the best free accessibility software available.

TODAY WE WILL BE LOOKING AT THE FREE GOOGLE CHROME PLUGIN BEELINE READER

 

 

As well as the traditional installable computer software there is now the incorporation of plugins to web browsers. Plugins are small additions to web browsers that allow additional functions when browsing the web . One of the most popular web browsers, Google Chrome, has a huge array of plugins which cover a wide range of needs. Today we are going to look at the plugin BeeLine Reader (also available on the Firefox web browser).

The plugin’s main function is to assist in the easy reading of content. Reading a lengthy post can be a difficult task and it is easy to get lost if your concentration slips or you get distracted. This often leads to people starting over on the paragraph, which wastes time.  BeeLine Reader helps to solve this issue by giving you the text in different colour gradients throughout. It is argued that these different colours make it easy to track your lines while reading as opposed the one colour text, where your only option would be to follow through with your finger if you were experiencing difficulty with line by line reading.

The BeeLine reader notably increases your productivity, especially for students who need to read a lot of information from different lengthy sources. With the BeeLine Reader, errors in reading and skipping lines by mistake are greatly reduced thereby making the research more efficient. Your reading speed is also greatly improved since you are able to easily follow through. Additionally, this plug-in is useful for the employed population or anyone who just wants to read content online more efficiently.

BeeLine Reader has also shown beneficial results for people with specific learning difficulties. People with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), which is characterised by difficulty in maintaining focus for prolonged periods of time, find it easier to concentrate on reading using BeeLine Reader. It is also helpful for people who have dyslexia among other reading issues. The plugin’s success led to its awarding of first place in an entrepreneurship competition at the University of Stanford.

You can install the BeeLine Reader easily by visiting their website (http://www.beelinereader.com/) or going to the chrome store (download from chrome store)

Plugin installation is however, different from the installation of normal software. The process is easier and shorter. If you opt to get it from the parent site, just click on the the links above and you will get an ‘install plugin’ button for BeeLine reader. Click on it and you will be taken to another window of where to install it, either in chrome or Firefox. Click on the chrome option and there will be a pop-up dialogue box. From that box just click add and the plugin will be added to your chrome browser. You can now access it from the top right of your browser. When it comes to the usage part,  just open whatever content you want to read online then click on the BeeLine Reader and it will provide the text in colour.

If you experience any difficulties with reading, then give BeeLine Reader a try.

 

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“Cerebral palsy won’t stop me becoming a lawyer”

Disabilities In The News is a regular feature in which we present important and exciting news stories covering disabilities in the UK.

 

 

We came across the brilliant story of Daniel, a student with Cerebral Palsy who is studying to become a Lawyer.

Video property of the BBC

Great Stuff!

Gepostet von A2B Assessments am Freitag, 30. März 2018

Thanks,

A2B DSA Assessment Centre

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Scientists Cure Most Common Cause Of Blindness

This is the first post in our new category – Disabilities In The News. In this regular feature we will present important and exciting news stories covering disabilities in the UK.

 

 

In the next five years, the most prevalent cause of blindness may have a common cure. Scientists believe this will be possible after performing a ground breaking medical procedure on two patients.

Doctors performed stem cell therapy on both patients and the procedure was a success. The patients suffered from a condition known as AMD which had advanced (due to macular degeneration which is age-related.) This condition tends to destroy the central vision. The surgeon that operated on them said that the two patients were on the verge of losing their sight and that they could neither see a book nor any printed letters. Thanks to a stem cell “patch” that has been implanted behind their eyes, their central vision is now restored. Both patients currently have a clear vision, they can read and see faces clearly.

The scientist behind this marvellous achievement foresees this procedure becoming quite common in the near future. It will almost be like cataract surgery. Nearly 600,000-700,000 people in the United Kingdom lose their sight courtesy of AMD. These people now have hope thanks to this procedure.

This achievement was accomplished thanks to the tireless efforts of Pete Coffey, a university college London professor and Da Cruz, a Moorfields Eye Hospital retinal surgeon. Their aim was to treat at least ten people who suffered from the AMD condition that is in “wet” form. The cause of this condition is attributed to the eye’s blood vessels leaking which destroys the macula which is the retina’s integral part. Crucial macula cells known as retinal pigment epithelial are essential in the functioning of photoreceptor cells which are light sensitive. Without the RPE (retinal pigment epithelial) cells support, the photoreceptor cells die.

The two patients that underwent the treatment were the first from the United Kingdom. They were chosen due to the advancement of their AMD condition. The patients were male and female and are in their 60’s and 80’s. Had they not undergone the procedure in due time, they would have lost their sight within a month and a half of their blood vessels leaking.

Going Forward

According to Coffey, an off-the-shelf treatment will be available for use by NHS surgeons within five years. Currently, it can only be used on around 10% of the patients that suffer from AMD’s wet form. Currently dry AMD, which develops slowly cannot be treated. Coffey, however, does not see a reason as to why the patch wouldn’t work for them. The team anticipates that eventually, the treatment will become as cheap and common as cataract surgery.

 

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A Tribute To Stephen Hawking

You can never talk about the world of science without recognising the great minds that shaped this field and brought about the advancements we have today. Some of the scientists who pioneered ground shaking discoveries and theories include the likes of Albert Einstein and Sir Isaac Newton, whose legacies still live on. One modern scientist who has gained similar standing in the world of science is none other than the late Stephen Hawking.

Stephen was born on Jan. 8 1942 to Isobel and Frank Hawking. Notably, both parents were also intellectuals, having attended the University of Oxford. Stephen found his studies rather easy, including university education and this can be attributed to his impeccable intellectual capacity. However, in his early 20s, he was diagnosed with motor neuron disease which would see him confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. This diagnosis gave him a few years to live, at least according to his doctors, but he defied the odds and lived to the age of 76. This physical incapacitation did not slow his mental strength and from that chair, he made many astonishing contributions to the world. He was ranked as one of the smartest people to ever live and among the most influential when it comes to the world of modern science.

Yes, he was bound to a chair but his mind was as free as the wind. He made his most notable contributions in the field of cosmology in which he held a Ph.D. from Cambridge University. This led to him writing one of the bestselling books, ‘A Brief History of time’. In the book, he sought to explain space and time to the masses.

Another fascinating aspect of Hawking’s life was his use of assistive technology, most notably his wheelchair. His fading abilities due to ALS had led to the continuous upgrading of his wheelchair. This was enabled by Intel’s communication system installed on the chair’s computer. The computer was powered by the batteries stored in the wheelchair and the computer cursor was moved by his cheek. This was made possible by the use of an infrared camera set up in his glasses which detected cheek movement.

The life of Hawking was further showcased through a film produced in his honour. The Theory of Everything is the very film produced as an accolade to Stephen Hawking (portrayed by Eddie Redmayne). It looks at the life and relationship of the physicist and his wife Jane, as well as the events in his life culminating to his later contributions in the world of science. It premiered at the end of 2014 in the US and beginning of the succeeding year in the UK. The movie was extremely well received and it won many awards, including an Academy Award for the best actor.  Hawking was also a big fan of the Simpsons and he featured in 4 different episodes where he actually voiced himself, using his assistive technology. In a Tribute to Stephen Hawking they also honoured his memory in their most recent episode.

Some of his memorable quotes include:

‘Science is not only a discipline of reason but, also, one of romance and passion’,

‘Work gives you meaning and purpose and life is empty without it’

‘People won’t have time for you if you are always angry and complaining’

‘We are just an advanced breed of monkeys on a minor planet of a very average star. But we can understand the Universe. That makes us something very special.’

Conclusively, Stephen Hawking has been a major source of inspiration for us all. Sadly, the world has lost a selfless genius but his works and legacy will echo through the halls of time for years to come.

 

Image owned by Fox

 

Sincerely,  A2B Assessments

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Free Software Showcase – Zotero

Welcome to another instalment of the A2B Software Showcase.

The Free Software Showcase is one of our regular features in which we take a look at some of the best free accessibility software available.

TODAY WE WILL BE LOOKING AT THE FREE SOFTWARE ZOTERO

 

 

In today’s world, content writing and research have gained center stage as people work hard to produce, distribute and acquire information for different reasons, be it personal, educational or commercial. In light of this, dozens of software to assist in keeping track of research and referencing has been created. The small issue, however, is that most of them are provided for a fee.

One game-changing software that has been introduced is the Zotero referencing software which is completely FREE. Due to the fact that its free software, the lingering question has been, is it equally reliable, what does it do, where do I get it and how do I make use of it?

All these burning questions are covered in this blog post.

 

1. How Zotero works

Zotero has a myriad of useful features when it comes to your content;

(i) You can organise your research in any way you feel like. You can sort research into collections and tag with keywords.

Alternatively, you can also create saved searches which will fill relevant information as you work.

(ii) Citation – If you are in education you will find this very useful as it automatically creates bibliographies and references for the different text editors and handles over 8,000 citation styles.

(iii) Data synchronisation- Zotero lets you synchronise your information across devices thus ensuring your information is up to date.

(iv) If you need to share information with your colleagues or peers (e.g if you are working in a group) , Zotero will enable it without any restrictions.

 

2. Where to download Zotero

With the many sources on the internet, knowing of the right place to get the software is of paramount importance. It’s always a relief if you are able to download something direct from the source without having endless redirections to other foreign sites. With this Free Software, the number one place should undoubtedly be the parent site which is www.zotero.org

 

3. Installation process

(i) On a Mac- Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag Zotero to the application folder. From here, you can choose to run it from launchpad, spotlight or app folder and later add it your Dock.

(ii) With Windows, it’s pretty straightforward. Open the download folder and simply run the program.

(iii) With Linux- if you downloaded the tarball, you will need to unzip and then run Zotero on that same directory.

Updating the software is necessary to ensure that any new features are available for you. Updating is automatic by default, if for some reason your version doesn’t automatically update; you can go to the help menu on the software and click ‘check for updates’.

 

4. Some tips on getting started with Zotero

After you have downloaded and installed the software, you now need to know how to use it. Due to the many functions included in Zotero, we are unable to cover everything in this blog post, but here are some tips to get you started;

(i) Archiving a page- Click on the ‘create a new item from current page’ and your page will be archived.

(ii) Capturing bibliographic information- If you looking on the online library record for a book, Zotero book icon will appear on the Firefox browser and you only need to click it and it will save all citation info about the book.

(iii) Easy and precise searching- With searching, click and type in the search bar at the top of the middle column. As you type, the software narrows down to items like books and articles that only contain your search term.

(iv) Bibliographies- To create your required bibliography, highlight your references and right click (on
Windows) or control-click (on Mac) to choose ‘create bibliography’ and then select your preferred citation style.

By following these steps from downloading to usage, working your way around Zotero for the first time will be much easier.

Get Zotero

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Accessibility Tools On Mac OS X

Following on from our previous article looking at the built in accessibility tools on Windows. Today we will be looking at the built in accessibility tools available to Mac owners. Like Windows, the Mac OS has many built in accessibilty tools.

1. Display
The Display feature allows you to change the colour scheme of your Mac. For people with a visual impairment or visual stress this can be a game changer. You can invert the colours, alter the contrast and change the mouse curser size. In order to enable this function, click on Apple menu, select System preference then Accessibility and you will find Display listed at the top.

2. Zoom Tool
If you have a visual impairment, when using a computer, you may sometimes find the content displayed a bit too small and hard to see. In such an instance, the zoom tool will come in handy, magnifying the content. In order to enable this function, click on Apple menu, select System preference then Accessibility and you will find zoom listed. Select it and choose your preferred zoom percentage.

3. Text to speech and dictation
This function enables you to communicate with your MAC by spoken word. Starting dictation is quite easy. When in a text area like an address bar or text document, you just need to press ‘Fn’ key twice (located bottom left of keyboard) and the function will be enabled. When you’re done, just click the Fn key once and it will be disabled. 
Also, if you need text read aloud, select the text and enable the function through a keyboard shortcut which by default is option+ Esc.

4. Voice over
For the visually impaired, this can be considered as the most important tool from the Accessibility Tools On Mac Os. Its main purpose is describing what is happening on the screen while you use the keyboard. 
It also reads text on documents, internet pages and more. Different from other accessibility tools, this tool requires a bit of learning in order to use it efficiently. A refreshable Braille can also be connected for use with the voice over tool. To access this essential tool, click Apple menu, then System preference, Accessibility and you will find it at the bottom right of the panel.

5. Assistive device
With a MAC, you are able to control it with ease using the assistive devices. The two main are;
(a) Switch control- It enables you to use adaptive devices in entering text and also eases the interaction with items on the screen.
(b) Dwell Control- It’s main purpose is enabling you to use tracking devices to control your mouse. 
The two named controls are also used for controlling your Mac. To access assistive devices, just click on the Apple menu, System Preferences then Universal access and you will find the ‘enable access for assistive devices’ checkbox.

6. Keyboard Sticky keys
Sometimes it gets overwhelming having to use a combination of keys to make certain actions on your computer especially if you have a lot to do with that combination. One way of easing this is by enabling sticky keys on your Mac. When sticky keys are enabled, you can press keys sequentially rather than simultaneously. There are two main ways of enabling sticky keys;
(a) Click apple menu, system preferences then universal access. From here, click on keyboard and you will see the checkbox for sticky keys.
(b) This is the simpler method as you only have to press shift key five times and sticky will be turned on. Turning off is simply pressing the same key five times again.

7. Reducing Motion
Once in a while, you may find the motion on your screen a bit of an issue. To correct this, try reducing it when using features such as the dock and notification area. To do this, go to Apple menu, Select system preferences then Accessibility and click on display. 

8. Moving mouse with the keyboard
This is one tool you will find useful if you find it hard to use the mouse. The option allows you to move the mouse using your keyboard. To activate it, click on Apple menu, then select System preference, Accessibility and select mouse and Trackpad.

We hope you enjoyed our overview of the built in accessibility tools on Mac OS X.

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Accessibility Tools On Windows OS

Windows is probably the operating system that has gained the most traction when it comes to the world of computing, with Macs catching up in more recent years. The number of users on Windows has already hit the billion mark and still growing. However, most people only use it for routine purposes without the knowledge of other available useful features. In this blog post, we are going to have a look at the different accessibility tools on windows and their use.

Let’s dive in to the free accessibility tools on Windows:

1. Magnifier
This tool was developed to assist users with impaired eyesight or for use if you need to focus on certain areas on the screen for whatever reason. To open this tool, go to start, select settings, then ease of access and you will find magnifier which you can select. For earlier versions like Windows 7, click on start, control panel then ease of access, and finally ease of access center where you will find it. You can also access the ease of access centre on some computers by hitting windows + U on your keyboard.

2. Narrator
Narrator reads aloud dialogue boxes and windows controls from the most commonly used applications. In Windows 7, the narrator uses the English language but in windows 7 ultimate and other editions for China, there is the inclusion of 
Chinese. In later versions like Windows 10, an array of languages like French, Italian and Russian among others has been included. The only requirement is for your computer to be equipped with a soundcard and headphones or speakers. You can access it via the same process as the magnifier tool since from the ease of access center, you will find it on the same list.

3. High Contrast
High Contrast allows you to have certain parts of your screen in hi-vis mode. This option is especially useful if you are going to use the computer outdoors or for people with colour sensitivity. With this tool, you have four options of high contrast themes. This includes high contrast #1, #2, black and lastly white. After your selection, you can modify selected text, disabled text, button text and background as per your liking. To locate High Contrast go to start select settings then ease of access and lastly high contrast.

4. Speech recognition
Windows now also has built in speech recognition. This is almost like a stripped down version of Dragon and it actually works quite well. It is a handy tool that helps you communicate with your computer and give it commands by word of mouth. You can dictate documents, surf the web and even navigate using just your speech. To find this tool, go to start, control panel, ease of access and you will find the speech recognition. After selecting it, you will be taken through the process of setting it up.

5. Closed captions
Do you have problems following through subtitles in movies and TV shows? Well, closed captions is here for you. It simply lets you edit the background and colors on your subtitles. This options works on supported media players. To manage it click start, then settings, ease of access and then closed captions.

6. Keyboard
There are several functions associated with the keyboard;

a. Sticky keys- This lets you press and release one key at a time instead of having to hold it down. For instance, to copy, press control, release it, then press C. 
b. On-screen keyboard- Displays keyboard on the screen and you can control it with the mouse.
c. Toggle keys- You get to hear a sound anytime you press the toggle keys.
You can find the keyboard setting by using the same process as magnifier tool and you will find it on the list in ease of access.

7. Mouse
This tool enables you to change the size of the mouse pointer, color and other minor things like allowing the numbers pad to move the mouse. This tool is found next to keyboard tool and the process of accessing it is the same above!

Thanks for reading!

We will be back later in the week looking at the built in accessibility tools available on the Mac operating system.

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Free Software Showcase – Grammarly

Welcome to the A2B Software Showcase.

The Free Software Showcase will be a regular feature in which we take a look at some of the best free accessibility software available.

TODAY WE WILL BE LOOKING AT THE FREE (AND PAID) SPELLING AND GRAMMAR ASSISTANT GRAMMARLY

Are you confident in your writing skills?

Do you often find errors in your written work?

Grammarly is a software that checks the grammar in any written document and highlights grammatical errors. In addition, it gives you reasons for the errors and offers suggestions for corrections. Making it even better is the fact that you can also check the spelling, punctuation and even plagiarism in your document. 

HOW TO GET GRAMMARLY

Installing Grammarly is relatively easy. Simply visit the Grammarly website where you can quickly subscribe. For the Chrome plugin, just click here and you will get a link where you can download and install it. You need to have Google Chrome already installed.

You can also get the Grammarly keyboard on your mobile phone or tablet that will check as you type and correct possible mistakes. For this, you need to search the Google Playstore or the Apple App Store depending on your device’s operating system.

You can use the Grammarly plugin for Microsoft Office or run your analysis online. For the Chrome plugin – You can type a new document and after a short while, Grammarly will underline grammar mistakes the same way it is done in Microsoft Word. You also get an in-depth explanation of the causes of the errors and suggestions for corrections.

Grammarly comes in the free and paid versions. The free version offers better than average proofreading features. For an intermediate or advanced writer, it is okay to stick to the free version. It will help you check through some errors that you could have missed and give you suggestions on how to rectify them. 

HOW TO USE GRAMMARLY

You can use the Grammarly plugin for Microsoft Office or run your analysis online. For the Chrome plugin – You can type a new document and after a short while, Grammarly will underline grammar mistakes the same way it is done in Microsoft Word. You also get an in-depth explanation of the causes of the errors and suggestions for corrections.

Pros of Grammarly
– The fluent mastery of the language will help keep your documents error-free.
– The software checks all the pages being visited and corrects mistakes in all of them. These include your email and social media sites.
– East to switch between US and British English. 

Cons of Grammarly
– For some, the cost of the paid version which contains further features is a bit high
– The software is not perfect and cannot replace a human proof-reader. 

All in all, Grammarly is an amazing piece of free accessibility software that will definitely help improve your mastery of the English language while greatly minimising errors in your documents.

Visit Grammarly

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Welcome to the A2B Blog

Welcome to the A2B Blog!

Here you can find important updates and news from our access centres, as well as other useful information and resources about all things DSA.

We will be updating the blog at least once a week so please check back regularly.

This one is just a quick update from us –

We have just opened two new outreach centres in the new year.

Firstly our Croydon DSA Access Centre has finally opened its doors and we are excited about serving the local Croydon community.

We have also opened up another London outreach DSA centre at Kennington/Oval

We are offering appointments at both centres immediately and we have a 1-3 day waiting time.   

To book just click here to visit our main booking page.

All the best,

The A2B Team

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