You’re assigned a substantial amount of meaningful materials to read. Here are some tips on how to manage the load strategically:
- Plan your reading.
- Engage time-management practices to dedicate regular time to doing your course readings.
- Consider the best time of day, locations or environments for your reading.
- Use active reading techniques so you stay attentive and can learn and understand as you go.
- Consider reading as a form of conversation.
Helpful documents
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- Reading Effectively (PDF)
- Critical Reading Toward Critical Writing (U of T Writing Advice)
- How to Take Notes from Classes (PDF)
Apps and assistive technology
We have used some of the apps and websites listed below, and others have come to our attention from students who have found them helpful.
- Natural Reader: Text-to-speech app with different voices to choose from, with more natural and less robotic voices in different languages. Also helps with writing: it picks out errors and gives a sense of how your written sentence flows. iOS, free.
- Adobe Reader: PDF viewer with some annotation/note-taking functions. Android & iOS, free.
- VoiceAloudReader (Google Play/Apple Apps): This app reads text-documents, such as articles and readings, out loud for you – a great way to retain information audibly if you struggle with dense readings. Android & iOS, free.
- Text Help Read & Write Gold
- Word Q
- JAWS
- Kurzweil
Students with disabilities may receive academic accommodations including the support of assistive technologies. Please contact Accessibility Services for more information.
Disclaimer: the University of Toronto does not officially endorse the apps and sites listed here, and may not be held responsible for any technological problems that arise from their use. Please use at your own discretion.
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Associated Programs
5 Keys to Succeed at U of T Online Course
This non-credit Quercus course is intended to help you manage stress, use evidence-based study techniques, connect with supportive people and resources, and more!
Learn more about 5 Keys to Succeed at U of T Online CourseCore Skills Workshops
We run multiple workshops and themed discussions every week to support you and all aspects of your academic success.
Learn more about Core Skills WorkshopsLearning How to Learn
If you want to develop yourself as a learner to meet new expectations and improve your performance, attend Learning How to Learn, a three-part workshop series to help you connect to success.
Learn more about Learning How to LearnLearning Well in First Year
A 6-part workshop series to help you learn more effectively in your first year at U of T.
Learn more about Learning Well in First YearLearning Well in Second Year
A 4-week learning program to help you get back on track in your second year
Learn more about Learning Well in Second YearUniversity (Uni) Prep Workshops
This workshop series prepares you to enter and/or return to a university academic environment.
Learn more about University (Uni) Prep Workshops -
Associated Services
Academic mentor appointments
Book a one-on-one appointment with a peer mentor to get fast support and skills. Learn more about Academic mentor appointmentsAcademic Success resource library
Explore our handouts and tip sheets on academic skills. Learn more about Academic Success resource library