There are a variety of digital tools, support services, and strategies that can make studying easier.
Students who experience difficulties with reading or writing may benefit from listening to literature or accessing text in alternative formats. Course books may be available as talking books or in braille. By using text-to-speech technology, you can have on-screen text read aloud.
If you have a reading disability, you may be able to download talking books to listen to your course literature. The SLU Library can assist you in getting started with this service.
Producing new talking books can take time, so make sure you start early to find out what has already been recorded. Contact the library to order new talking books or literature in braille if needed.
More information can be found at the Talking books and text-to-speech app page.
Text-to-speech technology allows you to listen to articles, compendiums, and online text. Printed material must first be converted into a digital format to be used with text-to-speech. You can scan documents using SLU’s printers/copiers.
Text-to-speech can also be used to listen to text you have written yourself. This is particularly useful when working on written assignments, as it enables you to hear whether your text sounds correct and flows naturally.
SLU provides the text-to-speech programme TorTalk, which allows you to listen to all types of text on a computer or smartphone. You can select the voice, language, and speaking speed according to your preference.
TorTalk is available on student computers at SLU. It can also be installed on your personal computer via SLU’s software download portal, where you log in with your student account.
Dyslexie is a typeface specifically designed to make reading easier for individuals with dyslexia. The font can be downloaded from the website of the company that developed it.
More information is available on the Dyslexie Font website.
Support in academic writing is available through the SLU Library. Whether you are working on an assignment, report, or thesis, it can be valuable to receive feedback on language, style, structure, and organisation. Please note that language support does not include reviewing scientific content or providing full proofreading services.
More information is available here: Personl assistance
University studies differ in many ways from studies at lower levels. Course literature is often more extensive, and there is less teacher-led instruction, which requires greater independence.
You may need to adopt new strategies and techniques to study effectively at university. This may include planning your studies, engaging with course literature, or taking relevant notes during lectures.
SLU does not currently have general guidelines regarding the use of AI tools in studies. As a fundamental rule, you must always clearly indicate which sources you have used, including AI tools. Check course and assignment instructions, or consult your teacher, to determine whether the use of AI tools is permitted and how it should be referenced.
It is considered academic misconduct to present a text or image as your own if you did not create it yourself, regardless of whether it was produced by another
You can find information about what cheating and plagiarism mean, and how to avoid them at this page: Avoid cheating and plagiarism
If you have questions about studying with disabilities that might affect your studies and how to apply for study support, contact us at ability@slu.se
You can read more about studying with disabilities on the student web.