{"id":926,"date":"2025-09-05T09:57:14","date_gmt":"2025-09-05T08:57:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/?page_id=926"},"modified":"2026-05-15T23:07:22","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T22:07:22","slug":"assistive-tech-for-organisation-and-planning","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/assistive-tech-for-organisation-and-planning\/","title":{"rendered":"Assistive Tech for Organisation and Planning"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stay Organised &amp; On Top of Uni Life \ufe0f<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Between classes, deadlines, part-time jobs, and a social life, it\u2019s easy to feel like your brain has 47 tabs open. These tools help you keep everything in one place so you can focus on what matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Microsoft To Do <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What it does:<\/strong> Simple but powerful task manager. Add assignments, reminders, or even your food shop \u2014 tick them off as you go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Great for:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Breaking big projects into smaller tasks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Daily to-do lists across all devices<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Staying on top of deadlines<br><strong>How to access:<\/strong> Free with your <strong>QUB Microsoft 365 account<\/strong> (web, desktop, and mobile apps).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc49 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-gb\/microsoft-365\/microsoft-to-do-list-app?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Learn more about Microsoft To Do<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Outlook Calendar <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What it does:<\/strong> Keeps all your lectures, workshops, and personal events in one synced calendar. Add reminders so nothing sneaks up on you.<br><strong>Great for:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Scheduling classes, work shifts, and social plans together<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Colour-coding events (study \/ social \/ work)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Getting reminders before deadlines or appointments<br><strong>How to access:<\/strong> Part of your <strong>QUB Microsoft 365 account<\/strong> \u2014 log in via Outlook on web or app.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc49 <a>Learn more about Outlook Calendar<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">OneNote Tags <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What it does:<\/strong> Helps you label and prioritise notes (e.g. \u201cTo-Do,\u201d \u201cImportant,\u201d \u201cQuestion\u201d) so you can find stuff fast.<br><strong>Great for:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Keeping track of action points in lecture notes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flagging key info for revision<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Organising group project tasks<br><strong>How to access:<\/strong> Already built into <strong>OneNote<\/strong> with your QUB account.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc49 <a>Learn more about OneNote for Organisation<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">MindView <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What it does:<\/strong> Mind-mapping software that lets you visualise plans, essays, or projects. Great for when lists just don\u2019t cut it.<br><strong>Great for:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Structuring essays and dissertations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mapping out revision timetables<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Group project planning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>How to access:<\/strong> A MindView licence can be requested through the <a href=\"assistivetechnology@qub.ac.uk\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"assistivetechnology@qub.ac.uk\">Assistive Technology Coordinator<\/a> following a short training session. Licences are allocated on a short-term basis and may be recalled if not in use.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc49 <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/assistive-tech-for-dyslexia-support\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Learn more about MindView<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other Popular Options (Free\/Low-Cost)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.todoist.com\/\">Todoist<\/a><\/strong><\/strong> \u2192 Smart task manager with colour-coded priorities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/trello.com\/?campaign=19250238417&amp;adgroup=150132215251&amp;targetid=kwd-3609071522&amp;matchtype=e&amp;network=g&amp;device=c&amp;device_model=&amp;creative=641300559579&amp;keyword=trello&amp;placement=&amp;target=&amp;ds_eid=700000001557344&amp;ds_e1=GOOGLE&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=19250238417&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADMO9YhawplP2MZr-4MzDDWx6hIx4&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwlOrFBhBaEiwAw4bYDRKk2hwNkoQregWljEOxVXR8Hm0q9xLivxXJx7HazsOqC5HAKeCdUxoCP2QQAvD_BwE\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/trello.com\/?campaign=19250238417&amp;adgroup=150132215251&amp;targetid=kwd-3609071522&amp;matchtype=e&amp;network=g&amp;device=c&amp;device_model=&amp;creative=641300559579&amp;keyword=trello&amp;placement=&amp;target=&amp;ds_eid=700000001557344&amp;ds_e1=GOOGLE&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=19250238417&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADMO9YhawplP2MZr-4MzDDWx6hIx4&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwlOrFBhBaEiwAw4bYDRKk2hwNkoQregWljEOxVXR8Hm0q9xLivxXJx7HazsOqC5HAKeCdUxoCP2QQAvD_BwE\"><strong>Trello<\/strong> <\/a>\u2192 Kanban board style planning (great for group projects).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.notion.com\/product\/notion-for-education\">Notion (free student plan)<\/a><\/strong> \u2192 All-in-one workspace for notes, tasks, and databases.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2728 <strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> Pick one main tool and stick with it. Switching between five planners is a recipe for chaos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\ud83e\uddf0 Getting Started with Assistive Tech<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Not sure where to begin? Here\u2019s how to choose the right tools:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Know Your Needs<\/strong> \u2013 What\u2019s most challenging for you?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pick Your Style<\/strong> \u2013 Visual learner? Prefer voice tools?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Start Small<\/strong> \u2013 Try 1\u20132 tools before adding more<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Check Device Compatibility<\/strong> \u2013 Apple, Android, Windows, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Explore &amp; Adapt<\/strong> \u2013 Try free versions and see what sticks<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83c\udfaf Try this:&nbsp;<strong>AHEAD\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ahead.ie\/Discover-your-AT\">\u201cDiscover your AT\u201d tool<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp; helps match tools to your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc49 <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/view.genially.com\/67c966440a6fe4a101653b97\/interactive-content-ai-and-accessibility\"><strong>AI and Accessibility Interactive Guide<\/strong> \u2013 explore AI tools that support neurodivergent ways of working<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83d\udcac <strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>AT isn\u2019t just about accommodation \u2014 it\u2019s about <strong>empowerment<\/strong>. The right tech can help you manage tasks, reduce stress, and unlock the way <em>you<\/em> learn best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc4b Got a tool you love? Let us know! Sharing what works can help others find their perfect fit too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Support and Training<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc49IT Helpdesk: For licensing issues or technical support, reach out to the QUB IT Helpdesk.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc49 You can attend training to learn how to use any of these tools. Check&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/category\/training-and-events\/\">here&nbsp;<\/a>for upcoming workshops. Some licensed tools are available after training \u2014 we\u2019ll help you get access if they would be useful for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc49 You can&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/book-a-11-assistive-tech-session\/\">book a session<\/a>&nbsp;with the Assistive Technology Coordinator if you need help<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/view.genially.com\/67c966440a6fe4a101653b97\/interactive-content-ai-and-accessibility\"><strong>AI and Accessibility Interactive Guide<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 explore AI tools that support neurodivergent ways of working<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Support and Training<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qub.ac.uk\/directorates\/sgc\/learning\/One-to-OneAppointments\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.qub.ac.uk\/directorates\/sgc\/learning\/One-to-OneAppointments\/\">Learning Development Service<\/a> (LDS) offers free one-to-one appointments for undergraduate students at Queen\u2019s to help build confidence and support independent learning. Book through Microsoft Bookings or contact lds@qub.ac.uk for support.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>QUB Accessible Learning Service: For personalised support and training, contact the\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:assistivetechnology@qub.ac.uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Assistive Technology Coordinator<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>IT Helpdesk: For licensing issues or technical support, reach out to the QUB IT Helpdesk.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":2401,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-926","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","comments-off"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/926","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2401"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=926"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/926\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1801,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/926\/revisions\/1801"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.qub.ac.uk\/studentatguide\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=926"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}