I recently fell in a hole of Google Chrome extensions and let me tell you- they changed the game. I feel so much more confident with my schoolwork! And actually motivated to do it. I put together a list of my top 5 favorite extensions that have helped me this past semester. And yes, they are free.
1. Forest: stay focused, be present.
This is my favorite extension! Here’s how it works: you plant a seed, and over your selected time (for example, 25 minutes) you can’t go on a website from your Blocklist, or else your seed dies and you have to start all over. So if you’re like me and constantly get distracted by social media while studying, then this extension will be a game-changer. Before I used this extension I thought it wouldn’t benefit me but man- I feel devastated when my seed dies. It’s really great at keeping you productive and helping with time management. Plus, you can share your accomplishments with your friends!
Download it here: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/forest-stay-focused-be-pr/kjac…
2. Grammarly
Listen- even if you’re the next William Shakespeare you need this extension. Whether you’re a math or journalism major this will come in handy. Grammarly provides help with your spelling, tone, style, and grammar errors to make your paper perfect! It can check your emails, speeches, 10-page long papers, and even tweets. Plus, it gives you a weekly report that reviews where you need improvement and the progress you’ve made! Grammarly always catches the little details that I seem to miss.
Download it here: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/grammarly-for-chrome/kbfnbcaep…
3. Weava
With this extension you can highlight, create citations, and organize your research. The great part about Weava is the fact that it pertains to Websites and PDFs! So instead of having your notes, key passages, and research evidence unorganized, you get to keep it together in different folders in just one extension. This is extremely helpful when you have to write papers!
Download it here: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/weava-highlighter-pdf-web/cbna…
4. Read Aloud: A Text to Speech Voice Reader
I’m sure online school has definitely been making your eyes strain. Well, don’t worry anymore! This extension will read your text (Website/PDF) out loud for you. The best part is you get to choose between a male and female voice, the pitch, and even the reading speed. It’s suitable for all your reading needs- textbooks, publications, emails, and so on. So let your eyes rest and let this extension do the work for you!
Download it here: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/read-aloud-a-text-to-spee/hdhi…
5. Sesame
Okay, this one doesn’t help you study but you should have some fun! The COVID-19 pandemic has created an isolating life and makes it challenging to continue relationships. Sesame ‘recreates the college experience’ and is just like your college dormitory. You can see if your friends are online, play games, or just hang out. If you miss your friends and dorming then this is a great extension for you!
Download it here: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/sesame/kddbcffhaihonajchhbcifh…
Happy studying!