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Educational Reference Tool SparkNotes Comes To iOS

Posted by Jennifer Allen on April 10th, 2012
iPhone App - Designed for iPhone, compatible with iPad

SparkNotes have saved many a student in need of help as they study various pieces of literature. Figuring out the subtext behind some classic pieces of work isn't always immediately obvious, and these notes can make all the difference.

That useful helping hand is now available through the SparkNotes iOS app. 50 pre-installed study guides are already available with the option of viewing hundreds of others online. These guides can then be downloaded for offline use if the user so wishes.

Numerous different works worthy of studying are included here, like Shakespeare and Orwell. Poetry and Philosophy is similarly covered along with short stories to appeal to all arts students.

Search functionality is extensive, making it easy to browse through different sections of the guides from thematic analysis to scene by scene breakdown.

There's a social element, too, with users able to share their location and what they're currently studying, thus encouraging friends to gather round for a study group session.

SparkNotes is out now and it's free to download.

Neuro Board Review Takes Studying to Another Level

Posted by Blake Grundman on September 28th, 2010
iPhone App - Designed for iPhone, compatible with iPad

Education.  Sure, it was the bane of my existence, but where would we be as a society without it?  I mean, who wouldn't want to spend four years of their life (or more), just to get a piece of paper that says they are competent in their field of choice?  I realize that is oversimplifying matters a bit, but thankfully there are those that go through the tedious process of being taught all of that "necessary" information.  For example, nobody would want to have a doctor that didn't know what they were doing.

Thankfully, iOS app developers are also looking out for medical students, going as far as to create a new piece of software aimed directly at helping them pass arguably one of the more difficult parts of their entire education: Boards.  While I only had to write a massive research paper to graduate, medical students have to go through numerous levels of testing before they are even remotely allowed to practice their craft.  As is the case with any student, they are always looking for a way to cram in the most efficient way possible and that is where Colen Publishing's new Neuro Board Review app comes in.  Some of the larger features highlight the following:



  • Board-style questions and answers

  • Detailed explanations for right and wrong answers

  • Quiz and assessment tools to allow you to track progress and success

  • Question browser mode for unscored review of any and all content sections

  • Reference mode provides correct answers immediately for quick review

  • Optional timer to help establish pace

  • Each reference is hyperlinked to that reference on the web for more in-depth learning

  • Ability to bookmark and save difficult questions for future study, or shuffle questions within sections or across all sections


Just looking at that list of features makes me glad that I don't have to take the test!  There are certainly quite a few elements that need to be considered when taking an exam of this nature, so I have a sneaking suspicion that this will prove to be very helpful for future physicians everywhere.

There is one thing to note, however, when it comes to the application's price.  While the base app may be free, don't expect the testing modules to be the same.  Purchasable via DLC, these add-ons will cost you anywhere from $29.99 on the low end to $59.99 on the high end and will only cover one specific area of study.