Tools for Academics

Just like mechanics and carpenters need their tools, so do students and teachers. Below are a few of the software applications I use and recommend to handle the work of the day. While these recommendations are primarily for Mac OS and iOS devices, I encourage Android and Windows users to invest the time to find an equivalent work tool for your own devices. Everyone needs their tools!

• Automation – TextExpander, Drafts, Alfred, Keyboard Maestro
• Capture – Braintoss, Drafts
• Document Collaboration – Google Drive & Google Docs
• Email & Communications – Spark, Google Voice, GroupMe
• News – Feedly, Reeder, Hourly News, Instapaper
• Note-taking – Evernote, DayOne, MindNode
• Password Management – LastPass, Authy (1Password is also excellent)
• Personal Finance – YNAB (worth it $, young people!), Mint (free)
• Podcasts – Overcast
  Reading – Bible (YouVersion), Kindle, the digital provider app for your local library
• Scheduling – Google Calendar, Doodle, Appointlet
• Task Management – ToDoist, Due (I, personally, use Things 3)
• Teaching – Snag-It, Remind
• Utilities – Backblaze, F.lux, Moom, Alfred, Freedom
• Website Building – WordPress, BlueHost
• Web Browser – Safari, Chrome, Firefox – they all have their pros & cons
• Web Info Capture – Reeder (RSS feeds), Instapaper or Pocket
• Writing – Scrivener, Byword, PDF Pen, Focus@Will