Free and/or low-cost technology for school

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

In this era, many nursing instructors expect or demand students to utilize certain forms of technology when completing assignments. This is especially true for those of us who are enrolled in online programs. We must upload presentations, convert files, and carry out all sorts of tasks that might not have been expected of students 15 years ago.

However, what is a student to do when they cannot or will not pay $100+ for the Microsoft Office suite of products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)? Keep reading for ideas on free and/or lower cost alternatives.

NOTE: only numbers 1, 4, ad 5 would be helpful to those who strictly use Apple/Mac devices.

  1. Google Docs - this is a free program that enables users to create word processing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations that look similar to PowerPoint. Google Docs is user-friendly. Best of all, it is free!
  2. Used desktop or laptop - I recently purchased a used laptop with the Wndows 8.1 operating system for $175. It came preloaded with the full suite of Microsoft Office 2013 products, which was worth $149 by itself. Moreover, new and used devices that run the Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 operating systems qualify for a free upgrade to Windows 10 until July 28, 2016. I upgraded my laptop to Windows 10 and love it.
  3. Tablets - I am typing this post on my brand new $130 RCA tablet runs Windows 10 and came preloaded with the basic suite of Microsoft Office mobile (Word, Excel & PowerPoint). Used tablets can be found on Ebay for $30 or less.
  4. Emaze.com and SlideDog.com - these two sites are filled with free presentation templates that are competitive alternatives to PowerPoint.
  5. Prezi - Prezi might not be free, but it is a low-cost alternative to PowerPoint.
  6. OpenOffice.org - this is totally free software for word-processing, presentations, and spreadsheets. Another added bonus is its compatibility with Microsoft Office.

Hopefully one or more of these suggestions will be of assistance to frugal students who need dependable options that are either free or low cost. Good luck to everyone!

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Specializes in Dialysis.

I have used #6 for years and can vouch for its quality. Microsoft is really just over priced anymore with all of the free/low cost alternatives out there now

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Specializes in Critical care.

https://products.office.com/en-us/student/office-in-education

Sometimes you can get access to the office suite for free. When I had to replace my laptop during school a fellow student sent me this link. I was able to put my school email address in and I received multiple free downloads (I downloaded it to my new laptop and the family desktop). Other classmates took advantage of this and it also worked for my sibling at another university. I had been using OpenOffice, but I had issues with the powerpoints not downloading right and losing content sometimes. I also had been looking on my school's website to purchase it at a discounted rate and nowhere was there information with this link. I never would have found it if I hadn't posted on Facebook asking for suggestions.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I forgot to mention that Microsoft Office has an online suite of free products. However, I have tried using them in the past and the functionality felt screwy. It is hard to describe my dislike of the online version of Office.

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Libre office is free as well, but I dislike the "power point" creating tool. It is a bit complex. Otherwise this is another great free option. This was a great post with very helpful info. Thank you!

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Specializes in Critical care.

We used post-it notes and labeled the models, then we took pictures. We studied pictures with and without the post-it note answers. That way we were studying from the models we were being tested with. It made a big difference. Some of the harder areas we took pictures of, printed them out, then labeled if the post-it notes were too hard.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Telemetry CCU ICU.

I just downloaded what was called Office 365. If you are a student, it is completely free. I am just beginning to explorer it but from what I have used so far, it doesn't seem too difficult to navigate. All you need is a college/school email address.

Karol

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Specializes in geriatrics.

Thanks for the ideas! I am in school again and every dollar counts.

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Specializes in Critical care.
We used post-it notes and labeled the models, then we took pictures. We studied pictures with and without the post-it note answers. That way we were studying from the models we were being tested with. It made a big difference. Some of the harder areas we took pictures of, printed them out, then labeled if the post-it notes were too hard.

Ooops, jusy realized i posted that to the wrong thread. Downsides of using my ipad, lol.

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