App Happy: Students Share Their Favorite Resources

Nicole Lamoureux, MOT, OTR/L

As app technology continues to evolve, students are drawn to these resources to help them work more efficiently and live more productive lives. The Assembly of Student Delegates Steering Committee recently asked students to share their favorite apps they use in the classroom, for professional development, and in the clinic. Scan the list below and see what additions you can make to your personal list.

• Noteshelf (available on iOS): Josh Pratt from the University of Chattanoga says, “Noteshelf is my favorite app. I take notes and annotate OT journal articles all on one platform! It's amazing for keeping everything for anatomy, models of practice, frameworks, and evidence-based practice all in one place. Also, I can use different types of virtual paper, from graph paper for quick sketches to paper specialized for Cornell notes.”
• Inkflow Plus (available on iOS): Jason Fried from Shenandoah University recommends Inflow Plus: “Since I'm a very visual learner and note-taker, [Inkflow Plus] allows me to draw and take notes easily for what would normally be a very complicated theory, frame of reference, or system. It also lets me design and lay out various games, environments, and adaptive equipment ideas I have.”
• Google Keep (available on Android; GoKeep available on iOS): Leah Rachel from Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis shares that Google Keep is her favorite student-friendly app. “The app allows you to store and sync notes, lists, and photos across all of your devices, record and transcribe voice memos on the go, and set location-based reminders when you need them.”
• My Bui, Adrianna Hosch, Manekeu Ndoping, and Sean Murray from American International College shared their top picks from an OT health promotion project:
  • CARROT (Available on iOS): “CARROT is a to-do list app on iPhone. The more tasks on the list you achieve; more rewards you receive through points. If you do not complete tasks, CARROT will take away points and attempt to motivate you. It allows you to become aware of what tasks are not being completed.”
  • Relax Melodies (Available on Android and iOS): “An application that promotes falling asleep through 46 different relaxing tunes. The user is able to select sounds and melodies to create a mix to relax, listen, and enjoy falling asleep to. Timers and alarms are also available through the use of this app!”
  • Mint (Available on Android and iOS): “Mint makes managing finances easy. Both the website and app allow you to connect multiple accounts, set goals for savings, and remind you to pay your bills, and it automatically updates so you know exactly what you have.”

Since the creation of tablets and smart devices, apps continue to be a popular trend in rehab. For more clinical app suggestions, check out AOTA’s lengthy list of OT-friendly apps conveniently separated by practice area and the Late Night with New Practitioners: There’s an app for that? OTConnections post. This compilation is updated frequently and invites new suggestions from practitioners, students, and educators. Tell us about your favorite apps here.

Nicole Lamoureux is a new OT practitioner in Virginia and the Associate Editor of the OT Student Pulse. She enjoys creating resources for OT students and new graduates.