iOS App of the Day: Spark Notes

If you’re currently enrolled in school or studying literature, then you’ve probably already heard of Spark Notes. For anyone who is not familiar with Spark Notes, they provide popular study guides and forums for various academic subjects. In other words, if you decided to go out drinking instead of studying the night before a big test and you need to know the who, what, why, when, and where of a story, Spark Notes can usually pull you through a tough spot. What you may not know is that Spark Notes has a convenient iOS app perfect to take with you on the go. With the Spark Notes app you can brush up on story summaries, plot overviews, character lists, themes, motifs, and symbols all from your iPhone.

Pros:

  • Simple UI anyone can use and navigate through
  • Access 50 pre-installed study guides in your library
  • Hundreds of study guides available for viewing online
  • Download any Spark Notes study guide to your mobile device for offline use
  • Share what you’re studying and where you are by checking in with a customized post to Facebook

Cons:

  • Listings are text only, no photographic study aides
  • No highlighting feature
  • No email sharing feature

How it works:

  • Download the app
  • Choose a subject: literature, Shakespeare, poetry, philosophy, drama, or short stories
  • Tap on Title or Author to filter search or scroll down to view listings alphabetically
  • Each listing has a table of contents including the context, plot overview, and character list
  • Summary and Analysis is divided by chapters or sections
  • Scroll down listing to view important questions explained, key facts, study questions, essay topics, take a quiz, or suggestions for further reading
  • To add a listing to your library (favorites) tap on the heart icon with a plus sign on the top right hand side of the app
  • To share a listing to Facebook or Twitter tap on the share icon on the far top right hand side of the app
  • To search by key word tap on the search magnifying glass icon on the bottom of the app
  • To access your saved favorites tap on the My Library icon
  • To check in and share your location on Facebook tap on the Check In icon on the bottom right side of the app

Conclusion:

Having the Spark Notes app for iOS makes studying on-the-go so much easier as you no longer have to track down the paperback copy of the specific Spark Notes or haul your heavy laptop around. The app is valuable resource for anyone who is in school and needs that extra help studying. If you’ve ever used or relied on the Spark Notes desktop service do yourself a favor and download the free app today.

Spark Notes is available for free in the iTunes Store. Requirements: Compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation) and iPad.Requires iOS 4.0 or later. iTunes Link

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