Student Success Toolkit

Overview

Welcome to the Student Success Toolkit, your one-stop hub for all essential resources to enhance your learning journey at Capitol Technology University. This page is designed to guide you through academic tools, software, and tips to optimize your studies. Whether you’re navigating Canvas, organizing research, or looking for software discounts, you’ll find everything you need right here. If you have additional questions or need personalized support, we’re here to help! 

Quick Links to Key Resources

Resources and Tools

Creating and editing audio and video content is an essential skill for coursework and presentations. Whether you need to record your screen, capture high-quality audio, edit videos, or upload media to Canvas, there are a variety of tools available for desktop and mobile devices. Popular options include Zoom, PowerPoint, Screen Cast-O-Matic, and Canvas’ built-in Rich Content Editor for recording, as well as iMovie, Audacity, and GarageBand for editing. For presentations, tools like Google Slides, Prezi, and YouTube offer easy ways to incorporate media. If you need to blur sensitive information, free mobile apps can help with redacting details. Learn more about recommended tools and step-by-step instructions in our Multimedia Guide

Microsoft 365

Overview:
Microsoft 365 is a suite of productivity tools including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams, accessible via web or app. It’s ideal for creating, collaborating, and managing academic tasks.

Key Features:

  • Word: Format documents, use the Editor tool for grammar checks, and build equations.
  • Excel: Analyze and visualize data with formulas and pivot tables.
  • PowerPoint: Create presentations with templates and animations.
  • Teams: Collaborate via chat, video meetings, and shared files.

Quick Tip: Use “Shift + Ctrl + V” to paste without formatting.

Get Started: Log in with your university credentials at Microsoft 365 Portal.

Canvas (Learn@Capitol)

Overview:
Canvas is the university’s Learning Management System (LMS), allowing students to access course materials, submit assignments, and participate in discussions.

Key Features:

  • View course announcements, grades, and schedules.
  • Submit assignments and take quizzes online.
  • Participate in discussion forums and group projects.

Quick Tip: Use the “To-Do” list on the dashboard to stay on track with assignments.

Get Started: Log in to Canvas at Learn@Capitol using your university credentials.

MATLAB and Simulink

Overview:
MATLAB and Simulink are industry-standard tools for mathematical modeling, simulation, and engineering tasks. They are widely used in courses involving data analysis, control systems, and signal processing.

Key Features:

  • MATLAB: Perform numerical computations, data analysis, and visualization.
  • Simulink: Create models and simulate dynamic systems.

Quick Tip: Use built-in tutorials in MATLAB to learn commands and workflow basics quickly.

Get Started: Download MATLAB and Simulink via the website.

SPSS / Stata

Overview:
SPSS and Stata are advanced statistical software tools designed for quantitative data analysis. They are commonly used in research, social sciences, and data-driven projects.

Key Features:

  • SPSS: Ideal for analyzing survey data, conducting regression analysis, and visualizing statistical trends.
  • Stata: Focuses on advanced econometrics, time-series analysis, and managing large datasets.

Quick Tip: Use built-in tutorials or help commands (help in Stata) to find guidance for specific functions.

Get Started: Visit the Capitol Web Store for access to SPSS/Stata

Google Scholar

Overview:
Google Scholar is a free and powerful tool for finding reliable academic resources, including peer-reviewed articles, theses, books, conference papers, and patents.

Key Features:

  • Access scholarly materials across disciplines.
  • Save and organize articles using your Google account.
  • Generate citations in multiple formats, including APA, MLA, and Chicago.

Quick Tip: Use quotation marks around phrases for precise search results (e.g., “artificial intelligence in education”).

Get Started: Visit scholar.google.com and sign in with your Google account to save articles and create alerts for new research.

Adobe Express

Overview:
Adobe Express is a user-friendly design tool that allows you to create professional-looking flyers, infographics, presentations, and videos with ease.

Key Features:

  • Access customizable templates for academic or creative projects.
  • Use drag-and-drop functionality to add text, images, and icons.
  • Export projects in multiple formats for print or digital use.

Quick Tip: Utilize the free stock photos and icons library to enhance your designs.

Get Started: Visit Adobe Express and sign in with your Adobe account to begin creating.

OneNote

Overview:
Microsoft OneNote is a digital notebook designed to help you organize notes, ideas, and research in one convenient place.

Key Features:

  • Sections and Pages: Create organized sections and subpages for different topics or projects.
  • Tagging: Use tags like “Important” or “To-Do” for quick navigation and prioritization.
  • Handwriting Recognition: Convert handwritten notes into searchable text.
  • Collaboration: Share notebooks with classmates or colleagues for group projects.

Quick Tip: Use the search bar to quickly find keywords across all your notebooks.

Get Started: Access OneNote via your Microsoft 365 subscription or download the app for free on any device.

Perplexity, SciSpace, and Other Academic Tools

Overview:
These tools assist with research, academic reading, and staying organized. They are designed to simplify complex tasks, enhance understanding, and streamline workflows.

Key Tools:

  • Perplexity AI: A research assistant for generating concise answers and exploring complex topics.
  • SciSpace: Helps analyze and understand academic papers with an easy-to-read layout and simplified explanations.
  • Readwise: Organize and review your highlights from books, articles, and research.
  • Scite Assistant: Aids in evaluating the credibility of research papers with citation insights and validation.

Quick Tip: Explore each tool’s free version to see which works best for your research style.

Get Started: Visit their respective websites or app stores to explore these tools and integrate them into your workflow.

Study and Productivity Tips

  • Set weekly study blocks on your calendar. Use Teams or online study groups for collaboration. 
  • Download essential apps like Word, PowerPoint, Teams, and Canvas to stay organized. 
  • Bookmark academic resources and databases for quick access. 
  • Take advantage of edu discounts for subscriptions like Amazon Prime and Hulu. 

Need Additional Support?

For personalized assistance or troubleshooting: 

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