If you are a Windows 10 and above user looking for extensions to increase your learning process, you’re in the right place.
The default web browser included in Windows 11 and a major competitor to Google Chrome on Windows, Microsoft Edge has a devoted user base that wants productivity and flexibility, i.e., extensions that make our lives easier. In 2024, Microsoft Edge is the fourth most popular browser, supporting many of your favorite extensions. If you are a Windows 10 and above user looking for extensions to increase your learning process, you’re in the right place.
Join us in discovering the functionalities of seven extensions to bring your learning experience to a new level.
Saima: Adapting video speed for extra productivity
Saima is the world’s first adaptive video speed controller based on artificial intelligence. In other words, Saima helps to personalize your video-watching experience for better outcomes. With the help of this innovative tool, you can understand, focus, and memorize better. Most importantly, with Saima, comprehending video content will take less time.
Features
Pros
Cons
Automatically adjusts the video playback speed to match the learning pace
Enhances student engagement
Free subscription has limited features
Helps to concentrate on the video content by potentially minimizing distractions
Perfect for non-native speakers
Accelerated Learning through playback speed optimization
User-friendly interface
Removes unwanted pauses and silent sections from the video
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Grammarly: Flawless writing
Installing the Grammarly extension to Microsoft Edge guarantees compelling written content. Grammarly carefully examines your text for grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes. This, in turn, will instill confidence in your writing. In addition, Grammarly’s tone detector provides insights into how your writing will impact the readers, assisting you in improving your writing style as needed.
Features
Pros
Cons
Grammar and spelling checks
Ensures clear and error-free writing
The free plan offers limited features
Punctuation correction
Improves writing skills by suggesting corrections with explanations
Overreliance can hinder the development of independent writing skills
Vocabulary enhancement suggestions
Offers plagiarism checking to avoid unintentional academic dishonesty
May not catch all errors or cultural nuances
Style suggestions for clarity and conciseness
Boosts confidence in your written communication with instructors and peers
Plagiarism checker
Real-time feedback
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
NordVPN: Secure connection anywhere, anytime
NordVPN empowers its users to protect their online data, including IP addresses, passwords, and location information. This tool utilizes military-grade encryption to provide fast and high-quality protection. NordVPN incorporates advanced threat detection and protection features, enabling users to avoid viruses and trackers. Importantly, the inclusion of a dark web monitor also provides a layer of extra security by notifying the user that their personal data has been discovered on the dark web.
Features
Pros
Cons
Preventive measures against Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks
Enhances online security and privacy while accessing learning resources
May slow down the internet connection speed
Encrypted internet connection
Protects data from potential eavesdroppers on public Wi-Fi networks
Using a VPN to access restricted content may violate terms of service of some online learning platforms
Choice of servers from various locations
May allow access to geographically restricted learning materials (use with caution and respect copyright laws)
Not necessary for secure connections on private Wi-Fi networks
Strict no-logs policy
Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars
LastPass: Never lose passwords
LastPass is a widely used password management tool that helps to improve the process of protecting the information of web users. With LastPass users can store passwords, addresses, and credit card details. In addition, this tool also offers the service of automatically updating information fields as needed. With LastPass, you can forget about being locked out of accounts due to forgotten passwords.
Features
Pros
Cons
Secure password vault
Creates strong, unique passwords for online accounts
Requires creating a master password for LastPass, which needs to be strong and secure
Strong password generation
Simplifies login process for online platforms
Relies on LastPass's security measures, so a data breach could compromise passwords
Automatic logins for websites and apps
May not be compatible with all login processes on some platforms
Password sharing
Mobile app for access across devices
Rating:4.4 out of 5 stars
Ghostery: Keeping focused
This Microsoft Edge extension is a powerful tool that improves user privacy, blocks unnecessary ads, and accelerates browsing speed. What is more important, this extension also provides insights about hacking attempts on your systems. It assesses each request to the user system with the help of an extensive list of trackers. If a match is found, Ghostery blocks the requests in a few minutes.
Features
Pros
Cons
Anti-tracking mechanisms enhanced by artificial intelligence
Enhances online privacy by blocking website trackers from collecting your data
Some websites may not work correctly with Ghostery enabled
Tracker detection and blocking
Reduces distractions by blocking ads and other tracking elements
Blocking all trackers can prevent websites from personalizing the learning experience
Ability to whitelist trusted trackers
Improves website loading speed by eliminating unnecessary trackers
Requires some understanding of website trackers and how they work
Privacy settings dashboard
Connection security checks
Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
MailTag: Smart email management
This extension simplifies your email management while offering an effortless and seamless experience. MailTag is an amazing tool that enables users to schedule and track emails while setting up automated follow-ups.
Features
Pros
Cons
Email tagging and categorization
Brings order to your inbox by allowing you to tag and categorize course-related emails
May add another layer of complexity to your email management system
Professional email signature generator
Reduces information overload by filtering and prioritizing emails
Requires setting up tags and filters effectively
Smart filters to prioritize important emails
Saves time searching for specific emails
Only applies to email communication
Search functionality for tagged emails
Integration with popular email providers
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Everhour: Time-tracking for focused learning
Everhour is a time-tracking extension that helps you monitor how you spend your online learning time. It integrates seamlessly with popular learning platforms and websites, allowing you to track time spent on lectures, assignments, research, and other learning activities.
Features
Pros
Cons
Track time spent on specific learning platforms and websites
Helps you stay focused and accountable during online learning sessions
Free plan has limited features
Estimate time to complete a task
Provides valuable insights into your learning time allocation
Set goals and monitor learning progress
Identify areas where you can optimize your study time
Generate reports to visualize learning habits
Integrate with project management tools for streamlined workflow
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Adobe Acrobat: Enhancing learning materials
Adobe Acrobat is a powerful PDF management tool that can be valuable for online learners. It allows you to annotate learning materials, highlight key points, and add notes directly onto PDFs.
Features
Pros
Cons
Read, annotate, and comment on PDFs
Creates a more interactive learning experience with PDFs
Free version has limited features
Highlight important information and add notes
Improves knowledge retention
Files may be corrupted
Fill out and sign online forms
Simplifies form completion
Complicated user interface and user experience
Convert PDFs to other formats
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Pocket: Save learning resources for later
Pocket is a web clipper extension that allows you to save articles, news stories, and other online learning resources for later reference. This is perfect for situations when you come across interesting learning materials but don't have time to delve into them right away.
Features
Pros
Cons
Save for offline reading
Organizes learning materials for easy access and review
Requires internet connection to save content initially
Organize saved content with tags and collections for easy retrieval
Keyword shortcut to save content
Can lead to information overload if not used strategically
Access saved content across various devices (phone, computer, tablet)
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Taskade: Collaborative Learning Made Easy
Taskade is a project management and collaboration tool that can be a game-changer for group projects and online learning communities. It allows you to create shared workspaces, assign tasks, hold discussions, and brainstorm ideas.
Features
Pros
Cons
Create shared workspaces for group projects
Fosters collaboration and communication
The learning curve with mastering all the features
Organize tasks, notes, and discussions in one place
Keeps everyone organized and on the same page
Limited features in the free plan
Collaborate with peers on assignments and group projects
Provides a central hub for sharing resources and brainstorming
No offline access
Bookmark webpages
Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars
Conclusion
Work smart, not hard! Extensions are excellent little assistants always on hand to make your browsing and learning experience more efficient. The best combination of extensions will turn the overwhelming learning process into a thought-out strategy. More extensions are coming soon!
What is the primary benefit of using extensions with Microsoft Edge for learning?
Extensions in Microsoft Edge enhance productivity, streamline tasks, and personalize the learning experience. They can help with everything from grammar corrections and video playback speed adjustments to secure browsing and time management.
How does Saima help improve video-based learning?
Saima is an AI-powered video speed controller that adapts playback speed based on your learning pace. It removes pauses, enhances comprehension, and helps focus, making video learning more efficient.
Is Grammarly suitable for academic writing?
Yes, Grammarly is perfect for academic writing. It checks grammar, spelling, and punctuation while also suggesting style improvements. It also includes a plagiarism checker, ensuring originality in your work.
Can NordVPN improve online security for students?
Absolutely. NordVPN secures online connections with encryption, protecting sensitive information like passwords and IP addresses. It also blocks trackers and notifies users if their data is found on the dark web.
What makes Pocket useful for learners?
Pocket allows users to save articles, research papers, and other learning materials for offline access. It organizes content with tags and collections, making it easy to retrieve and review later, even on multiple devices.
Master any content and stay focused with Saima. The ultimate tool for video speed personalization and shared note-taking on any platform.
