Below is a list of free online programs I use to assist me in my assignments, exam preparation and studies.
Wolfram Alpha With more then 2.5 million daily views, Wolfram Alpha is an important tool for first year students in any math course. It allows you to quickly rearrange graph or compute problems.
Microsoft Mathematics Microsoft Mathematics is a downloadable extension to Microsoft word. It allows for a range of features like 2D / 3D graphing and solving of complex mathematical equations. What sets this apart from other software is that it shows full working for its answer. This allows students to see how the question was solved, as opposed to just seeing the answer.
SildeShare SlideShare is free to use website which allows people to share information in the form of slideshows or pdf's. By signing up you are able to download a host of great documents, such as text books, text book solutions and example assignments.
Google Images When provided a question in the form of a picture, you can drag the image into Google image search and it will find websites which have used that image, or similar images. After looking from a couple of suggested links, you should generally be able to find an answer to your question.
Google Scholar When looking for robust references I find it best to use Google scholar. Around 50% of documents sourced from Google scholar are peer reviewed. By copying the documents name into an online library, you can normally discern whether the document has been peer reviewed or not. This allows you to quickly find a host of robust references.
Wikipedia Wikipedia is a highly undervalued source of information. While their is the potential for information to be incorrect, more often then not the information is factual and neatly presented. While you cannot reference Wikipedia, you can utilize their references. When you find an interesting piece of information on Wikipedia it is often accompanied by a number (eg. [5]) which will lead you to it's reference. You can then open the reference source, verify the information and then cite that in your bibliography.
University Website Tips and Tricks Often university websites provide a great range of information to assist students. This may include past exams, free templates, lecture slides, additional learning material. In addition to the great features, universities often bundle information and reserve hard copy books which relate to an assignment. As this information was specifically gathered by your tertiary provider for the assignment, it generally consists of robust sources and and highly relevant.
Text book Generally a text book is assigned for every subject completed as part of a tertiary course, and the course will list "required reading". Even though your course provider may advise you to read sections 1, 2 and 4 of a section, it is generally a good idea to at least skim the remaining sections of the chapter. I have personally found many exams or assignments require information not listed in the recommended reading, so it's good to have an idea of where you can find that information. (As text
Cohort & Stimulate Your cohort can consist of over a thousand students doing or who have done exactly the same exams and assignments as you. Try reaching out to them by joining and posting on the class Facebook group. If that doesn't work try STIMulate, a free service for SAF paying students within QUT which provides drop in help. Remember, don't be afraid to arrange meet ups or study groups, which can further assist you. Since teaching is one of the best means of learning a subject, it is important that you not just ask for help from others, but also provide it to others.