Between all the news, photo sharing, online dating and social media applications that are trending right now, you might not think to check the app store for programs that can actually lend a hand with schoolwork rather than distract from it.

However, that is exactly where applications like Outlines Outloud step in.

Outlines Outloud offers a user-friendly platform for transforming long outlines of class notes into easily listenable audio that can turn a walk to your next class into an impromptu review session.

The app’s focus is not so much on creating the outline as it is formatting the notes into audio that can be easily followed and manipulated through one’s iPhone.  Meaning you still have to take notes in class, but now there is an easy way to make them readily available for an audio review session later on.  However, the process is not instant.

In order to get started, you will need some secondary software for the computer you plan to take notes on.  This software ensures that the outlines are formatted and saved in the correct OPML format that the Outlines Outloud application demands.  

According to its website, OutlinesOutloud.com, “OPML” (Outlining Processor Markup Language) is a file format like .txt or .doc, but a special one that preserves the row-oriented, hierarchical nature of outlines.”

While this may be a completely foreign file format for most people, the secondary software is nothing more than a specialized word processor.  Their site offers a list of both Mac and Windows compatible OPML processors, mostly free, that allow one to both transfer existing outlines or create new ones in the right format.

Once your notes are saved as an OPML, you can either synch the file to your phone’s Outlines Outloud app via iTunes or Dropbox.  I avoided the Cloud/iTunes route out of fear of being reminded to update iTunes (again) and went ahead with uploading my sample outline to Dropbox.

Be sure to upload the OPML file to the Outlines Outloud folder within your Dropbox account’s Apps folder.  Unless the OPML file is placed there, it will not synch and will not appear in the app for listening.

Once the OPML is in the right place on Dropbox, the outline will appear in the list of available outlines upon opening the app.  From there, the outlines can be played, paused, played back, sped up, slowed down, etc.  The controls offer a variety of tinkering that can be done to personalize the experience and maximize the efficiency of the review session.

For audio learners, this application is a great studying tool that fits in your pocket on the go.  The audio is crisp and easy to listen to, offering a logical audio interpretation of all aspects of the outline, including Roman numerals and numbers.

While the simplicity and coherence of the audio makes it shine, it’s the fine print that has me held up on recommending it to friends or choosing it as a primary study tool of my own.

For one, it is expensive – at $4.99 on the App Store, it makes you wonder just how effective it would be to simply record yourself reading through the same notes out loud.  But, if you can’t stand the sound of your own recorded voice, then this doesn’t offer much of an alternative.

While I get that it is the file formatting that brings the consistency over to the audio itself, working in a foreign word processor (free or not) with atypical file formats will scare non-computer savvy people away quickly.  Even with the tutorial on the site it took me almost an hour to get started.

Furthermore, it lacks compatibility with Android devices.  Currently, this app is only available for the iPhone, iPad and iPad Touch.  By offering the product at a lower price and to a greater audience, Outlines Outloud could greatly expand its popularity. 

While I did not find a new appreciation for audio learning through my experience with this app, I can understand how listening to a logical interpretation of notes could be beneficial for some students.  As a writer and designer, I am a more visual learner.  I tend to study by reading my notes many times – highlighting and adding notes that make each section discernible from the others in a visual manner.  

I’ll admit that it did take some fine tuning for me to get acquainted with the file formatting and the use of an OPML processor the first time around.  However, I imagine it would not take me more than a few minutes to upload and begin listening to a new outline.  In conclusion, I would give the Outlines Outloud app an overall rating of 3/5 stars.