Note: all articles on this site are written by Jacqueline…
The goal of this article is to give a brief overview of some popular eLearning tools that I have used or have heard of. First off, there are some great web resources that rate and compile eLearning technology, such as:
Jane’s E-Learning Pick of the Day
And here is my own short list of good eLearning choices:
Audacity: is a digital audio editor and recording application that can be used to create podcasts. It has a simple tool set that works well, and allows to you apply simple audio effects
Download audacity free here:
http://audacity.soureforge.net
And read a review here:
download.cnet.com/Audacity/3000-2170_4-10058117.html
SharePoint: allows you to create a collaborative work environment and helps with communication between remote work groups.
Features include:
- a shared workspace
- a document management system
- built-in customizable wiki & blog
- lists and document libraries
- built-in search functionality
Learn more about it here:
http://sharepoint.microsoft.com/Pages/Default.aspx
Articulate Presenter: is a slide show tool that allows you to convert your PowerPoint presentations into an interactive Flash format.
Visit the Articulate site to learn more, and tune into the informative rapid eLearning blog hosted by Tom Kuhlmann.
http://www.articulate.com/rapid-elearning
Adobe Captivate: this is another screencasting tool similar to Camtasia Studio. I have not personally used it, but the product does generally get good reviews. Try it out at
http://www.adobe.com/products/captivate
and read a review here.
I would be interested to hear from readers who have used both Camtasia Studio and Adobe Captivate. How do the two products compare?
Moodle: is a free and open source “virtual learning environment” also known as an LMS or Learning Management System. The environment is made up of different modules such as Assignment, Chats, Choices, Glossaries, Lessons, Quizzes and Surveys.
Learn more about it, and try out the demonstration site at:
Take note that the product needs to be installed on a web server, but there are some free Moodle hosting providers available such as www.keytoschool.com
Survey Monkey: this is a free survey and questionnaire tool with good reviews.
Try it out at www.surveymonkey.com
Camtasia Studio: I use this product to create online training videos, and show users how to do something that is easier to learn by watching, rather than reading. This program is easy to use and you can render your video into various formats such as wmv and Flash. You can also import audio and images, and add effects.
Try it out here: http://www.techsmith.com
Jing: this is a free screencasting tool also developed by TechSmith. It is compatible for both Mac and Windows, and is ideal for quickly sharing vidoes online via the free hosting service www.techsmith.com/screencast.asp
Learn more about it here: