Maso’s Chalkboard

Desultory thoughts on instructional systems design

“A Simple Numerical Philippic”, or “How I was Infographicked into Submission” October 6, 2009

Filed under: E-Learning, Resources, Web-Based Classrooms, training development — hmaso @ 6:45 pm

Not long ago, as just a wee kid, I was a cynic about anything related to statistics. Now, how life has changed. New graphics software and programs make presenting numbers a teaching moment to behold, make information easy to digest, and tell a story that even a non-believer could understand.

Add clarity to your training by presenting the story, the trends, and the facts behind the numbers using graphics the right way. Randy Krum’s blog, Cool Infographics is a great starting point to learning how to translate the digits into something the learner can explore and understand.

(FYI: This entry title is a hat-tip to Simon and Garfunkel)

 

Discount Software for Learning Developers and Students August 15, 2009

Filed under: E-Learning, Freebies, training development — hmaso @ 1:34 pm

If you are a student, faculty, or instructor at an accredited institution of learning, you may qualify to buy software at reduced prices, sometimes as much as 70% off. 

This is great news if, like me, you are headed back to school to enhance or change your career, or if your children require software for school.  Many e-Learning and graphic design tools are for sale online, including most, if not all major Adobe products.

My research did not find Articulate’s products for sale at any of the popular academic software sites.  Articulate’s website discussion board indicates that academic discounts may be offered through Articulate directly for purchases of multiple licenses, so consider contacting Articulate as a group if you are taking a class that would require their products.  Trivantis’s website indicates that they offer discounts for academic institutions and government organizations through a GSA schedule, but does not indicate discount pricing for individual students.

In general, supplies are usually limited to one unit of an application per person, and you must provide proof that you (or your child) is enrolled at an accredited institution.

Some of my favorite sites include:

A quick online search will list more sites.  University bookstores also participate in academic software discounts, but I found better prices, and more choices, online than at the campus bookstore. 

As always, remember to do your homework before purchasing software from any online source to ensure quality service and timely delivery, especially if you need to receive a particular product before the start of class.

 

Free E-Learning Authoring Tool June 3, 2009

Filed under: Freebies, training development — hmaso @ 6:46 pm

Udutu

Do you have a favorite freebie, cheapie, or goodie? Add a comment with the link.