Free Cool Tools and Tutorials for E-Learning Content

By Alix E. Peshette

Cross-posted from the Impetuous Geek

We have probably all been subjected to online course content that is of the "copy-text-to-web-page" variety. It's deadly dull and right up there with the droning lecture. Every designer of educational content needs attention-grabbing graphics and good design to set the stage in online learning. What stops many of us from being more creative is the lack of a high-powered graphics program and the skills to get the most out of that program. Let's step back from that idea and consider the ubiquitous PowerPoint program.

Sure, PowerPoint has been ridiculed for static text with endless bullet points and if you have attended many conferences, you have probably seen every cliché PowerPoint background. But, truth be told, PowerPoint is the basis of most e-learning content! Instructional designers start with PowerPoint to create backgrounds and graphics to import into an e-learning authoring program such as Articulate and Captivate. The added bonus is that PowerPoint 2007 has darn good graphics capabilities.

Acquiring the skills is now easier than ever since the development of Web 2.0 screen casting applications. These web-based programs have inspired the graphically talented to share their tips and tricks for creating great graphics in PowerPoint. Most of the screen cast tutorials are five minutes long or less. Think of this as a quick shot of informal learning that builds up your supply of cool graphics.

Here’s a couple great places to start with PowerPoint tutorials for e-learning content!

200 Free Rapid E-Learning Tutorials

50 Tutorials to Help You Achieve E-Learning Awesomeness

My Delicious Links for E-Learning


Free Cool Tools

Poladroid - Create your own Polaroid pictures

Pixie - Need to know the code of a color?

Newspaper Front Page Generator

Fifty-Five Extremely Useful Online Generators for Designers

Accessibility Color Wheel

Color Schemer Online

Surreal Painter

beFunky - Photo Effects Generator

Hockneyizer - Create a Unique Photo Collage