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Library Resource Guides: Learning and presentation tools

Teaching tools

Web-based presentation tools

Padlet

Padlet is an online noticeboard, which means it can be used for personal note-keeping as well as collaborative brainstorming (similar to sticky notes). Three free Padlets

 iSpring

Authoring software tools that work with PowerPoint to create e-learning courses and video lectures. $$ but free trial is available

 Prezi

A popular alternative to PowerPoint, Prezi is an online presentation tool that features fluid, energetic display options. If you're working on a presentation in a group, you can collaborate on the design and content. Prezi is free, but all your presentations will be made public, so be careful of displaying confidential information.

 Nearpod

Nearpod is an educational tool to create and deliver interactive presentations

 Moovly
Create animated videos and presentations with this free online video maker software. Animate your next cartoon, video presentation or tutorial.

Powtoon

Powtoon is an online tool that lets you create animated video explainers.

 ScreenPal (previously Screencast-O-Matic)

Screencasting free and easy, with one-click screen capture

 Canva

Canva is a free, Australia-based graphic-design tool. It is useful for those that wish to create eye-catching web and print media graphics, but have little experience in this field. The service is free, however you can only gain access to a limited number of templates without a paid account.

 InteDashboard

All-in-one team-based online learning tool that automates the whole 'team-based learning'​ experience including pre-class preparation, individual and team assessments, exercises and peer evaluation. $$

Online teaching tools

 

 Zoom

Zoom unifies cloud video conferencing, simple online meetings, and cross platform group chat into one easy-to-use platform.

 PowerPoint

PowerPoint is Microsoft’s versatile presentation tool, used not just for presentation, and e-learning but for graphic design and much more.

Tools for collaborative learning

Google Workspace Google Workspace

An integrated suite of collaboration and productivity apps  powered by Google: It includes Gmail, Docs, Drive, Calendar, Meet and more.

DropBox

DropBox allows you to securely share large files, such as documents, videos or photos with colleagues.

 Poll Everywhere

Poll Everywhere is an easy way to capture powerful feedback instantly during virtual meetings, classes, events, and more.

 Mentimeter

Mentimeter is a tool that lets you engage and interact with your audience in real-time. You set the questions and your audience can give their input via a mobile phone or any other Internet connected device.

slidoslido

Capture the views of your audience through live polls, Q&A, quizzes and word clouds. 5 free polls

 SurveyMonkey

SurveyMonkey is a free service, allowing you to quickly create and design your own online surveys, which you can share easily with a large group of people and monitor responses.

 Slack

Slack is a tool that offers private groups and direct messaging for collaboration. Files, conversations, and people are all searchable.

 Trello 

Another collaborative learning tool, good for team projects.

 MindMeister

MindMeister is an online mind mapping tool that lets you capture, develop and share ideas visually

 Coggle

Coggle is an online tool for creating and sharing mindmaps and flowcharts.

Source: Daily Genius, 'The 13 best tools for collaborative working' (Apr 16, 2015).

Tools to support learning

MyStudyBar

MyStudyBar is designed to support learners with literacy-related difficulties such as dyslexia, however the toolbar can benefit all learners. MyStudyBar consists of a set of portable open source and freeware applications, assembled into one convenient package. 

 Immersive Reader

Immersive Reader is a full screen reading experience to increase readability of content in OneNote documents.

Open Dyslexic OpenDyslexic

OpenDyslexic is a new open sourced font created to increase readability for readers with dyslexia. The font scripts and CSS are available to download free.

Dyslexia friendly tips from City of Gold Coast Libraries
  • Arial or Comic Sans are dyslexic friendly fonts
  • Increase font size on your computer and device to 12 –14 point
  • Cream or soft pastel colour background papers are easier to read than white
  • Increase line spacing 1.5 will assist
  • Alignment use left justified with ragged right edge
Coloured overlay pages - various tinted colour sheets provide a different background colour to text and may help with other perceptual difficulties and/or dyslexia.

Apple Accessibility Support resources