.:VirtualSalt

Software Tools
For Trainers, Educators, and Instructional Designers

Robert Harris
Version Date: October 18, 2008

I have found or heard about so much software useful for instructional designers and others that I often forget some of it or can't remember the Web site to go to. So I'm putting all of it on this page, which I can refer people to when they need something. If you like what you find, check back occasionally because this will be an ongoing repository.

Legal Disclaimer
I use some of this software all of the time and, for me, it is essential to my work. However, in this litigious climate, I cannot and do not actually recommend any of it to you. Download and use it at your own risk. Take personal responsibility for your actions. And have fun.
 

Graphics Tools

SnagIt
SnagIt gets listed first on this page because for trainers, educators, and especially instructional designers, it is the single most important tool in the software toolbox. SnagIt is a screen-capture and editing program that allows you to copy portions of screens (or entire screens, even scrolling Web pages), and annotate them, edit them (reverse colors, blur out sensitive information, create a transparent background, etc.), and resize them. If you aren't willing to risk the $50 fee, there is a free 30-day trial that will convince you. Everyone I tell about this application ends up loving it.

Photo Editors
There are many free or cheap, very powerful photo editors available. Here are a few. I haven't used any of these at this point.

Picasa
Photo editor by Google, free.

Gimp
Open source photo editor, free.

Paint.net
Free photo editor compared to Adobe PhotoShop

FreeSerifSoftware
Several applications in addition to the free PhotoPlus software. Each application (photo editor, page designer, Web page editor, etc.) has a free and an upgraded version for sale.
 

Graphics Sources

Need graphics for PowerPoint presentations, posters, or training documents? Well, you're not supposed to grab a picture from a Google image search. You'll need to ask permission from the owner of the photo. Here are some graphics sources that offer pre-approved, royalty-free use. Some are free, and others charge, as noted.

Animation Factory
More than 500,000 animated gifs, video backgrounds, sounds, music, and PowerPoint templates. I use this fairly regularly for PowerPoint presentations because the animations keep the audience interested and focused on the slides. Annual subscription fee.

Stock.xchng
Excellent source of free stock photography. This is my first-look place for photos.

iStockPhoto
One of the least expensive, commercial stock photography sites. Photos range from about $1.50 for PowerPoint or document resolution  to $40 for super hi res for large posters or banners. I use this site fairly regularly.

Image*After
More than 20,000 free images and textures in good resolution.
 

Message Generators

3DTextmaker
Create scrolling banner messages (that are animated gifs) for use in PowerPoint.  Web-based. Free.

GifWorks
Edit graphics in .gif format (add text, make the background transparent). Web-based. Free.

Error Message Generator
Create fake computer error messages, or duplicate real messages that flash by on the screen. Free.

SignGenerator
Put your own text on 500 different signs and create a graphic image for use with PowerPoint or documents.  Free. If you have a fast Internet connection, you can view 500 thumbnails and choose a sign from here.

CustomSignGenerator
Another sign creation site. Free.

Warning Sign Generator
Create warning signs, for print or presentation use. Free.
 

Writing Tools

Formatting Solutions Pro
This application loads into Microsoft Word and provides shortcuts (macros) for the creation of well-formatted documents. It was originally designed to support the the theory of Information Mapping, with its use of bulleted lists, step-action tables, and clearly marked segments. FS Pro creates very accessible bulletins and short documents, especially one-draft items. Lengthy documents and documents with significant revisions (moving text around) can be more problematic, because the "map titles" can get confused. We use this regularly for certain reports and outlines. One-time software license.

Leaderguide Pro
This might be thought of as an elaborate version of Formatting Solutions Pro. Leaderguide Pro also loads into Word and helps instructional designers create consistent facilitator and participant guides, with the same look and feel, and the same icons (representing activites, reading, etc.). Emphasis on chunking information into modules. PowerPoint slides imported automatically to help create the facilitator's guide. One-time license. Rather expensive.
 

Miscellaneous Tools

Vocabulary Worksheet Factory
Create crossword puzzles, word search, cloze tests, matching exercises. Probably intended for the K-12 market, the worksheets are great ways to create fun activities and assessments for adult learners also. The first time we handed out a word search puzzle (with terms relevant to the curriculum, of course) to a class of systems trainees, we were astonished at the enthusiasm. One time license fee.

Comic Book Creator 2
For visually oriented learners, create graphic instruction manuals with a comic flair. One time license fee.

Audacity
This is an audio recording and editing application. Many features including amplify, noise filter, etc. Export to .wav and .mp3. Free.

Maze Maker
Create mazes to print or include in documents. Great for breaks between modules. Free, online.

Maze Creator
For more serious maze needs. License fee.
 

Utilities

PrimoPDF
Create PDF files from your documents with this free converter.

RAD Video Tools
File converter from one format to another. Video, such as .mov to .avi and still, such as .jpg to .bmp. Free.

Restoration
This is a file undelete utility that saved my bacon. I was editing a document on a flash drive (apparently not a good idea) when the document disappeared. Word's previous version recovered file feature didn't work, the .tmp file wouldn't open (or was gone--I forget). So I desperately searched the Web for something that would work. I tried several suggestions from helpful sites, but nothing worked. Then I found this little utility and it got my file back in a snap. It doesn't even install anything on your computer--you can run it from a CD or floppy drive or Utility folder on your hard drive. And it's free.

SyncToy
File copying and backup utility from Microsoft. Free

XPCodecPack
Can't play a DVD or .mpg file on your PC? Sound only in Windows Media Player? You need an mpeg-2 codec. Here's one. Free.

Stinky's Mpeg-2 Codec
Another choice for playing .mpg files with Media Player. Free.
 

Bonus Links

Mind42
Create mind maps (also called idea maps) on your browser to show students how concepts interrelate. Collaborative. Free.

Survey Monkey
Create and distribute surveys (by email link to the Web site). There is a free version, but for an annual license fee, there are many extra features.
.

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About the author:
Robert Harris is a writer and educator with more than 25 years of teaching experience at the college and university level. RHarris at virtualsalt.com