Rethink+what+you+already+have

==Rethink what you already have == You probably already have resources such as PowerPoints, Word documents etc., and you can turn these into e-learning resources very quickly by making them available online. Perhaps it's not exactly e-learning, however it is a good place to begin and still provides flexibility for learners who are able to replace missing resources, or access resources in their own time. As an additional bonus, it can be a way to save printing costs.

GOOGLEDOCS
"Google Docs is a free, Web-based word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, form, and data storage service offered by Google. It allows users to create and edit documents online while collaborating in real-time with other users." (Wikipedia) Many educators and trainers are using **GoogleDocs** to:
 * Upload documents (and provide a secure link) so that their learners can access them from anywhere, at anytime.
 * Store document ‘masters’ ensuring version control
 * Work collaboratively with colleagues on the same document such as a business plan or learning plan
 * Develop team-based activities for learners i.e. using GoogleDocs for collaborating on an assignment

You might want to check out the following resources when you get a minute:
 * A Tour of Google Docs (click the arrow buttons, not the 'start now' button)
 * Google Docs in Class - a quality collection of training related links

SLIDESHARE[[image:SlideShare.jpg align="right"]]
Another example of an uploaded powerpoint is Death by PowerPoint. :-)
 * SlideShare** is a site which allows you to upload and share your presentations eg. PowerPoints. It will also let you upload Word & PDF documents. You can add audio to make a ‘webinar’! The Powerpoint from the 'Elearning on a Shoestring' presentation has been uploaded to Slideshare, and you are free to view and download it. You can use SlideShare to:
 * Upload PowerPoints so they are available for learners at any time. (gives a unique URL)
 * Can add an audio narration making them suitable for learners who can’t attend class.
 * Embed them straight into a Learning Management System such as Moodle.

CUTEPDF[[image:CutePDF.jpg align="right"]]

 * CutePDF** creates PDF files on the fly, and makes professional quality PDF files from almost any printable document. It is FREE for personal, commercial, government or educational use. Use CutePDF to turn your Word documents into PDFs, ready to upload to the internet, your LMS or send out to learners via email. (Althought the use of downloadable PDF's is not e-learning, it is a great way to start and provides some flexibility for learners.)