Web Sites for Creating Multimedia
 Pre-training
* Tutorials Point.com
* http://www.tutorialspoint.com/word_2010/index.htm
* This site gives a detailed overview of Microsoft Word. It is broken down into individual sections of MS Word making reviewing specific information easy. It is very straight forward and provides wonderful screen shots. It is very useful in providing pre-training to learners who have never used MS Word.
* Although it is not really a good multimedia piece as it is not interactive - the site is a bit better than others as it provides the breakdown of topics such as editing text, formatting text, formatting pages and so forth. It is easy to use and easy to understand as there are screen shots that guide the learner through every step. For a new learner it probably is best not to overwhelm the learner with too much information all at once as might happen in some video tutorials.
* Google Docs
* www.docs.google.com
* Google Docs allows for the sharing, collaboration in the creation, editing and critiquing of documents, spreadsheets and presentations
* Rather than using a traditional discussion to just discuss each other's resume the learners can collaborate in a way that generates new ideas. Learners can manipulate each other's resumes - offer insight - actually edit each other's work in an effort to assist each other in their search for employment. Google Docs is relatively easy to use but there will be a learning curve for those not familiar with sites that allow for the sharing of work.
 Graphic organizer
* The Brain
* http://www.thebrain.com/c/personalbrain/?c=67
* The Brain allows for nonlinear thinking so that learners can be creative in crafting their resume. Often skills are not featured in a resume because they are not easily identified as a desired trait sought by employers. By using mind mapping technology learners will be able to identify and labels their skills accordingly so that potential employers will be presented with a comprehensive resume.
* The Brain, like most mind mapping applications, has a free trial period with various options to purchase upgrades. There are videos and templates that assist the learner in using the software.
* XMind
* http://www.xmind.net/
* Xmind is a mind mapping/brain storming collaborative site that allows the information collected to be easily exported into MS Word. It has a free trial period with the option to upgrade.
* Compared to other mind mapping software applications XMindis open source and easily exported to Word, PowerPoint and PDF formats.
 Presentation
* Word Press
* http://wordpress.com/
* This site will allow learners to post their resumes as well as critique others work. It is free, easy to use and has great tutorials.
* Compared to other blogging sites it just has a very casual feel that will work well with the workshop. The idea is not to intimidate the learners but to help them acclimate to new technology while polishing up their resume.
* You Tube
* http://www.youtube.com/
* There are wonderful training tutorials on how to use Microsoft Word as well as videos on how to write a resume. Learners will be able to access additional information for free.
* Compared to other video training tutorials provided by other sites - the ones found at You Tube are often well done and relevant - not straying off topic. Specific videos can be linked directly to the workshop.
 Authentic assessment activity
* Rubistar
* http://rubistar.4teachers.org/
* The creation of rubrics is free at Rubistar. Rubrics will provide the learner with guidelines and a set of expectations as well as a venue for providing feedback.
* Rubistar is free, easy to use and geared towards project based learning activities. There are existing rubrics to choose from or new ones can be created in a few simple steps.
* Monster
* http://jobsearch.monster.com/jobs/
* This is not necessarily an assessment tool but for the workshop it will be the "final". The assessment portion will be the ease in which the learner has in posting their resume, the responses they receive as well as the success they have in securing an interview. This is to build self confidence in the learner.
* It is free for the learner! Monster.com does have a ton of job listings and should provide the learner with great exposure on how to look for a job. The site provides sample resumes tips, and career tools!

Multimedia artifacts

I have listed below three multimedia artifact websites on my chosen topic of resume writing. Mayer (2009) promotes multimedia as a way to increase learning via cognitive or behavioral means.

http://www.spinscape.com/
Spinscape is a graphic organizer that allows for collaboration or individual work. If students enjoy mind mapping then spinscape will be fun and engaging as they learn to connect with others. Spinscape promotes visual thinking and is a behavioral learning tool as the student is actively engaged in a task. This is a learner-centered multimedia artifact as the technology allows the student to explore and connect deepening awareness and making connections.

http://www.slideshare.net
Slideshare is a community site that supports presentations, PDF files, documents, videos and even webinars. Used properly Slideshare can assist in learning but it is on the cognitive level as the student will either upload information or view information. This is a technology centered artifact based on Mayer's definition.

http://www.mywebspiration.com/
Webspiration Pro is a technology based in the clouds that assists in nearly everything from communication to brainstorming. Like Spinscape, Webspiration is a learner-centered multi-media artifact. It is a behavioral learning tool I that students will not just read and try to make sense out of a lecture. Webspiration is collaborative in nature and promotes visual thinking.

References:

Mayer, R. E. (2009). Multimedia learning (2nd ed.). Cambridge, MA: Cambridge University Press.