PRE-TRAINING
Wordle
http://www.wordle.net/
This is an online site that create word clouds based on the text you input. The clouds are based on the prominence of words as they appear in the provided text. It can be used by learners from pre-training vocabulary or the identification of important concepts.

Go!Animate
http://goanimate.com/
This is a do it yourself animation website that is easy to use with a low learning curve. Users can create simple video animations. It is a drag and drop 2D software with an easy to use navigation system. It can be used as a pre-trainer by allowing users to create simple animations on some of the fundamental concepts that will be introduced.

GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS
Bubbl.us
https://bubbl.us/
This is a free mind mapping/brainstorming website. It is an online software. It has a low learning curve and allows users to quickly create mind maps that can be saved and shared immediately. It is an excellent graphical organization tool. It is powered by flash and has an extremely clean look and interface. This tool can allow users to create understanding and relationships between ideas by distilling them down to manageable sizes and connecting them together in a logical pattern.

MindMeister
http://www.mindmeister.com/
This is another free mindmapping/brainstorming website. It is distinct from bubbl.us an thus deserves a separate entry. This software in also online. It defers from bubbl.us in its organizational structure and unlike bubbl.us it uses icons, and the ability to add notes to the nodes. You can also export your completed map into various file formats, to include PDF. It has a paid service that has increased functionality. Learners can use this site in much the same way as bubbl.us with some increased functionality at the cost of simplicity.

PRESENTATION
Wordpress
www.wordpress.com
This is an online blogging service that is easy to setup an use. It is free to use unless you opt for a premium package. It is an excellent way to present what you are learning and also making it available for others to read and critique. It does not masquerade as a social networking site, it can be an exclusive blogging tool and little more (if that is what you decide).

Prezi
http://prezi.com/index/
This is an online presentation tool. It is free to use, but paid services are more robust. It allows users to upload presentations and share them out ( it is a cloud-based service). Easy to create and share. This provides an innovative and simplistic way for learners to create and share imaginative presentations.

AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT ACTIVITY
Spinscape
http://www.spinscape.com/
This online mapping tool can be used by students to create a map of the concepts. It can be paired with a rubric that can specify the parameters of the map as well as what concepts need to be covered and the number of nodes. It is a great map management tool that will allow students to create their individual maps based on templates.

Webspiration
http://www.mywebspiration.com/
While in the vein of mapping tools, this is another great tool. It has an outline view that can guide students. It is collaborative too, this can allow for an authentic assessment that is team-based. All members can edit can post to the maps, this provides great collaborative potential.


References

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

Module 1 - Multimedia Artifacts

1. http://www.ted.com/
TedTv

This site hosts videos that highlight the ideas of motivational and inspiring speakers. Although the technology on the site is strong and up to date, the focus is clearly learner based. The layout of the site is conducive to easy understandability and can be adjusted based on the preferences of the visitor. The site promotes active learning through the selection and focusing of video choices and the opportunities to comments, share, and rate the videos. This format supports Mayer's (2009) input through dual channels, in addition to the textual (audio) and video channels, many of the videos have subtitles available in a wide selection of languages.

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

2. http://news.discovery.com/
Discovery News

This multimedia rich website focuses on scientific news. The site provides written text, video, audio, interactivity, and blogs all of resources I examined were of high quality and fidelity; these varied resources more than meet Mayer's definition of multimedia being the presentation of text and images (Mayer, 2009) . This site definitely takes a technology approach, however it is the tool at the site not the focus; active learning takes the stage facilitated by the technology.

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

3. http://www.exploratorium.edu/
Exploritorium

This technology-imbued site is an amazing science resource. It is both simplistic and sophisticated. Each entry has a multitude of resources that cover the dual channels of Mayer, both auditory and visual (Mayer, 2009). The site is rich in technology; the technology is seamlessly incorporated into the site while maintaining the focus on active learning. Navigation is simplistic and intuitive, and the resources are not overwhelming in length or quantity, supporting Mayer's idea of limited capacity.

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