The Internet is loaded with free software, making it hard to know which one's you really need. This article will act as your guide to the top 20 free applications (Web and Windows) for increased productivity.
This web site colects web 2.0 tools. We suggest some of them for Pedagogical uses::
Skype and Gmail for communicating
Google Calendar and 7.Zip for planifying
Cam Studio and Audacity for creating videos and audio (they are bookmarked in this Diigo list aswell)
CamStudio is able to record all screen and audio activity on your computer and create industry-standard AVI video files and using its built-in SWF Producer can turn those AVIs into lean, mean, bandwidth-friendly Streaming Flash videos (SWFs)
Pedagogical uses:
creation of video-based information products, video presentations, video tutorials
intermediate level
Tags: free, video, creativity
ugma is a free web conferencing service that enables people to instantly connect over the internet and to collaborate using any application or software, using both Windows and Mac. Businesses can connect on-demand and real-time with clients, prospects or employees whether they are across the city, nation or even the globe.
Pretty cool 3D modeling tool - free - can be used to create and tinker with 3D models, export them to 3D printing, etc.
"Features & Benefits
Solid modelling
Designing physical models either for manufacturing or visualization requires solid modeling. All operations in Tinkercad are guaranteed to generate proper solids.
Cloud storage
The 3D designs created with Tinkercad are stored in the cloud for easy access from anywhere. We always use SSL encryption (same as online banks).
Laser Cutting
The SVG export in Tinkercad is specifically tailored for laser cutters. The standard workplane will cut a slice through your model which can then be laser cutted.
Shapes
Shapes are the basic building block of Tinkercad. Any shape can add or remove material and in addition to pre-existing shapes you can also import your own.
Share models
As Tinkercad is a web app you can easily share your models just by copying the link. Tinkercad also lets you fork someone elses model and develop it further.
Import 2D
With 2D import you can create vector shapes in your favorite vector editing tool and import them into Tinkercad and extrude them into solids. Great for adding logos or images.
Grouping
By grouping together a set of shapes you can create a new shape to work with. By building more and more intricate shapes you can create extremely detailed models.
3D printing
Tinkercad supports all 3D printers on the market that accept the industry standard STL file format. You can also download VRML files for color printing.
Import 3D
Tinkercad features revolutionary 3D import that lets you turn an external file into a editable Tinkercad shape. There is a growing number of supported formats.
Web based
Tinkercad runs in any web browser that supports HTML5/WebGL be it on Windows, Mac or Linux. Suggested browsers are Google Chrome and Mozille FireFox.
3D printing services
With direct integration with 3rd party printing services you can print a design from Tinkercad with just a few clicks of the mouse.
F
Storybird is a service that uses collaborative storytelling to connect kids, families and teachers. Two (or more) people author a Storybird-one with words, one with pictures-and then share it with their network. The final product can be printed, watched on screen, played with like a toy, or shared through a worldwide library.
For the teachers is possible to create thematic assignments within seconds to support their lesson plans. Assign privacy settings, turn Spellcheck on or off, and issue due dates. All using an intuitive interface.
Pedagogical uses:
developement creativity, language skills, foreign languages skills, creative writing, storytelling.
Intermediate level
Tags: free, storytelling
LeMill is primary a tool for trainers. You have to register for free, that you can use it. It is a tool for finding, authoring and sharing open educational resources. 18759 teachers from 67 countries share 29838 learning resources in 49 languages. Only the Greek lanuage is missing.
Pedagogical uses: find, develop educational learning materials, and work on them with other trainers
tag: trainer, learning materials
Stripcreator is a website that allows users to create and save their own comic strips.
Pedagogical uses:
creativity developement, icebreaking
Novice level
Tags: free, illustrations, creativity
It's a kind of electronic on line agenda that allows you to plan your work, projects, things to do, giving a priority. It's a collaborative tool.
Pedagogical uses:
project management, deadlines, workflow management, etc...
Tags: free, project management, communication, project
Intermediate level
Sending large files to other people or sharing large files with a group of people.
Pedagogical uses:
Sharing files, sending large files (videos, presentations).
There are useful and useless things in Google Sites. It is free but it is more a business tool than an educational one. But it can start as a business game and then someone can use the social mobile template to start socializing.
you draw, then the application turns it into an animated drawing that you can save and embed, all for free.
Interesting if you like drawings and animation.
Very simple and intuitive. No need for instructions.
Pedagogical uses: storytelling in a different style; icebreaker; illustrator
After registration (for free) the collaborative collection of ideas can start. The participants can work on the mindmap simultaneously.
It is possible to add links or attachments, to highlight ideas by using emoticons.
The mindmap can be downloaded to the own computer, linked to a website, ...
Members are invited by e-mail to collaborate with the mindmap.
pedagogical use: collaborative designing e.g. of the familarization phase, illustration of the various phases, organisation of project ideas, steps, results
Collaborative mind mapping in your browser
Manage all your ideas, whether alone, twosome or working together with the whole world - collaborative, browser-based and for free.
Convert your Power Point presentations to video with this free tool.
Convierte to Power Point en un video que después podrás compartir en Internet o enviarlo por correo electrónico.
Artician is a new community for creative professionals! We provide an effortless way for anyone to build, manage, and fully customize their portfolio. We also like to promote and feature creative talent, let's show your work to the world. It's free, sign up below!
This tool allow student to show and promote his/her creative works.
Pedagogical uses: presenting creative projects with images. This could be a good tool to show final creative projects to other countries students.
Teachers can ask students who are interested in design, to follow one of the beginner tutorials and create a design, model or drawing of a car, building, or something else they like.
Technical uses: Create your account in Google +, make your circles of contacts and start a videoconference. Talk up to 10 people simultaneously, for free.
Pedagogical uses: Communication between peers, collaborative work, teamwork between teachers.
Say hello to a little conversation.
Mootly is where ongoing conversations take the main stage. In a moot the discussion can go as deep or as frivolous as you like. Sign up now by creating your first moot!
Very easy signup: add name, email, participants, and welcome message. It is like a very simple Facebook group and free to use. Can't be more simple and straightforward than this.
Students can use this to setup a simple and temporary chat/collaboration platform if they do not want to use Facebook.
could be very useful for the International project! It's free and anyone can join. You can also download a client to your computer (if you have a Mac) or mobile phone/tablet, but it can also be used online.