Jane's E-Learning Pick of the Day

Scitable

Scitable is a free science library and personal learning tool brought to you by Nature Publishing Group, the world's leading publisher of science.

"Scitable currently concentrates on genetics, the study of evolution, variation, and the rich complexity of living organisms. As you cultivate your understanding of modern genetics on Scitable, you will explore not only what we know about genetics and the ways it impacts our society, but also the data and evidence that supports our knowledge."

Specific tools on the site include:

• Ask an Expert which allows students to post a question that will be answered within forty-eight hours by a scientist or academic researcher from anywhere in the world. The site and its services are available across the globe at no charge.  
• Essentials of Genetics, a free and authoritative mini-text launched by Nature Education, a division of global science publisher Nature Publishing Group and creator of Scitable, which covers core concepts in genetics for undergraduate and high school science students.
• Two other features of the site include a monthly podcast (Nature EdCast) and a video blog (Simply Science). Further added value is attributed to the hundreds of free articles from all of NPG’s publications including Nature magazine and Scientific American.

WikiWorldBook

Free online address book

• Be found by old friends via a Google Search of your name
• Become easily and freely contactable
• Never reveal your email address
• Emails can go to your regular email account

WikiWorldBook

Etherpad to go open source

As many of you know, I recommended Etherpad as a tool to consider for 2010 (if you weren't already using it of course!)

However, a couple of days ago, on December 4th, there was an Etherpad blog posting that stated

"AppJet Inc. has been acquired by Google. The EtherPad team will continue its work on realtime collaboration by joining the Google Wave team."

and more ... that the service would close in March 2010 and that no further accounts could be opened.

I, like many others, was not too happy!

But, I have just read another posting on the Etherpad blog that explains that due to the fact that many people "were not super thrilled with the transition plan" they are making a few changes:

1. They have re-enabled pad creation
2. They have begun planning how to open source the code to EtherPad and the underlying AppJet Web Framework

I am glad to see they have been so responsive to their users' outcry, and look forward to seeing the OS version of Etherpad.

12 x 3D Tools for Education, Training & Collaboration

Here is my pick of 12 3D tools for education, traniing and collaboration that I'll be presenting to the 3D EU Online Educa conference session today. 

These tools are suitable for those who want to start simply and have fun, as well as those interested in creating high-end simulated learning environments.  A mix of free, open source and commercial tools. I would be interested to hear feedback from those who are using any of these tools.

The slideset, speaker notes and links to tools and resources are available HERE.

Tools of the Trade #oebjh

The slideset for my session later today at Online Educa Berlin is now available for those who would like to participate but are unable to be present either live in the room or virtually (for LearnTrends members).

If you would like to contribute to the discussion before, during and.or after the event please tweet your thoughts, ideas, examples using the session hashtag #oebjh.

You'll find the slideset, link to the real-time Twitter stream as well as notes and links to tools and resources HERE.

Online Educa Berlin

I'm here in Berlin for Onine Educa.  The pre-conference workshops take place today and I'm going to be dropping in on Jay Cross's "Informal Learning + Web 2.0 = Social Learning Breakthroughs" this afternoon).

The conference programme starts tomorrow, and I'm going to be involved in a number of sessions:

• Tools of the Trade (in the Creating the New Era of Corporate Learning stream)
  "In this session Jane will demonstrate some of the best tools for social learning on the site.  The session will provide you with a clear understanding of which social learning tools are available and fit-for-purpose for corporate use. Jane will discuss what tools organisations are using, and will provide practical advice on getting started and setting up informal and social learning tools so they add value to your organisation."
  Time: December 3rd 1630-1730 CET
  Note: this session is one of those that is free for LearnTrends members to attend virtually.  Find out more here.  If you can't make it in person or virtually, I'll be making my slides available tomorrow morning and inviting contributions via Twitter.
• 12 x 3D Tools for Education, Training & Collaboration (in the EU 3D: Ctrl+Alt+Delete session, chaired by Donald Clark and also including Chris Branningam CEO of Caspain Learning. 
  "In my presentation I'll be offering my pick of 12 tools for creating 3D characters, 3D environments and virtual worlds - for those who are dipping their toes into the water as well as those who are looking for high-end solutions."
  Time: December 4th 1145-1300 CET
  Note: I'll be making my presentation slides available on Friday too for those who won't be able to join us live.
• Battle of the Bloggers
  I'll be on the panel alongside Donald Clark, Ellen Wagner and Clive Shepherd and chaired by Bert de Coutere to "discuss some of the key issues arising at ONLINE EDUCA BERLIN 2009". Should be entertaining!
  TIme: December 4th 1415-1600 CET

If you are attending Online Educa, please say hello.

Apture

Today, another tool that didn't quite make the Top 100 Tools for Learning 2009 list.

Apture lets you enhance your blog posts and articles with interactive videos, images, Wikipedia, maps and more from 50+ sources without making readers leave the page.

Apture works on any publishing platform and installs in seconds - and is free

Apture

[85 widgets and accessories for web/blog pages in the Directory of Learning Tools]