Technology Choices

The tools of the online environment can utilized for teaching and learning in many ways. The Flexible Learning Team has written a series of reports, which survey various eLearning applications and tools, has been created for lecturers. The tools and applications have been divided into 4 main categories:

1. Content Creation and Conversion Tools (pdf)
2. Communication and Collaboration Tools (pdf)
3. Assessment Tools (pdf)
4. Other Learning Tools and Resources (pdf)

Each of these categories has a number of subcategories (see table below); however, it is important to note that some of the tools fit into more than one category due to there multi-feature nature.

The purpose of these reports is to give lectures an overview of some of the technologies currently available. As this set of reports is only a preliminary survey, most of the applications have not been trialled. Instead we have looked at the application's supporting documentation and website for information and made a subsequent recommendation.

If a decision has been made to continue investigating a software application, you will find that recommendation after the summary for that application. ETS will continue investigations through 2006 and issue updates from time to time. Anyone interested in assisting in trialling software or who would like to contribute suggestions for investigation should contact the Flexible Learning Team.

If some of the terms in these reports are unfamiliar or too technical we suggest using the Learning Circuit's Glossary as a resource.

Table - Categories and Subcategories of eLearning applications & tools

	Content Creation and Conversion (pdf)	Communication and Collaboration (pdf)	Assessment (pdf)	Other Learning Tools & Utilities (pdf)
	Content Converters	Discussion Boards & Community Spaces	Planning	Online Survey Tools
	Content Authoring Tools	E-Portfolios	Creation and Delivery	Shared Content
	Combined Content Tools	Instant Messaging software	Marking	Learning Objects
		Bulk SMS messaging	Reporting	Educational Games and Activities
		Online Conferencing		Concept mapping tools
		Webcasting		Tutorials
		Classroom feedback		Utilities - Sound Editors
		Blogs		More Utilities and Applications
		Blog Add-ons
		Wikis
		Really Simple Syndication (RSS)

Want More?

Here are some sites that discuss online tools and learning activities.

• Macquarie University , Centre for Flexible Learning looks at chat and online discussion boards
• Berge and Collin's resources for moderators and facilitators of online discussions
• Flinders University , using email in teaching
• Teaching strategies utilizing ICT tools
• Two Australian academics give their tips for teaching successfully online

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