Free Software for Learning Object Development

Neil Griffin
Director, Spartanburg Community College Online

MERLOT Conference 2008
Minneapolis, Minnesota


Presentation Materials


Software Links

EXE -- http://www.exelearning.org
Create and package learning objects.  Includes WYSIWYG editor and a number of tools such as quiz questions, image gallery, image magnifier, RSS feeds, URL links, and links to Wikipedia. (Open source)

Wink -- http://www.debugmode.com
Create computer software demonstrations and tutorials including audio and captions in Flash format. (Freeware)

Timeline Creator -- http://timeline.cer.jhu.edu
Create Flash-based timelines that include text and graphics. (Freeware)

Eclipse Crossword Creator -- http://www.eclipsecrossword.com
Create Flash-based crossword puzzles that students can solve online. (Freeware)

Match-up -- http://www.contentgenerator.net/matchup
Flash-based game where students match items in the right column to those on the left. (Freeware, publisher has other Flash game creators for sale)

Multiple-choice -- http://www.contentgenerator.net/multiplechoice
Flash-based multiple choice quiz. (Freeware, publisher has other Flash game creators for sale)

Fling the Teacher -- http://www.contentgenerator.net/fling
Irreverent Flash-based multiple choice game. It and the game above (Multiple-choice) can share question files. There is a SCORM version available. (Freeware, publisher has other Flash game creators for sale)

Other Useful Tools

PDFCreator -- http://www.pdfforge.org
Create PDF files from any program with a print function. Advanced options include adjustable compression settings, password protection, and blocking of copy/paste and print functions.

CamStudio -- http://www.camstudio.org
Create recordings of activity on your computer with audio and captions in AVI or Flash format. (Open source)

Audacity -- http://audacity.sourceforge.net
Record, edit, and convert audio files in a wide variety of formats. Used by many for podcasting and music excerpts for courses. An additional plug-in is needed for MP3 functionality (http://audacity.sourceforge.net/help/faq?s=install&item=lame-mp3). (Open source)

MediaCoder -- http://mediacoder.sourceforge.net
Convert sound and video files from one format to another. (Open source)

OpenOffice -- http://www.openoffice.org
Office suite with word processor, spreadsheet, presentations, drawing, and database programs that will open and save Microsoft Office formats. The presentation prgram, Impress, will save presentations to Flash format. (open source)


Contact Information

Neil Griffin
Spartanburg Community College
P.O. Box 4386
Spartanburg, SC  29301

Phone:  (864) 592-4897
E-mail:  GriffinN@sccsc.edu