MERLOT Updated Content Builder

I copied an email that I recently received below.  MERLOT has improved the Content Builder to make it easier to create learning resources.  Once the learning resources are built, the user can add them to the MERLOT database.  This a a fantastic opportunity for instructors to make their resources public for students and others who could benefit.

If you use the MERLOT Content Builder and would like to have the learning resource peer reviewed, make an attempt not to have the resource so tightly coupled with a particular course that others could not easily benefit. 

MERLOT announces Content Builder 2.0 – a significant upgrade to their instructional web authoring system. 

Easier to use.  Easier to build pages.  Easier to store in the cloud. 

Long Beach, CA, USA, December 2011. MERLOT announced today the immediate availability of a major release of its authoring website system, MERLOT Content Builder.

This new release provides an improved interface that allows instructors to more easily manage, organize, and navigate through their authored web material.  The new version supports all previously developed Content Builder material.

Instructors can develop web pages in many ways, including using library templates for e-portfolios, lesson plans, pedagogical analysis, student reflection, online courses, tutorials, presentations, and others.  Examples can be seen at MERLOT Effective Uses of the MERLOT Content Builder Tool  (which was created using the new Content Builder).  There is also a new version of the Quick Start Guide to help you get familiar with the Content Builder. 

Instructors can:

·         Easily create instructional web pages and websites

• Download IMS-certified Common Cartridges of the web pages and websites built in Content Builder to use in applications that support the Common Cartridge format
• Add a Creative Commons license to web pages and websites created with Content Builder
• Contribute web pages and websites directly  to the MERLOT repository

To learn more, visit our information page or contact the MERLOT Webmaster at webmaster@merlot.org. 

Ramping Up Office Skills

I created a couple of posts outlining basic, intermediate, and advanced skills for using office suite software. 

So perhaps you realize that you are ready to learn some additional skills.

There are lots of FREE high-quality learning resources.

http://www.gcflearnfree.org/computer/ - is free, but requires a login and password

http://h30187.www3.hp.com/  is also free, but requires a login and password

Microsoft provides many free interactive tutorials at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/training/default.aspx