Tech for Free for L & D
I spoke with Rebecka Anderson to learn more about her very helpful resource where she collects free tools, resources and tech related items and lists them on one site for people like us to benefit from.
I understand you have a collection of resources. Where can readers find this collection?
Yes, I like to share free tech resources (and some tips) that I find on the internet and I post them to my public facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/techforfree so that others can benefit. In particular, I like to share web-based services because they aren’t platform specific, but often times I will share desktop tools and apps, as long as there is a version for multiple platforms.
How did you come up with the idea to offer this resource?
In all of my past positions I’ve always been the go to person for information about identifying a tool that could do “XYZ.” I found that I was sometimes reinventing the wheel with regard to the research and testing of products so I decided it would be a better use of my time to start posting my findings.
I originally had tried a blogging format where I would identify a free tool and then talk about the utility of it as well as provide some instruction on how to use it. I abandoned that format for a couple of reasons:
- In order to meet both objectives I found that my blog posts were on the lengthy side, and sometimes were a repeat of what other bloggers had posted.
- I also found that when a tool was updated my instructions that I had written up, were suddenly outdated.
I switched to Facebook because I can share the address to the site, and provide a short synopsis of why I like the tool and why the reader might like the tool. Additionally, I will sometimes use the comments section to share links to how others are using the tool or to show examples.
What audience would benefit from your site?
Certainly anyone on a tight tech budget will find the resources useful, but I also try to share tools that make life or one’s job easier . I also share tools that I feel are relatively easy to use. Some require some higher level tech skills, but 95% of what I post has to do with how easy and useful the product is. Being free isn’t enough.
What kind of work do you do to find/collect these resources?
I’m a tech geek at heart and I’m lucky enough to have a job that utilizes those skills. In my “day” job I am an eLearning Specialist with Virginia Commonwealth University, and by “night” I am running my own company Another Concept, which provides a variety of creative technology services, which ranges from web design to the provision of training on a variety of tech topics. To be on top of my game in both positions, I am constantly reviewing new products and services.
How can others help your cause?
First, it would be great if you liked the page and then shared it. Second, feel free to post to the wall any tool you think deserves a mention. I will check it out and then share it with the rest of the group. You can also make requests for me to look for a specific tool….I like those challenges.
Thanks Rebecka for providing this awesome service! I’m certain that I’m not the only person who is excited about this and appreciates your ever growing collection.
