Slideshare

Slideshare

Slideshare (online resource) Here’s a quintessential free Web 2.0 application that consists entirely of user-generated content that is shareable, searchable, and often downloadable. As its name suggests, slideshare hosts slideshows; and anyone can create a free account and upload to slideshare. Uploads can include PowerPoint, pdf, or OpenOffice (odp) file formats.

Uploaded files on slideshare can be tagged to facilitate topical searching. As well, slideshare facilitates comments, favorites, etc. It also provides forums for specific communities built around shared interests.

This summer, slideshare became even more powerful by introducing the concept of “slidecasts”. You are now able to upload audio commentary and/or musical accompaniment. The audio file must be hosted elsewhere on the net, but this isn’t difficult to do, and there are several sites where audio files may be hosted free of charge.

I recently tried out slideshare and posted a presentation about quetions you can ask on a college visit. The process of using Slide Share was easy. On slideshare.com you will find lots of presentions and information to learn from. (Click on the slide)

Slideshare

www.slideshare.net/

Word Talk Free add-on for MS Word

Word Talk

For people with reading and writing difficulties, having text reinforced by hearing it read aloud can be very useful. Specialised programs have existed to do this for a long time, and in many cases are extremely helpful and highly appropriate and should be seriously considered, perhaps in consultation with professional advice where necessary.

WordTalk is a free plug-in developed for use with all versions of Microsoft Word (from Word 97 upwards), which can help people with reading difficulties use Microsoft Word more effectively. It will speak the text of the document and will highlight it as it goes. It contains a talking dictionary to help decide which word spelling is most appropriate. It sits neatly in your toolbar and is highly configurable, allowing you to adjust the highlight colours, the voice and the speed of the speech.

WordTalk is a free add-on for MS Word. This slide-show introduces WordTalk and shows how to install and use it. WordTalk only works on microsoft compatible computers.
(Click on the slide)

Slide presentation by Paul Hamilton

WorkTalk
www.wordtalk.org.uk/index.html