What a Cool Tool

Learning Tools & Tips
  I came across this site purely by default, as I often do. What it does is take any word you choose and instantly populate in graphical terms, all the antonyms and synonyms associated with it. For example, I used my company name, “Natural” and it produced this brilliant graphic with related nouns and adjectives. So cool! Practical and pretty.  Click on the image to see a larger version.   What could you use it for? - Explaining terms. - Communication courses. - Definitions. - Smarten up your next presentation. A myriad of uses really. A cool tool that’s quick to use and needs no prior knowledge!  Love it. See it in action yourself at http://www.visualthesaurus.com/
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Email and SMS Language

Learning Tools & Tips
  Shorthand has been around since before the days of Pitman I’m sure, and every generation seems to invent its own language.  Lately in my training sessions I’ve noted an increase in younger delegates texting away during sessions (that’s another topic!). I’ve noticed they use short codes the same as the ones in Email, Chat programs, Forums, SMS’s and other space and attention is at a premium. If, like me, you’ve felt like a dinosaur because you couldn't work out what that abbreviated language meant, then here is a post that should enlighten you.   <G> Grinning <J> Joking <L> Laughing <S> Smiling <Y> Yawning AAMOF As A Matter Of Fact AFAIC As Far As I Can... ASAP As Soon As Possible BBFN Bye Bye For Now BFN Bye For…
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Technology … love it!

Learning Tools & Tips
There are some exciting new web applications floating around cyberspace these days. Here are a  few I've been exploring lately: Dokeos.com- an e-learning tool that is open source (ie free and collaboratively built). It looks very comprehensive having used the online demo. At some point I may download it and see how it works under the hood. An easy solution to play with. I found Moodle complex to get going but that was when I looked at it in the early days so it may be more user-friendly now. I've also looked at LAMS and that seems great too but again not easy to use for the average-joey. Dokeo looks easy to use - I just haven’t spent enough time to work out how to put the content together yet!…
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