Learning Development: Free eLearning Resources

Here is a concise list of websites to find free photos, sounds, and fonts for eLearning, web design, or graphic design projects.

Photos: Free Foto, iStockphoto, Stock.XCHNG, eLearning Stock, Every Stock Photo

Sounds: Freesound, Freeplay Music, Free Stock Music, Stock Music Boutique

Fonts: 1001 Free Fonts, Font Squirrel, Simply the Best Fonts, Google web fonts

Image credit:
http: http://freebabystuffforexpectingmothers.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/free-stuff.jpg

Learning Design: Design Mapping Techniques

Design Mapping Techniques for Better Rapid eLearning Courses
Notes from #CETS11 - Chicago eLearning and Technology Showcase



Pictures and fonts are your "voice" in eLearning, and they set the tone and style of the learning experience. Design mapping is a great way to pre-design the visual layout of your eLearning. Elements of the design map include: Colors, Typography, People, Culture, Analogies, Metephors, Industry, and even Trade Magazines.

The above image, a design map template, and notes about design mapping from David Anderson himself can be found here: Using the Mind Map Template

Reference:
Anderson, D. (2011) Design Mapping Techniques for Better Rapid eLearning Courses. http://chicagoelearningshowcase.com/

Learning Tools: Adobe Creative

My copy of Adobe Web Suite CS5 just arrived from the UIUC Webstore yesterday and I am so excited! My goal is to tackle Photoshop Extended and Illustrator first, so that I gain a strong foundational knowledge in image manipulation and graphic design. I have been compiling resources over the past few months in anticipation of some self-led training.

Illustrator:
70 Tips from DesignrFix
Improve Your Skills from Noupe
45 Excellent Sets of Brushes via DesignMag
Examples And Tips For Using Illustrator’s Warp Tools via Smashing Magazine
20 Free Patterns Sets from DesignModo
Featured episodes on Adobe TV
Beautiful and Informative Tutorials from Nerd Treasure

Photoshop:
50 Photo Manipulation Tutorials from Stylish Web Designer
Free Brushes from Brush Lovers
Ultimate Round Up of Free Patterns via Vandelay Design
Getting Started with AdobeTV
How to Design a Glossy Button by the eLearning Brothers
Brilliant training from Noupe
30 best tutorials from Creative Fan
50+ custom shapes from DesignModo
500+ Vector Brushes from Creative Design Magazine
How to Clip out People Images with eLearning Brothers

Additional training:
Lynda.com Adobe training
Atomictraining.com Illustrator training
Atomictraining.com Photoshop training

Check back often for new resources!