Online Resources
Table of Contents
Animated Video Creation Tools
The free version allows you to create videos up to 2 minutes long.
With the free version you can upload high-quality videos to YouTube.
You can try the tool free for 14 days
Blogs
Free, easy-to-use blog creation tool (requires a Google log-in)
Free tool for creating and hosting your own blog
Free and easy-to-use blog templates and hosting
Create and publish your blog. Several templates available.
Comic Strip Creators
This storyboard creation tool has a free basic option
Drag and drop images onto a variety of backgrounds
Allows you to create comics or storyboards.
Crossword Puzzle Makers
You can see a preview of your puzzle as you create it. You can print the puzzle or have people solve it online.
Follow the instructions for this easy-to-use tool. Note that the free printout displays an ad.
Simple puzzle maker from Discovery Education.
Diagrams, Flowcharts, and Mind Maps
Create flowcharts, mind maps, infographics, Venn diagrams, and more. Several templates are available. The free online version allows you to make up to 5 diagrams.
Good tool for creating flowcharts.
Easy-to-use flowchart creation tool
Simple drawing program (requires a Google log-in)
Dictionaries and Thesauruses
Dictionary with easy-to-understand definitions and examples; also contains a thesaurus
Easy-to-use source for definitions, pronunciations, and word origins
Dictionary and thesaurus
Thorough lists of synonyms and antonyms
Drawing Tools
Free downloadable Windows-only Paint program
Simple drawing program (requires a Google log-in)
Free, open-source software you download to your computer
Music Notation
Software for Windows or Macintosh systems. A free, 30-day trial is available.
Open-source software that is free to download and use.
A free basic version is available.
Podcasts and Video Logs
A free app that you download to your computer. Allows you to record audio as well as edit, mix, and add sound effects to audio files.
Tutorial on how to set up and publish your video blog (vlog)
Set up your own podcast site and upload podcasts. Free version available.
Upload and publish podcasts. The Basic version is free.
Free Basic account lets you upload videos and choose who can view them
Simple audio recording tool
Poster Creation
Create posters and other graphics. A free version is available.
Tool to create posters, flyers, and brochures. A free version is available.
Free tool for creating posters and flyers.
Presentation and Slideshows
Offers easy-to-use templates for slideshows
Free tool to create basic slideshows (requires a Google log-in)
Make creative animated presentations and videos.
Build creative presentations online.
Surveys
Free survey tool; requires a Google log in
Basic plan is free; must set up an account
Free plan available; must set up an account
Typing/Keyboarding
This site for kids teaches the basics of typing.
Teaches touch typing to improve speed and accuracy.
This site provides a variety of simple games to help improve typing skills.
Learn how to type or improve your keyboarding skills.
Website Creation
Free website creation and hosting; good selection of templates
Quick and easy-to-use website creation tool (requires a Google log-in)
Free and easy-to-use templates and hosting
Free tool for creating polished webpages
Word Cloud Generators
Provides several font and color options for the word cloud you generate
Provides different color and layout options for the finished word cloud
Lets you adjust the fonts, colors, and other settings for the word cloud you generate