Finding reliable resources, learning software, and incorporating technology in your teaching and learning can sometimes be a challenge. One such resource, Lynda.com, will not be renewed this coming year. According to the UAF Rasmuson library website, increasing access costs and changes to whom may use the license are making the service cost-prohibitive. (1) Of course, this service is available on an individual or group basis so if you are a power user you might want to look into getting your own subscription. But maybe you only used the service occasionally or maybe there is only one product you’re interested in exploring. There are other paid services you might explore, but the resources listed below all have free access. Most of these resources are also available for your students and can be provided to them to help fill in their own gaps in software knowledge.
Most major software providers like Adobe, Microsoft or Google have terrific online resources. Adobe.com has lots of support material for their products and they even have a series of exercises that provide sample files to work with while following along with hands-on instruction. Also look at Adobe Education Exchange for courses, workshops and teaching materials.
Of course, if you perform a YouTube or a Google search, you’ll find a lot of options, it might take some hunting to find a resource that is helpful, but most of the really good YouTube video creators have their own channels so you might find a good channel that will serve your purpose.
If you or your students have Anchorage Public Library or Juneau Public Library cards,  both libraries provide access to Lynda.com with a library card account. Much like the previous UAF license, there is a cap on the number of simultaneous users, but waiting for access might be worth the risk.

Don’t forget about exploring other online opportunities such as:

• Coursera, Udacity or EdX
• Khan Academy
• CodeAcademy or w3schools
• Google for Educators
• Blackboard Support
• UA Skillsoft Portal  accessed through UAOnline (staff only)

If you have a learning resource that you’ve found helpful that isn’t listed, please share the link with CTL so others may also benefit. Having access to these types of resources goes a long way in extending our own professional development opportunities.

Reference

(1) Lynda.com subscription ends June 30. (2017, March 22).
(2)  Enis, M. (2014, October 16). Lynda.com to offer at-home access for library users.

UAF Instructional Designers

This page has been authored collectively by the experts on the
UAF Instructional Design Team.
Let us know if you have suggestions or corrections!

uaf-ctl@alaska.edu