Language Learning & Web 2.0

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ReadWrite Katakana

ReadWrite Katakana teaches the Japanese Katakana alphabet. Lessons include a structured introduction to each letter with examples of its pronunciation. Students can use the voice recording feature to compare their pronunciation with a native speaker's. The Writing Lessons use animation to illustrate letter stroke orders. Students can practice writing and receive instant feedback on their efforts. Reading, Listening and Multichoice exercises are also included which are designed to build a simple vocabulary.
Free Download (2.61 Mb)

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Chemical Equation Expert

Chemical Equation Expert is an integrated tool for chemistry professionals and students to solve chemical equation problems. It provides several powerful functions you have dreamed for long: 1.Balances chemical equations quickly. An equation as complicated as: 119H2+18Ca(CN)2+6NaAlF4+12FeSO4+6MgSiO3+6KI +2H3PO4+12PbCrO4+24BrCl+6CF2Cl2+24SO2 = 12PbBr2+12CrCl3+6MgCO3+6KAl(OH)4+12Fe(SCN)3+ 2PI3+6NaSiO3+18CaF2+110H2O can be balanced in no time! So, balancing chemical equations will not be your nightmare but a piece of cake from now on. 2.A build-in equation search engine lets you find an equation or make a summary of a certain type of reactions easily. 3.Calculates the mass mole of the compounds of a selected equation automatically. Uses the Stoico-metric coefficients, reaction consumption to calculate the amounts/masses of compounds.
Free Download (1000 Kb)

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Babylon-Pro

Babylon-Pro
Features: Information @ a Click Receive instant information by clicking on any on-screen word or value. When working online, Babylon-Pro brings you results from glossaries that you have downloaded to your computer and subscribed to from our index (without downloading them). Clicking on “More Results” will also bring you results from relevant glossaries in our database that you have not downloaded or subscribed to. To work offline, you need to first download all of the dictionaries and glossaries that you want to use. Translations Babylon's dictionaries cover over 55 languages, providing you with one-click translations to and from the language of your choice. Amongst these are Babylon’s newly improved proprietary dictionaries in 18 languages. These dictionaries contain over 120,000 unique entries including general, encyclopedic, slang & informal terms. Babylon Glossaries Babylon offers over 1600 glossaries, ranging from small definition lists to large encyclopedic references and comprehensive dictionaries. Created by commercial companies (e.g. Britannica.com), or private users (e.g. The Harry Potter Glossary), these glossaries cover a broad range of topics, from Business & Economy, to Entertainment, Health, Computers & Internet, and many more. Click here to go to our Glossary Index, and subscribe to glossaries (for online use only) or download glossaries (for online or offline use
Free Download (1.89 Mb)

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English To Hindi Dictionary

Turtle's English to Hindi dictionary has over 20,000 English words and their meanings in Hindi. Good for home users, authors, and those who want to learn the Hindi language. Users can quickly search for words or select a word from a list of words for its meaning. The dictionary has a quick and easy to use interface and full text search capability for English words. Most words also have multiple meanings in Hindi. Good for homes, authors, students, and those who want to learn Hindi, India's national language. Keywords: English Hindi Dictionary Shabdkosh Shabdakosh Words India Languages Hindu Indian

Free Download (2.68 Mb)

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Microsoft Offers Free Online Computer Courses

Microsoft has always offered a nice array of training resources for consumers. According to a press release, they want to train 2 million people in basic tech skills. This is part of a 3-year initiative called “Elevate America”. The program seems to have two facets, but the one that might appeal to you is the Digital Literacy program that offers five free online computer courses.
According to the press release, “This new Web site helps individuals understand what types of technical skills they need for the jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities of today and tomorrow, and resources to help acquire these skills.”
Because I’m always up for learning, I thought I would take a quick look at the computer courses offered through the new portal. Despite the Elevate America name, I didn’t see anything that made me think people outside the US people would be blocked from the course. I suspect the name has more to do with eligibility for grants.
The portal offers 5 online classes in two different versions. These include:
Computer Basics
The Internet and the World Wide Web
Productivity Programs
Computer Security and Privacy
Digital Lifestyles
You may be wondering more about the “Productivity Programs”. If you read the short description, it references word processors, spreadsheets, presentation programs and databases. The demos themselves show Word, Excel and so on.
The two versions differ by operating system and program version. As you might guess, the courses are Windows-centric. Yes, that means you have to take the course with Internet Explorer. The Original Version uses images and text from Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Office 2003. Version II uses Microsoft Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007. You are not required to have Microsoft Office.
Getting to the Online Tutorials
The Elevate America portal includes more than online computer courses such as certification information or additional training centers. If you’re a non-profit, you might want to look at some of their community offerings, which is why I’m starting here.
1. With Internet Explorer, navigate to http://www.microsoft.com/elevateamerica.
2. Scroll to the bottom and click the Get Started Now button under the Get the Basics block.
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3. Scroll to the bottom of the Digital Literacy home page and select your language and click Go.
4. On the next page, choose the curriculum version you need. Courses are the same; it’s just the screen shots and steps that differ.
5. Make a course selection.
Although these are considered “online courses”, you can download them to your PC. This might be handy if you’re heading someplace that has slow internet access.
First impressions
On balance, I think the courses are a nice offering. Each class can take between 2-3 hours although you don’t need to do them in one sitting with the exception of the test. The classes are nicely organized with discrete topics. The system allows you to view specific topics or search for content.
Before you start, I strongly recommend you view the Navigation Overview section for your class. This segment introduces you to a unique navigation system on the bottom of the panel. At first, I didn’t like it but grew to appreciate it. It segments content so if you just want to see multimedia content, you can click the dedicated icon.
Although I liked the usability aspects of the navigator, there were other items I disliked. To begin, I couldn’t get the courses to operate on my notebook. I got an error stating the program requires a minimum screen resolution of 1024 x768. My notebook setting was 1280x720.
I also disliked that a course, at times, opens too many browser windows. In some cases, a demonstration would play in the same window. Other times, such as when I clicked the Launch button, two more browser windows opened. In some cases, the window was not sized correctly and I couldn’t maximize it. This resulted in me hunting for some of the controls that weren’t fully viewable. This time I was using a monitor with more than the minimum required size: 1152x854.

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I wouldn’t let my observations deter you from trying any of these free online computer courses. While I didn’t take all the classes, I think there’s enough good content for most people. If you need more training you might consider some of the other online software training vendors we’ve reviewed.

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Interior Designing

City University London is an internationally renowned institution with more than 100 years' experience of teaching and research. Located in central London, close to the West End and on the borders of the City of London, the University has a reputation for excellence in professional education and prides itself on close contacts with business and industry.
City degrees are highly valued by employers and the University has one of the best graduate employment records in the country. Many programmes are professionally accredited, showing that they meet that industry's high standards and are judged to be relevant to its needs.

City University London’s School of Arts is a highly international School focusing on the study and development of the arts, media and cultural enterprise. Located at the heart of London’s media and cultural quarter, the School is home to students from more than 40 countries, who benefit from the School’s extensive links with organisations and leaders in its sectors. In turn the School helps shape thinking and practice at many levels in these professions.