Popplet; easy way to share graphic data

Popplet is a way to take notes in a mindmap form, scribble on the screen, add a map and a few notes - anything really. There is a separate version for the iPad.

It is currently in Beta so you have to request an access code. Mine turned up within a day. Creating your graphic is an entirely intuitive process. I suspect it will be more useful when tablets are used more, however, it works well with a keyboard. It is much easier to use than trying to sketch something on PowerPoint and then emailing round the file.  To share your notes just click on collaborate and you get a weblink.

Lillilooloo.com Information and community for consultants

Lilliloo is an interesting new website designed for consultants. It works as a community as well as a place to get downloads of resources and templates.

I'm not convinced about the name of the site but it is memorable!

Show your screen and comment

Sometimes I am asked to review smeone's website or a page they are developing. Or I might have a problem using part of it. I end up sending emails with descriptions - all very long winded.

Owely has developed a very simple solution where you capture the screen, then use their functions to annotate the capture - like put an arrow and a comment on the picture. Then all you have to do is email your contact with a link and they then get to see your comments.

Easy. Productive.

Send text sms messages for free, in the USA

Unfortunately this is available only at the moment in the USA, however, if you want to send a text message for free to a USA cell phone then go to www.foreversms.com

All you need to enter is your email address, the receipient's phone number and your message. You do need to know their communications provider but if you're not sure then the system will autodetect this for you.

Simple and free.

Hold web meetings for free

There are some good systems available for holding online meetings. However, many of these have a significant cost and if you're still in that phase of testing out whether these processes will be useful for you why pay money to test? There are some excellent freebie systems available with some of them having more features and flexibility that the pay-for versions.

I like to use http://www.dimdim.com/. Why? Apart from the fact it is free it one of the key factors for me is that the attendees do not have any software to download. You just set up the session and they log in and we're sharing and collaborating. Many organisations limit the downloading of software so this is a quick and easy way to test how the technology can work without stressing the IT department.

There are other freebie systems available so do some searches if you're looking for alternative to the pay-for options.

Free online elearning of good quality

I needed to update my skills on Microsoft Access and found www.alison.com provided an excellent elearning system. The quality of the course was good and it met my needs in that it was flexible in access, easy to use and I learnt lots of new things.

While I was about it, I went through the office safety and a number of other courses that they offer.

For staff who need some digital literacy updating then this is a really good place to start, and maybe even finish.