Cool tools for the end of summer (semester)!

Today is the last official day of the summer semester here at Lenoir-Rhyne Asheville, and we're saying, "sayonara summer semester!" with this list of excellent & FREE Internet tools to check out before the fall sweeps you up:


1. Piktochart 

The online infographic maker! This tool is perfect for those times you have a lot of information to share - it keeps the reader interested with a lively layout. This infographic maker is pre-loaded with icons and fonts, and tips to help you organize your information concisely. Try the presentation mode to spice up your presentations or print it up on legal paper to make the coolest flyer.

2. Pixlr

A free, web-based alternative to photoshop, with most of the functionality and none of the payment. Make quick edits to your photos or save long term projects for later. You can use it online or dowload the free software.

3. Jing 

Your basic screen capture tool, in a free download. Capture pictures and short videos of your computer screen. Narrate your screen capture videos to make tutorials -- though I'm sure you can think of other creative uses!

 *pro tip: use the snipping tool, which is pre-loaded on windows computers (vista and later versions), to capture chosen parts of your screen.

4. Smore 

Online flyer maker! Make professional looking flyers for the web! Perfect for e-vites, newsletters, and other electronnic communication. Preloaded with fonts and icons to help you customize the look.

5. Free Online Libraries

OK, so they're not tools in the sense that they create a new product - but if you're smart, you'll use these to add some dynamic sources to your projects:

Digital Public Library of America

With the shortest URL I've seen - dp.la - the DPLA finds the highest quality open content from across the web and participating libraries, museums, and archives, and brings it out of the dark. Great for primary sources, historical photographs, and more!

Internet Archive

Home of the Wayback machine, which searches the history of web pages so that you can find even those websites that no longer exist - and use them! It's also home to millions of free books, movies, software, music, and more.

Thanks for tuning in - enjoy the break and come see us in the fall to kick start your research or go over your writing!

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