SoftChalk 6 Enhances Educational Content Sharing

SoftChalk has updated its Web authoring tool, SoftChalk 6. The latest release has been enhanced to allow users to publish material directly into the open access MERLOT educational content sharing Web community.

Self-described as being "designed for teachers and content experts who don't have time to learn complex software," SoftChalk aims to allow producers of educational content--lessons, exercises, activities, games, and even entire electronic courses--to create, publish, and post their material while requiring them to have a level of programming knowledge or capability greater than is necessary to use a conventional word processor.

MERLOT (Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Teaching Online) is a free Web site for sharing and locating educational content via online communities under a variety of classifications, including general and specific subject area and type of learning material desired. The site also offers content related to academic support services for educators, as well as materials provided by content partners covering peripheral areas of interest, such as international studies, education financing, and data resources.

The accommodations SoftChalk has made in version 6 of its software, explained a spokesperson, will allow for a symbiotic integration of content creation and its online dissemination "in an effort to support the easy creation, discovery, and adoption of Open Educational Resources (OERs) throughout the education community."

"This partnership is another step towards our mission to improve teaching and learning by expanding the quantity and increasing the quality of online learning materials," said Gerry Hanley, executive director of MERLOT.

A detailed brochure of the features and capabilities of SoftChalk6, including enhancements offered in the newest version, is available as a PDF here.

About the Author

Scott Aronowitz is a freelance writer based in Las Vegas. He has covered the technology, advertising, and entertainment sectors for seven years. He can be reached here.

Featured

  • Abstract AI circuit board pattern

    Nonprofit LawZero to Work Toward Safer, Truthful AI

    Turing Award-winning AI researcher Yoshua Bengio has launched LawZero, a nonprofit aimed at developing AI systems that prioritize safety and truthfulness over autonomy.

  • stylized illustration of a desktop, laptop, tablet, and smartphone all displaying an orange AI icon

    Survey: AI Shifting from Cloud to PCs

    A recent Intel-commissioned report identifies a significant shift in AI adoption, moving away from the cloud and closer to the user. Businesses are increasingly turning to the specialized hardware of AI PCs, the survey found, recognizing their potential not just for productivity gains, but for revolutionizing IT efficiency, fortifying data security, and delivering a compelling return on investment by bringing AI capabilities directly to the edge.

  • magnifying glass with AI icon in the center

    Google Releases Learning-Themed AI Mode Features for Search

    Ahead of back-to-school season, Google has introduced new AI Mode features in Search, including image and PDF queries on desktop, a Canvas tool for planning, real-time help with Search Live, and Lens integration in Chrome.

  • sunlit classroom with laptops on every desk, each displaying a glowing AI speech bubble icon above the screen

    Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot to Become Available for Teen Students

    This summer, Microsoft is expanding availability of its Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot products for students aged 13 and older. Administrators will be able to grant access for students based on their institution's plans and preferences, the company announced in a blog post.