Tag Archive: online

Best on the Web – Learn a New Language

October 4, 2011

October 4, 2011

Has learning a new language been on your to do list for ages? You already know the advantages of being multilingual, but the difficulties associated with learning a new language are holding you back. Perhaps you don’t have the time or money for formal classes, and online tutorials advance too quickly or don’t meet your unique needs. Fortunately, now there are online resources that reduce or eliminate these obstacles. The following free and low-cost online language instruction systems are self-paced and allow students to decide how much or how little time and effort they devote to learning.

BBC Languages provides free audio, video and print lessons in more than 40 different languages. Beginner courses contain 12 weeks worth of material and optional email tips.

Livemocha is the world’s largest online language learning community, offering free and paid online language courses in 35 languages.

Check out foreign language books at your local ARLS branch!

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Permanent link to this article: http://www.arls.org/2011/10/best-on-the-web-learn-a-new-language/

Best on the Web – Read Books Online for Free

September 13, 2011

September 13, 2011

Woodcraft, or, How a Patrol Leader Made Good by Alan Douglas. Courtesy of Project Gutenberg.

Books are made to be handled, shared, and enjoyed for many years. But constant handling wears books out, and eventually years of readers’ enjoyment begins to show. For this reason, thousands of books are being digitized and made available on the Internet. These online books include ancient texts, beloved classics, current popular titles, and a variety of fiction and non-fiction works now in the public domain.

Project Gutenberg offers more than 36,000 free ebooks to download to your PC, Kindle, Android, or other portable device. Choose between ePub, Kindle, HTML and simple text formats.

The British Library’s Turning the Pages features a true-to-life reading experience of some of history’s greatest written works, including the first Atlas of Europe, William Blake’s notebook, Jane Austen’s manuscripts, and sketches by Leonardo da Vinci.

Google Books is a searchable index of millions of contemporary titles you can preview or read for free. This is a great resource for students writing school papers!

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Permanent link to this article: http://www.arls.org/2011/09/best-on-the-web-read-books-online-for-free/

Best on the Web – Aprender Inglés Hoy

September 6, 2011

September 6, 2011

U.S.A. Learns es un recurso gratuito en línea para hablantes nativos de español que buscan mejorar sus habilidades básicas de lectura Inglés, escritura, expresión oral y habilidades para la vida. Los visitantes de este sitio web pueden registrarse y comenzar los cursos en línea en cuestión de minutos. La instrucción es a su propio ritmo y está disponible en Inglés y Español. U.S.A. Learns es un programa del U.S. Departamento de Educación y pretende dotar a los adultos estadounidenses con las habilidades básicas que necesitan para ser trabajadores productivos, miembros de la familia, y los ciudadanos.

U.S.A. Learns is a free online resource for native Spanish speakers seeking to improve their basic English reading, writing, speaking and life skills. Visitors to this site can register and start online courses in minutes. Instruction is at your own pace and is available in English and Spanish. U.S.A. Learns is a program of the U.S. Department of Education and aims to provide U.S. adults with basic skills they need to be productive workers, family members, and citizens.

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Permanent link to this article: http://www.arls.org/2011/09/best-on-the-web-aprender-ingles-hoy/

Best on the Web – A Bit of Everything Local

August 23, 2011

August 23, 2011

From scuba gear to sleeper sofas. Find local deals on Craigslist.

Would you believe there is a website where you can search job openings, find an apartment, buy a sofa, discuss crafts and beauty, join a rock band, sell your old bike, and make romantic connections all in one place? Craigslist is a free online marketplace where users can search and post classified advertisements related to jobs, housing, personals, for sale, services, community, gigs, résumés, and discussion forums. The website was started by its namesake, Craig Newmark, in 1995 in San Francisco. Since then, Craigslist has grown into one of the top 10 sites on the Internet with 20 billion views and 50 million new classified ads each month. Now there are Craigslist sites in more than 500 cities worldwide, including our local Greater Richmond site.

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Permanent link to this article: http://www.arls.org/2011/08/best-on-the-web-a-bit-of-everything-local/

Best on the Web – Email Today for Free

August 2, 2011

August 2, 2011

According to a 2008 study, more than 80% of Americans have at least one email account. That number is expected to rise as more rural communities acquire Internet access and individuals learn how easy and fun it is to communicate online. If you haven’t yet established an email account, let me encourage you to do so today. The process is easy, and it’s free to create a new account! In the past, I have used Hotmail, Yahoo! and Gmail email services. My favorite is Gmail by Google, due to its ease of use and the additional services offered through Google. You can register and start sending emails in a matter of minutes. To sign up, go to Gmail.com, click on “Create an account”, and fill out the registration form. For the computer shy, Google has developed a help center where you can view tutorials and read step-by-step instructions. Visit the library for help getting started. Or call 804-458-6329 X1005 to register for free basic computer classes where you’ll be guided through creating and using an email account.

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Permanent link to this article: http://www.arls.org/2011/08/best-on-the-web-email-today-for-free/

Best on the Web – Explanation Videos Make Learning Fun

February 22, 2011

February 22, 2011

Have you ever read a lengthy user’s manual or listened to someone as they tried to explain a complex tool, subject or idea? You probably felt your eyes begin to glaze over and your head start to ache. Am I right? Lee and Sachi LeFever of Seattle, Washington recognized the need for straightforward instruction that would engage people instead of confusing them. The LeFevers launched Common Craft in 2007 and began making videos that explain complex topics in a simple, fun way. “Explainer videos” cover subjects that matter in the 21st Century such as green living, society, money, and technology. The money and technology videos are particularly well done and useful for individuals and professionals. If you’ve ever wanted to learn about compound interest, borrowing and investing money, cloud computing, or social media, Common Craft has helpful videos to get you started. Browse and view the collection of more than 30 videos and counting. And don’t forget to check out similar companies in the Explainer Network. Several of the partners’ websites feature free instructional videos.

Couldn’t find a video to meets your educational needs? If you’re still looking for information, take advantage of the resources available at www.FindItVA.com. Simply type a subject word or phrase in the search field to access newspapers, journals, encyclopedias, and more!

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Permanent link to this article: http://www.arls.org/2011/02/best-on-the-web-explanation-videos-make-learning-fun/

Best on the Web – Free Tax Help

January 25, 2011

January 25, 2011

Tax season is right around the corner. Are you ready? Get a head start by gathering information and forms early. Line up appointments now for tax preparation assistance. There are several helpful Web sites offering free tax advice, information, and scheduling for one-on-one service. Don’t wait until it’s too late; check out these online resources today!

  • MyFreeTaxes.com offers free electronic filing and information toolbox for low- and moderate-income individuals.

Be sure to check out tax books in the 330s-40s, and take advantage of the information and resources available at www.FindItVA.com. Simply type a subject word or phrase in the search field to get started.

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Permanent link to this article: http://www.arls.org/2011/01/best-on-the-web-free-tax-help/

Best on the Web – Get the Body You Want

January 4, 2011

January 4, 2011

Studies show Americans gain about a pound between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. While a pound might seem insignificant, researchers argue the real problem is people don’t tend to lose the weight they gain during the holidays.

Thousands of Americans will make the New Year’s resolution to get in shape in 2011, but if the studies prove true, only a small percentage will succeed. Nutritionists and fitness experts agree losing weight isn’t about fad diets and excessive exercise; it’s about making a healthy lifestyle change. SparkPeople is a completely free online fitness community empowering people to make healthier choices every day. A free account on SparkPeople gives you access to support teams, personalized fitness and eating plans, a workout tracker, exercise demos and videos, and expert answers from dietitians and trainers.

Be sure to check out fitness books and DVDs in the 613s, and take advantage of the information and resources available at www.FindItVA.com. Simply type a subject word or phrase in the search field to get started!

Are you ready to get the body you want in 2011?
Join us for this free event at the Hopewell Library!

Your Best Body Now
January 25 at 7:00 p.m.

Tips for feeling and looking better from the
inside out will be the main focus of this program
presented by the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.

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Permanent link to this article: http://www.arls.org/2011/01/best-on-the-web-get-the-body-you-want/

Best on the Web – Learn Job Skills for Free!

December 21, 2010

December 21, 2010

What’s holding you back from a well-paying and satisfying career? These days, competition for jobs is fierce; it takes more than experience and a strong work ethic to set yourself apart from other job seekers. If you’re like a lot of us, you want to develop your professional skills and knowledge fast. But classes and training cost time and money. If you’re short on one or both, take a few moments to check out Virginia Workforce Connection’s list of free Online Learning Resources. The range and depth of learning opportunities available through this web site are impressive. From Microsoft Office programs and human resource management, to effective communication and engineering, this site provides access to university style courses and expertly-written, self-guided instruction. Build expertise for your current job, prepare for the next level, or develop more marketable skills for your job search.

The goal is to never stop learning. Remember to take advantage of the information and resources available at www.FindItVA.com. Simply type a subject word or phrase in the search field to get started!

Job Seekers Workshop

January 24, 5:30 p.m.

Hopewell Library

Join us for this exciting (and FREE!) workshop where job seekers will learn tips for navigating career web sites, how to use email to contact employers, and suggestions for writing and sending resumes. All participants will receive an informative resource guide to help them maximize their job seeking efforts. Call 804.458.6329 x1005 to register.

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Permanent link to this article: http://www.arls.org/2010/12/best-on-the-web-learn-job-skills-for-free/