Published On: April 1, 2020By
Covid Free Tools Virtual Learning Remote Work

Normally as the calendar shifts from March to April, we celebrate the arrival of warmer weather. This year, however, our nation and the rest of the world remain frozen in place by covid.

The future seems less certain than it was only a few short weeks ago. But human determination and innovation are giving this virus a run for its money. I hear about real progress every day.

For example, think about what’s happening in the world of work. As I discussed in last week’s post, organizations everywhere are suddenly taking a crash course in virtual learning. Some are actually adopting new digital practices with lightning speed.

While following these stories of digital transformation, we’ve discovered many valuable tools and services that are available at no cost in response to Covid-19. So we’ve compiled a list of free tools and resources in 7 categories:

1) Learning Technology Offers
2) Collaboration and Team Tools
3) Learning and Business Services
4) Virtual Learning How-To Resources
5) Remote Work How-To Resources
6) Business Continuity and Management Resources
7) Health Education Content

This list is a “living” document. We’ll update it whenever we find other relevant no-cost resources. So feel free to bookmark this page, so you can return periodically for updates.

Also, if you hear about other offers that learning professionals would appreciate, please let us know.

NOTE: Although we don’t receive compensation from any of the sources mentioned below, feel free to tell them I sent you.

And as always, if you want to discuss your learning technology needs with an independent advisor, I’m happy to conduct a free preliminary phone consultation at your convenience. (To get started, request a call through our contact form.)

I hope you find what you need to bounce back quickly from Covid-19 disruption. And above all, I hope you stay healthy!

 


Free Resources for Virtual Learning and Remote Work During Covid

1) LEARNING TECHNOLOGY OFFERS

Course Authoring and Delivery
via My Learning Hub
Does your organization need quick access to a simple cloud-based platform that combines content development, delivery and reporting? My Learning Hub is offering free 3-month access to its Lite LMS and Authoring Tool for anyone who signs up by April 30th.

Enterprise Mobile Learning App
via Learn2Learn
The enterprise version of this innovative mobile course, coach and cheat-sheet app is available at no cost through June 2020. Founder Arun Pradhan shares detailed access instructions in this LinkedIn post.

Learning Experience Platform
via PeopleFluent
To help training professionals, coaches and subject matter experts move instructor-led training online, PeopleFluent is offering its full-featured Instilled LXP at no cost for 90 days. This includes capabilities that support user-generated content and social learning, real-time alerts and analytics.

Moodle and Totara LMS Implementation & Hosting
via eThink
Need to deploy an online learning environment rapidly? eThink is offering free open-source learning platform hosting through July 1st for any new client that signs a contract before May 1st. They’re also offering 50% off implementation costs to assist organizations who need help ASAP. (Contact Randy Jones, VP of Business Development & Strategy.)

Sales Enablement Platform
via SalesHood
For any company that needs access to an all-in-one business-to-business sales training content, coaching and collaboration system, SalesHood is offering full access at no charge for 3 months.

Video Capture and Streaming
via Panopto
Looking to enhance virtual learning experiences with streaming video – including secure, automated access to integrated Zoom meetings? You can try it for free, with unlimited access to cloud-based video knowledge platform Panopto. The enterprise version is available free for 90 days to any business, academic institution or school that requests a trial during the Covid-19 crisis.

Virtual Learning Environment
via Skyward
In response to the Covid-19 outbreak, many K-12 schools are moving to virtual learning environments. This platform vendor is offering educators free access to its Course Learning Center LMS through the end of the 2019-2020 school year.

 


2) COLLABORATION AND TEAM TOOLS

Digital Meetings and Events Hosting
via Zoom
Zoom isn’t offering a special Covid-19 trial. That’s because the always-free entry-level version provides significant value. For example, the “Basic” version includes unlimited 1-on-1 meetings, 40-minute group meetings and the ability to host online events with up to 100 participants.

Emergency Remote Work Kit
via LogMeIn
To help educational institutions, healthcare providers, municipalities and non-profit organizations embrace “the virtual workplace” LogMeIn is offering Emergency Remote Work Kits to new customers. This includes free 90-day access to GoToMeeting, GoToWebinar (online presentations for up to 3,000 participants) and LogMeIn (remote desktop access from multiple devices).

Employee Feedback and Recognition Tools
via WorkHuman
To keep work teams united and motivated, ongoing communication, feedback and recognition are vital. That’s why WorkHuman is providing its Teams and Small Business version free for 12 months to all who sign-up for this limited-time offer.

Group Work Apps
via Microsoft Teams
Adjusting to remote work can be a challenge. It helps when people have an easy, reliable way to connect through web-based group chat, collaboration, meetings and voice calls. That’s why Microsoft is offering free access to its Microsoft Teams app for 6 months. To sign-up for this trial, choose the link that describes your goal:

Online Meetings
via Cisco Webex
To help distributed workers or learners connect, communicate and collaborate, Cisco is making Webex online conferencing tools available for free to new customers for 90 days. Services include unlimited usage for up to 100 participants and toll phone dial-in access (in addition to existing VOIP capabilities).

Remote Work ToolKit
via Engagedly
To help organizations continue to engage, motivate, develop and drive distributed team performance, Engagedly is offering its free remote work toolkit to new customers until September 30, 2020. This includes:

Video Conferencing
via Google Cloud
Google is also doing its part to support workers and educators who need to communicate effectively in distributed environments. Through July 1, 2020 at no extra charge, G Suite and G Suite for Education customers can use advanced Hangout Meet features like live streaming for up to 100,000 viewers, support for large meetings (for up to 250 participants) and the ability to record sessions.

Virtual Business Environment
via Adobe Connect
To help organizations stay productive, the Adobe Connect business environment is available for virtual training sessions, meetings and conferences that include up to 25 participants. Access to the platform is available for 90 days at no charge to anyone who signs-up for a trial license by July 1st.

Workflow Communications and Coaching
via 15Five
To help remote teams communicate more effectively and operate more productively on an ongoing basis, 15Five is offering free access to its full work performance alignment, coaching and recognition software through June 15th.

 


3) LEARNING AND BUSINESS SERVICES

Certification Exam Extensions and Remote Testing
via CompTIA
The world’s leading tech association is extending all certification exam vouchers expiring between March 17 – April 30. The new expiration date is June 30, 2020. Also, vouchers expiring between May 1 – May 31 have been extended to July 31. CompTIA plans to launch remote certification exams in April, so individuals can choose this option in lieu of in-person testing.

eCommerce Storefront
via Shopify
Looking for a consumer-grade e-commerce experience for online courses you want to sell? Shopify is offering new customers access to its online storefront platform for 90 days when you sign-up for a trial during the Covid-19 crisis.

Free Certificates for 85 Courses
via Coursera
In response to the surge of interest in online education during the Covid-19 timeframe, the world’s largest MOOC provider, Coursera is offering free access to 100 of its online courses in a wide variety of subjects. 85 of these courses include free certificates for anyone who completes the curriculum. The offer is available until the end of May, and registrants have 180 days to earn the certificate.

Free Language Education 
via Babble
In the wake of U.S. school closures, Babble is making free language learning available to all K-12 and college students through the Babble app. This includes access to instruction in all 14 languages Babble offers, along with content about related cultures, travel and more. To receive a coupon code for a free 90-day subscription, students should submit the application form, including their student email address.

Free Access to Online Learning Content
via Skillsoft
To help individuals develop and improve important work skills during the Covid-19 time-out, Skillsoft is offering free 60-day access to its entire library of online educational content, available through its Percipio learning experience platform. Anyone who signs up will have anytime/anywhere access to Percipio’s diverse collection of online courses, books and other resources, focused on developing leadership skills, technical capabilities and much more. In addition, students at academic institutions can register for a 30-day extension to receive full 90-day access.

Online File Storage
via Box
Need extra storage for your learning program or work files? Cloud-storage provider Box is offering a free 90-trial during the crisis to help you store and share documents online. Unlimited uploads are accepted. Plus, you can cancel anytime – no strings attached.

Single Sign-On
via Ping
Keeping your distributed organization safe and productive is paramount. That’s why digital identity and security company, Ping, is offering 6 months of free cloud single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) for unlimited apps and identities.

Small Business Marketing Software
via Business Warrior

Integrated marketing platform provider, Business Warrior, is offering a generous 12 months of free access to its software and support. This includes personalized recommendations to help generate demand and improve profitability during uncertain times.

Social Media Management
via Hootsuite

To help small businesses and nonprofits stay connected with customers and other audiences via social media, Hootsuite is offering free access to its Professional Plan subscription, along with access to its library of training videos. This offer ends on July 1, 2020.

 


4) VIRTUAL LEARNING “HOW TO” RESOURCES

Best Resources For Creating Live Virtual Training Now
via The eLearning Coach
Many schools and businesses are struggling to migrate in-person classes and events to online channels. Connie Malamed (aka The eLearning Coach) has created this reference guide so you can come up-to-speed quickly while helping your organization launch a successful online classroom.

Coronavirus & Learning Project
via Elliott Masie
This online forum is a collaborative project organized by The Masie Center and other learning and HR leaders and organizations. The goal is to connect and support the global training and development community in the sudden pivot to distributed learning – including exploration of key issues and implications.

“Learning Collective” Virtual Conference
via RISC
With the cancellation of so many conferences and in-person events, RISC is filling the gap with a series of virtual sessions to help training professionals advance their knowledge. The schedule features a cross-section of learning topics and recognized experts.

TICE Virtual Conference
via Training Industry
Want practical insights and advice about key workforce trends? Or want to learn how your organization can create and maintain a culture of continuous learning? Register to attend these free online sessions on April 30th and watch past conferences on-demand.

Virtual Sales Training Quick-Launch Kit & Webinar
via Allego
This sales enablement and readiness platform provider is offering advice to organizations that have had to cancel sales meetings and training sessions. Guidance is available in two forms:

“Virtual Classroom” Online Conference
via The eLearning Guild
A virtual classroom is more than a lecture accompanied by uploaded PowerPoint slides. Live online sessions use engagement techniques to attract and involve participants. But preparation can be overwhelming, even for seasoned training professionals. These sessions will equip you to develop and deliver successful virtual classroom experiences.

“Webinar Master” Digital Book
via Donald H. Taylor
Whether you’re new to webinars or have been offering them for years, you’ll benefit from this ebook by Don Taylor, Chairman of the Learning and Performance Institute. Don is a leading authority on instructional design and delivery. He’s also one of the most engaging and sought-after speakers in the global learning community.

 


5) REMOTE WORK HOW-TO RESOURCES

“Alone Together” White Paper
via Centrical
Curious about best practices in managing workers from home – both newbies and those who’ve been at it for a while? Check out this guide that outlines remote work issues, illustrates common scenarios and explores how to respond in each situation.

How to Succeed at Remote Work
via INTEA eLearning

Many people are comfortable and productive working from home. But switching to remote work is a challenge. This course helps newly remote workers learn how to be more productive, maintain psychological comfort and more.

Remote Readiness & Productivity Academy
via SAP Litmos
With organizations everywhere scrambling to implement remote working practices, policies and IT strategies, Litmos is opening the doors to all of its related training content to interested teams, leaders and employees through June 2020. Nearly 40 learning paths are available to explore, covering a spectrum of remote workplace topics.

Remote Working: Setting Yourself and Your Teams Up for Success
via LinkedIn Learning
Succeeding at distributed work can be a challenge, no matter what your role or level of experience may be. This learning path is packed with 13 hours of high-quality guidance on how to stay connected and be productive when working from home or on the road.

Work From Home Resources
via GoToMeeting

A wealth of ideas and advice are available in this collection of resources, including guidance on how to host effective online classes, how to shift to a distributed work environment, tips for developing a productive remote organizational culture, marketing methods for successful webinars and more.

Complimentary COVID-19 and Working from Home Preparedness Training
via BlueVolt

In today’s challenging business reality we must embrace remote options. Learn more about how to protect yourself, your family, and your community – and stay safe!  BlueVolt’s core values are centered on accessible and effective online training and, to that end, they are providing 15 Coronavirus preparedness and working from home courses available at no charge.

 


6) BUSINESS MANAGEMENT RESOURCES

Business Continuity Bundle
via Igloo

Establish a company-wide communication and incident planning zone in hours. Igloo is offering free access to its intranet platform, so you can launch a secure, central hub to plan and share timely communications with your workforce – and keep business moving. Offer includes access for up to 5,000 employees.

Business Continuity Learning Center
via SumTotal and Skillsoft

This free library of fan-favorite online courses is designed to help organizational leaders and employees adapt during unprecedented Covid-19 challenges. Content includes four recommended reading lists:

  • Corporate management
  • IT operations
  • Remote communication
  • Team management

Leading Through the Covid-19 Crisis
via MIT Sloan Management Review

How can leaders communicate effectively with their workforce during this time of disruption? How can they sustain a healthy culture? And how can organizations increase their resilience, going forward? This collection of articles is freely available for everyone who has a need to know.

 


7) HEALTH EDUCATION CONTENT

Anxiety Management Learning Experience
via AllenComm

This free multi-resource guide was developed in partnership with the Columbia University Department of Psychiatry, to help individuals reduce anxiety about Coronavirus and work more productively during uncertain times.

Covid-19 Courses
via AbsorbLMS

To help its client community, Absorb is providing two courses that customers can enhance with related company policies and procedures and publish for their users. The courses include:

  • Covid-19: Protecting Yourself and Others
  • Covid-19: You and Your Workplace

Coronavirus Workplace Resources
via Cornerstone
This public learning portal offers training for anyone who wants to stay safe and focused while working from home during the Coronavirus crisis. It centers on 3 topical playlists:

  • About Coronavirus (Covid-19)
  • Stress Management and Self-Care
  • Working From Home

Covid-19 Educational Resources
via Docebo

To serve existing customers and prospects, Docebo is teaming up with online training specialists at GO1 to add four new, free courses to its LMS catalog:

  • 10-Minute Pandemic Awareness
  • Coronavirus Infection Control
  • Infection Prevention and Control
  • Covid-19 Health Care/Aged Care

Health Preparedness, Prevention and Telemedicine Training
via Relias
This continuing medical education provider is offering a collection of expert articles, webinars and online courses for healthcare personnel and others seeking in-depth information about Covid-19 and related topics.

Need Proven LMS Selection Guidance?

Looking for a learning platform that truly fits your organization’s needs?  We’re here to help!  Submit the form below to schedule a free preliminary consultation at your convenience.


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About the Author: John Leh

John Leh is Founder, CEO and Lead Analyst at Talented Learning and the Talented Learning Center. John is a fiercely independent consultant, blogger, podcaster, speaker and educator who helps organizations select and implement learning technology strategies, primarily for extended enterprise applications. His advice is based upon more than 25+years of learning-tech industry experience, serving as a trusted LMS selection and sales adviser to hundreds of learning organizations with a total technology spend of more than $100+ million and growing. John would love to connect with you on Twitter or on LinkedIn.

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