Educational Content

We now offer over 90 different topics that include over 1,000 lessons, video, and interactives. In 2011 alone, 20 topics were launched that are comprised of 145 lessons, 85 screencasts, 13 videos, 64 interactives and 7 infographics! (This is an increase over 2010, which saw 11 topics launched with 106 lessons, 77 screencasts, and 56 interactives).

Our most popular topics are in technology and in 2011, we introduced a number of new topics in this subject area. In February 2011, Microsoft Office 2010 tutorials and online classes launched and immediately became one of the most popular topics on the website. Topics in Social Media, Apple Products, Google Applications, and Email Basics were some other popular tutorials introduced throughout 2011.

After introducing our Reading program aimed toward adult, low-literacy learners in April 2010, the program enjoyed a significant milestone in 2011 by launching educational content for 1,000 of the most commonly used words in the English language. The Math Basics course, also geared toward adult learners, was updated with new videos and instructional content in 2011.

Mobile Applications

Beginning in February 2011, we launched the first of our mobile apps. By August of 2011, 12 mobile applications had been launched for iPhone, iPad, and Android with over 100,000 downloads worldwide.

Starting with a Vocabulary Dictionary Mobile app for iPhone, we quickly added Tutorial Apps for Word 2010, Excel 2010, and PowerPoint 2010, all available for iPhone, iPad, and Android. The Access 2010 Tutorial App is also available on iPhone and iPad.

By the end of 2011, our mobile app family had been downloaded over 300,000 times. The most popular mobile application is the Word 2010 Tutorial App for iPhone with over 100,000 downloads alone. While the iOS apps have outperformed the Android apps in total downloads, all 12 applications have earned high ratings and positive feedback.

To download GCF Mobile Apps, visit the Mobile Apps page at GCFLearnFree.org: http://www.GCFLearnFree.org/mobileapps

In 2012, updated versions of current mobile apps will be introduced, as well as original content created specifically for mobile application platforms.

Learners Served

In 2011, we had 3.5 millions visitors to the GCFLearnFree.org website with daily traffic being as high as 30,000 visitors in September. Of these 3.5 million visitors, 2 million were considered “Learners Served,” which are defined as visitors who have been served through interaction with educational content on the site, whether it be a written lesson, video, instructional graphic, or interactive. (This is an increase over 2010 with 2 million visitors and 643,000 learners served).

We also had an increase in visitorship to this blog and various other social media sites around the Web in 2011. Visitors to GCFLearnFree.org social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube more than doubled (in some cases tripled) over visitors to the same sites in 2010.

I hope you were able to take advantage of the educational content we provide at GCFLearnFree.org in 2011 and that you have plans to continue your educational journey with us in 2012. Let’s have another great year!

In 2010, GCFLearnFree.org launched its new Reading Program. The Reading Program is designed to help struggling adult readers become more proficient with the most common words in the English language. Built upon the 1,000 most popular words, this Reading Program utilizes original texts to help the learner become familiar with conversational English. Learners gain exposure to these words through a number of different interactive learning tools that help them learn to read. Although the content of the website was originally designed for US learners, the curriculum can be used by global audiences.  To date, GCFLearnFree.org has served over 1 million people from over 230 different countries around the world.  We currently serve over 8,000 users from Africa. Mark and Matt will be showcasing how the Reading Program model can be used in African countries to develop similar online learning opportunities. To learn more about the eLearning Africa Conference, visit their website at http://www.elearning-africa.com/conference.php.