It’s that time of year again to update the Top 10 tools list. I’ve been making my contribution to Jane Hart’s Top Tools compilation for several years now. So, wIthout further ado, here is this year’s list.
- Google Reader (RSS) This is my single most used source for my personal learning. It’s increasingly rare that I actually visit the Google Reader site since there are so many methods for connecting to your Google Reader subscriptions. I do most of my reading on the iPad via Mobile RSS.
- Twitter This is *THE* place to connect with all the amazingly smart people in our field. If you’re in the learning profession and new to twitter check out this list of “The first 99 learning people to follow“. (Which reminds me I need to update that list too. )
- PowerPoint Love it or hate it PowerPoint is here to stay…at least for the forseeable future. Personally I believe it’s not PowerPoint that is the problem – it’s the people using PowerPoint.
- Evernote This is my storage place for things from literally everywhere. Accessible from my laptop, iPad & iPhone I can browse my notes and/or create new ones from virtually anywhere. I use this for gathering background information and resources for courses and presentations.
- WordPress In addition to this site I also post a weekly tip blog to go along with my grad school Master’s program portfolio which also lives on WordPress.
- SnagIt Anyone who does any amount of training design or documentation needs a great screenshot tool and SnagIt is as good as it gets.
- Camtasia Like SnagIt above, Camtasia is a fantastic tool for recording screenshots, producing basic videos and more. If a pictures worth a thousand words, how many is a video worth?
- Zite Another great learning resource, this iOS app is great for discovering new sources on the topics you’re interested in.
- Dropbox A must have for keeping all your files updated and available no matter where you are.
- Word Much like PowerPoint I think we’ll always need a way to create and edit documents. If you need control over a wide variety of formatting options you’ll probably be keeping this around. I use this for outlining, story boarding, and documentation among others.
That’s my list. Now where is yours? 😎
Mike Taylor 
Hi Mike,
I found you on the Articulate discussion board, and like what you had to stay, so followed you here. Actually, my list would be quite similar to yours, but I don’t use Zite (don’t have an iphone, use an android), and would definitely add LinkedIn.
I need to use these tools more effectively though, sounds like you’re pretty well organised. That can be a new goal for me. I’ll also check out your “99 learning people to follow”.
Thanks for getting me motivated 🙂
Michelle
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Reblogged this on red rabbit skills services | skills development consultancy and commented:
Thanks so much for sharing this.
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