Top 100 Tools for Learning 2012

Top 100 Tools for Learning 2012
6th Annual Survey
Compiled by Jane Hart
from the votes of 500+ learning professionals worldwide

Centre for Learning & Performance Technologies (C4LPT)
www.C4LPT.co.uk

What is a learning tool?
Any tool that you could use to create or deliver learning
content/solutions for others, or a tool you use for your own personal
learning.

The Top 100 Tools for Learning 2012 has been compiled from the
votes of 582 learning professionals worldwide (55% working in
education and 45% in non-educational organizations).

Each tool is listed on a separate slide which provides:

 A brief description including cost, availability, link and summary of change
from last year

 A list of rankings in previous surveys

 A quick view of where/how it is mainly being used, i.e. for Pers
(personal/professional use), Edu (educational use), Ent (internal enterprise
use). NOTE: absence of a tick in a box does not mean the tool is not, cannot
nor should not be used in that way, rather that from an analysis of the
contributions to the list that is where it is currently commonly being used.

Top 100 Tools Website
Visit the site for more information about the tools

www.C4LPT.co.uk/top100tools

A Practical Guide to the Top 100 Tools
How to use the top 100 tools for personal A Practical Guide
learning, in education and training, to the
as well as for workforce collaboration. Top 100 Tools
for Learning
www.C4LPT.co.uk/top100tools/subscribe

Contact Jane Hart, for advice and support on tools
for learning, collaboration and performance
Jane.Hart@c4lpt.co.uk
on Twitter as @C4LPT

Twitter 1

Previous rankings
An online social networking and micro-
blogging service that enables its users 2011: 1
to send and receive text-based 2010: 1
messages (tweets) of up to 140 2009: 1
characters.
2008: 11
Twitter retains its #1 position for the 4th
year running.
2007: 43

Pers ✔
Cost: Free
Available: Online Edu ✔

www.twitter.com Ent

YouTube 2

Previous rankings
2011: 2
A video-sharing site where users can 2010: 2
upload, view and share videos. 2009: 3
Retains its #2 position for the 3rd year 2008: 18
running. 2007: 22

Cost: Free Pers ✔
Available: Online
Edu ✔
www.youtube.com
Ent

Google Docs/Drive 3

Previous rankings
2011: 3
Google Docs is a free web-based word 2010: 3
processing, spreadsheet, presentation, 2009: 5
form and data storage service from
Google. Now referred to as Google 2008: 7
Drive. 2007: 14
Retains its #3 position for the 3rd year
running. Pers ✔
Cost: Free
Edu ✔
Available: Online
Ent (✔)
docs.google.com

Google Search  11 4

Previous rankings
Google Search is a web search engine.
2011: 15
It is often described as the only 2010: 11
e-learning tool you’ll ever need. 2009: 8
Back again in the Top 5.
2008: 6
2007: 3
Cost: Free

Available: Online Pers ✔

www.google.com Edu

Ent

Wordpress 5

Previous rankings
Wordpress.com is free, web-based 2011: 5
blogging software. Wordpress.org is
free open source software that can be 2010: 8
downloaded and used to build a 2009: 6
website or blog. 2008: 5
Wordpress has been the most popular 2007: 6=
blogging tool since the survey began.
Pers ✔
Cost: Free
Edu ✔
Available: Online/Download
Ent ✔
www.wordpress.com
www.wordpress.org

Dropbox 6

Previous rankings
2011: 6
A free file hosting service that offers 2010: 13
cloud storage, file synchronization, and 2009: 71=
client software.
2008: -
Dropbox maintains its strong ranking in 2007: -
the top 10 for the 2nd year running.

Pers ✔
Cost: Free and premium
versions Edu ✔
Ent ✔
www.dropbox.com

Skype 3 7

Previous rankings
2011: 4
An application that allows users to 2010: 6
make text and voice calls over the 2009: 11=
Internet.
2008: 4
Skype continues to hold a strong 2007: 3
position in the top 10, with only one
year outside it.
Pers ✔

Cost: Free plus premium service Edu ✔
Available: Download client
Ent (✔)
www.skype.net

PowerPoint  11 8

Previous rankings
2011: 19
A presentation programme and part of 2010: 21
the Microsoft Office suite. 2009: 13
PowerPoint is back again in the top 10 2008: 8
of the list. 2007: 5

Cost: Commercial Pers ✔
Available: Download
Edu ✔
www.microsoft.com/powerpoint
Ent ✔

Facebook 5 9

Previous rankings
2011: 14
The largest public social networking 2010: 9
site that lets you to make connections, 2009: 31=
share interests, and join groups.
2008: 24
Back again in the Top 10 list. 2007: 17=
Cost: Free
Pers ✔
Available: Online
Edu ✔
www.facebook.com
Ent

Wikipedia 1 10

Previous rankings
2011: 11
A free online encyclopaedia that you 2010: 16
can edit and contribute to. 2009: 17
Appears in the top 10 for the first time 2008: 13
in 6 years. 2007: 26=
Cost: Free
Pers ✔
Available: Online
Edu (✔)
www.wikipedia.org
Ent

Moodle 3 11

Previous rankings
2011: 8
A free open source course/learning 2010: 10
management system. Easy to install 2009: 14=
and configure.
2008: 9
Drops out of the top 10 this year. 2007: 12=
Cost: Free
Pers
Available: Download
www.moodle.org Edu ✔

Ent ✔

Evernote 5 12

Previous rankings
A family of products that helps you 2011: 17
remember and act upon ideas, projects 2010: 23
and experiences across all the
computers, phones and tablets you 2009: 27
use. 2008: -
2007: -
Continues its rise in the list since its
first appearance in 2009.
Pers ✔
Cost: Free and premium service
Edu
Available: Download client
Ent
www.evernote.com

Slideshare 4 13

Previous rankings
2011: 9
A free online slide hosting service
where users can upload, view and 2010: 5
share slidesets. 2009: 7
Loses its position in the Top 10 after 3 2008: 20
years. 2007: 31

Cost: Free and premium service Pers ✔
Available: Online
Edu ✔
www.slideshare.net
Ent

Prezi 7 14

Previous rankings
2011: 7
Web-based presentation software and
storytelling tool for exploring and 2010: 12
sharing ideas on a virtual canvas. 2009: 28
2008: -
After a brief spell in the top 10 tools,
Prezi falls back slightly this year. 2007: -

Cost: Free and premium versions
Pers ✔

www.prezi.com Ent

Blogger/Blogspot 3 15

Previous rankings
2011: 12
An online service, owned by Google, 2010: 14
that allows users to create personal or 2009: 14=
multi-user blogs.
2008: 10
Continues to maintain a steady position 2007: 9
in the list.

Cost: Free Pers ✔


Ent
www.blogger.com

Google Reader 16

Previous rankings
2011: 16
A web-based aggregator that reads 2010: 7
RSS feeds online or offline. 2009: 4
Continues to maintain its position as 2008: 3
the most popular RSS reader on the 2007: 7=
list.

Pers ✔
Cost: Free
Available: Online Edu

google.com/reader Ent

Google+/Hangouts 9 17

Previous rankings
2011: 26
Last year’s highest ranked newcomer,
Google’s social network continues its 2010: -
climb up the chart this year. The video 2009: -
Google Hangouts are proving 2008: -
especially popular for hosting video
events. 2007: -

Pers ✔
Cost: Free

www.google.com/plus Ent

Diigo 5 18

Previous rankings
2011: 13
A social bookmarking, research, and
2010: 15
knowledge sharing tool that lets you
take personal notes and highlight text 2009: 22=
information on web pages. 2008: 35=
2007: 72=
The highest ranked social bookmarking
tool on the list.
Pers ✔
Cost: Free
Edu ✔
Available: Online
Ent
www.diiigo.com

Word  23 19

Previous rankings
2011: 42
A word processing programme and part 2010: 60
of the Microsoft Office suite. 2009: 36=
Word has jumped back up the list 2008: 22
again; creating quick and simple 2007: 10
documents is sometimes all that is
needed.

Available: Download Edu ✔
www.microsoft.com/word
Ent ✔

Yammer  11 20

Previous rankings
2011: 31
This private enterprise social 2010: 68
networking platform continues to rise 2009: 71=
up the list. Acquired by Microsoft in
2012. 2008: -
2007: -
This year moves into the Top 20.
Pers (✔)
Available: Online
www.yammer.com Edu ✔

Ent ✔

EduGlogster  11 21

Previous rankings
Supports the creation and sharing of 2011: 10
Glogs - interactive posters loaded with 2010: 25
text, graphics, music, videos, etc.
2009: 55=
Glogster EDU is a secure learning
platform for teachers and students. 2008: -
2007: -
Despite losing its place in the top 10,
Glogster is still a popular educational
Pers
Cost: Free

www.glogster.com/edu Ent

Edmodo 22

Previous rankings
2011: 22
A free and secure social learning 2010: 46
network for teachers, students and 2009: 88
schools.
2008: -
Appears to be stabilizing its position on 2007: -
the list.
Cost: Free
Pers
Available: Online
www.edmodo.com Edu ✔

Ent

LinkedIn 2 23

Previous rankings
2011: 21
LinkedIn is the most popular business- 2010: 30
oriented professional networking site. 2009: 38=
It continues to maintain a steady 2008: 30
position on the list. 2007: 31

Cost: Free and premium versions Pers ✔
Available: Online
Edu
www.linkedIn.com
Ent ✔

Scoop.it 9 24

Previous rankings
A social media publishing platform
2011: 33
where users curate content on their 2010: -
favourite topics and share it as a visual 2009: -
magazine.
2008: -
This popular content curation service 2007: -
continues its climb up the list.

Cost: Free Pers ✔

Available: online Edu ✔

Ent
www.scoop.it

.

TED Talks/Ed 5 25

Previous rankings
2011: 30
TED is a non-profit devoted to Ideas
Worth Spreading - annual conferences, 2010: -
the annual TED Prize and local TEDx 2009: -
events. TED ED are” lessons worth
2008: -
sharing”.
2007: -
Another newcomer from 2011 that
continues to rise up the chart.
Pers ✔
Cost: Free
Edu ✔
Available: Online
Ent
www.ted.com
ed.ted.com

Jing 8 26

Previous rankings
2011: 18
A screencasting program that lets you
capture anything you see on your
2010: 17
computer screen, as an image or short 2009: 20
video, and share it instantly. 2008: 26=
A small drop back on the list this year
2007: -

Cost: Free Pers ✔


www.techsmith.com/jing.html Ent ✔

Gmail 7 27

Previous rankings
2011: 20
Gmail is a free, webmail service
provided by Google. 2010: 31
2009: 21
The most popular email service/client 2008: 14
on the list.
2007: 7=
Cost: Free
Pers ✔
Available: Online
Edu (✔)
www.gmail.com
Ent (✔)

Camtasia 28

Previous rankings
Tool to record on-screen activity, edit 2011: 28
and enhance your content, and share 2010: 27
in high-quality to viewers anywhere.
2009: 26
Continues to maintain a consistent 2008: 26=
position on the list 2007: 50=
Cost: Commercial
Pers
Available: Download
Edu ✔
www.techsmith.com/camtasia.html
Ent ✔

Audacity 29

Previous rankings
2011: 29
Open source audio recording and 2010: 24
editing program that lets you mix 2009: 9=
sounds, record sounds and edit sounds
2008: 12
2007: 11
Cost: Free
Available: Download Pers ✔
audacity.sourceforge.net
Edu ✔

Ent ✔

Wikispaces 7 30

Previous rankings
2011: 23
A free wiki hosting platform providing 2010: 17
community wiki spaces, visual page 2009: 29
editing, and discussion areas.
2008: 19
A small drop down the list this year. 2007: 15
www.wikispaces.com
Edu ✔

Ent

Voicethread 6 31

Previous rankings
A web-based digital-storytelling 2011: 25
application that allows users to share
their stories through test, audio, images 2010: 19
or videos. 2009: 19
2008: 23
A small decrease in position on the
chart this year. 2007: -

Pers
Available: Online
Edu ✔
www.voicethread.com Ent

Adobe Connect  27 32

Previous rankings
2011: 59
Web conferencing software (formerly
Macromedia Breeze) powering secure 2010: 61=
web meeting, elearning and webinar 2009: 41=
events. 2008: 66=
With a big climb up the list it is now the 2007: 72=
highest ranked web conferencing
software on the list.
Pers
Cost: Commercial
adobe.com/products/adobeconnect.html Ent ✔

Google Sites  10 33

Previous rankings
2011: 43
A free service from Google to create 2010: 39=
and share web and wiki (editable) 2009: 71=
pages.
2008: 59=
The highest ranked web and wiki 2007: -
software on the list.

Pers ✔
Cost: Free

www.google.com/sites Ent (✔)

iPad and Apps  10 34

Previous rankings
2011: 44
Apple’s tablet and the huge range of 2010: -
apps available for it make it a very
2009: -
popular “learning” device..
2008: -
Cost: iPad – Commercial;
Apps – vary 2007: -
Available: iPad to purchase from Apple
and other stores, Apps available from Pers ✔
iTunes online store
Edu ✔
www.apple.com/ipad
Ent

Google Chrome  10 35

Previous rankings
2011: 45
This free web browser is the most 2010: 44
popular browser on the list. There are 2009: 55=
now many plugins and extensions
available to extend its functionality. 2008: -
2007: -
Google Chrome continues to move up
the list.
Cost: Free Pers ✔

www.google.com/chrome
Ent

Pinterest
36

Previous rankings
2011: -
The highest new entry on the 2012 list. 2010: -
Pinterest is a virtual pinboard. It lets 2009: -
you organize and share images you 2008: -
find on the web. 2007: -

Cost: Free Pers ✔
Available: Online
Edu ✔
www.pinterest.com
Ent

Articulate 9 37

Previous rankings
E-Learning authoring software includes 2011: 46
Articulate Studio (Presenter, Engage
and Quizmaker ‘09) as well as 2010: 43
Storyline. 2009: 24
Movement back up the list for Articulate 2008: 25
is due to the popular Storyline product 2007: 22=
launched in 2012.
Cost: Commercial Pers
Available: Download
Edu ✔
www.articulate.com
Ent ✔

Google Maps 38

Previous rankings
2011: 38
A web-mapping service that lets you 2010: 58
embed interactive maps into your 2009: 67
website.
2008: 34
Continues to be a popular tool on the 2007: 36=
list.
Cost: Free
Pers ✔
Available: Online
www.google.com/maps Edu ✔

Ent ✔

Animoto  12 39

Previous rankings
2011: 27
Lets you turn your photos, video clips, 2010: 28
and music into videos to share with 2009: 31=
everyone.
2008: -
A decrease in position on the list from 2007: -
the previous 3 years.

Cost: Free and premium versions Pers ✔


Ent
www.animoto.com

Tweetdeck 3 40

Previous rankings
A social media dashboard application
for management of Twitter and
2011: 37
Facebook accounts. 2010: 37
Purchased by Twitter in May 2011. the 2009: 43
version in November 2011 dropped 2008: -
support for LinkedIn, Google Buzz, 2007: -
Foursquare and MySpace accounts,
which may be the reason for a small
drop down the list Pers ✔
Cost: Free
Edu
Ent
www.tweetdeck.com

Hootsuite  32 41

Previous rankings
2011: 73
A social media management dashboard 2010: 74=
that lets you manage and measure 2009: -
your social networks.
2008: -
A substantial increase in its position on 2007: -
the list since the previous two years.

Pers ✔
Cost: Free and premium version
Available: Online/Download Edu

www.hootsuite.com Ent

SnagIt 5 42

Previous rankings
2011: 47
A screen capture program that lets you 2010: 58
grab an image or video of what you see 2009: 55=
on your computer screen, add effects,
and share with anyone. 2008: -
2007: -
Continues its climb up the list.



Ent ✔
www.techsmith.com/snagit.html

Adobe Captivate 5 43

Previous rankings
2011: 48
Authoring software for rapidly creating
2010: 38
and maintaining interactive eLearning
content. 2009: 22=
Maintains a consistent position on the 2008: 30=
list. 2007: 17=

Cost: Commercial Pers

adobe.com/products/captivate.html
Ent ✔

Livebinders  20 44

Previous rankings
2011: 64
Lets you organize your digital
information into nice presentable 2010: 61
containers - like 3-ring binders on your 2009: -
shelf. 2008: -
Big increase in position on this list for 2007: -
Livebinders this year.
Cost: Free
Pers ✔
Available: Online
Edu ✔
www.livebinders.com
Ent

Sharepoint  20 45

Previous rankings
A collaboration platform to make it
2011: 65
easier for people to work together. 2010: 75=
Sharepoint increases its position 2009: 50=
substantially on the list this year as 2008: -
enterprise collaboration becomes a key 2007: -
theme.
Cost: Commercial
Pers
Available: Installed
Edu (✔)
sharepoint.com
Ent ✔

Mindmeister 6 46

Previous rankings
Online mind mapping software that
2011: 52
allows users to visualize their thinking. 2010: 73=
Mindmeister is the most popular 2009: 55=
mindmapping software on the list. 2008: 42=
2007: -
Cost: Commercial

www.mindmeister.com Edu ✔

Ent

iTunes/iTunesU  19 47

Previous rankings
iTunes is a digital media player that lets 2011: 66
you organize your music, movies, TV 2010: 51
shows, and more on your Mac or PC,
then add it to your iPod or iPhone.
2009: 41=
2008: 28
iTunesU gives educators an easy way 2007: 26=
to design complete courses with audio,
video, and other content and distribute
them through the iTunesU app. Pers ✔
Cost: Free Edu ✔
Ent
www.apple.com/itunes
www.apple.com/itunesu

Delicious  24 48

Previous rankings
2011: 24
Delicious continue to move down the 2010: 4
list from its #1 position in 2008. 2009: 2
However, it is still a popular social 2008: 1
bookmarking site following its revamp 2007: 2
after its sale by Yahoo.
Cost: Free
Pers ✔
Available: Online
www.delicious.com Edu ✔

Ent

Outlook  20 49

Previous rankings
2011: 69=
Email programme part of the Microsoft 2010: 95=
Office Suite 2009: 67=
A noticeable increase in its ranking this 2008: 38=
year. 2007: 17=
Cost: Commercial
Pers ✔
Available: Download
www.microsoft.com/outlook Edu

Ent ✔

Blackboard Collaborate
(previously Elluminate)  10 50

Previous rankings
2011: 60
Offers a social, interactive learning
experience with virtual classrooms,
2010: 35
online conferencing and instant 2009: 43=
messaging. 2008: 50=
An increase in its position on the list
2007: 50=
this year.
Pers
Cost: Commercial
Edu ✔
Available: Online
www.blackboard.com/platforms/collabo Ent
rate/overview.aspx

SurveyMonkey  23 51

Previous rankings
Allows users to design surveys, collect
2011: 74
responses, and analyse the responses 2010: 48=
of their created surveys. 2009: 88=
SurveyMonkey has risen back up the
2008: 54=
list again this year.. 2007: -
Pers ✔
Available: Online
Edu ✔
www.surveymonkey.com
Ent ✔

Google Scholar 52

Previous rankings
2011: -
Back on the list again!
2010: 66=
2009: -
Google Scholar provides a simple way
to search broadly for scholarly 2008: 42=
literature. 2007: 36=

Cost: Free Pers ✔

Available: Online Edu (✔)
www.google.com/scholar
Ent

Adobe Photoshop 53

Previous rankings
2011: -
Back on the list again after two years
2010: -
absence! 2009: 35
Photoshop is a professional image 2008: 59=
editing software package. 2007: 50=


Available: Download Edu
www.adobe.com/products/photoshop.ht
Ent ✔
ml

Webex 54

Previous rankings
2011: -
Back on the list again!.
2010: 85=
2009: 67=
Webex is web conferencing that
combines file and presentation 2008: -
sharing with voice, HD video and new 2007: -
meeting spaces.

Pers
Cost: Commercial

www.webex.com Ent ✔

Google Apps  20 55

Previous rankings
A service from Google providing 2011: 35
independently customizable versions of 2010: 34
several Google products under a
custom domain name. 2009: 38=
2008: 68=
A decrease in its position from last
three years – although this may be due 2007: -
to voting for specific Google products.
Available: Online
Edu ✔
www.google.com/Apps
Ent ✔

Khan Academy  18 56

Previous rankings
2011: 74
A library of over 2,600 videos covering 2010: -
everything from arithmetic to physics, 2009: -
finance, and history and 235 practice
exercises 2008: -
2007: -
Increases its position on the list this
year.
Cost: Free Pers

www.khanacademy.org
Ent

Google Translate 57

Previous rankings
2011: -
Another new entrant on the 2012 list. 2010: -
This is a free online language 2009: -
translation service for instantly 2008: -
translating text and web pages. 2007: -

Cost: Free Pers ✔
Available: Online
Edu
www.google.com/translate
Ent

Quizlet  24 58

Previous rankings
2011: 82
A website providing learning tools for 2010: -
students, including flashcards, study
and game modes. 2009: -
2008: -
A big increase on last year’s position on 2007: -
the list.

Cost: Free Pers


www.quizlet.com Ent

Scribd 3 59

Previous rankings
2011: 56
Read, publish, and share documents
2010: 54
and written works. 2009: 71=
Has maintained a consistent position 2008: 83=
on the list over the last few years. 2007: 50=

www.scribd.com Edu ✔

Ent

Flickr  24 60

Well known online photo management
Previous rankings
and sharing application. 2011: 36
2010: 20
Substantial drop in position this year
from previous 5 years. But may be just
2009: 18
due to the fact that the service is now 2008: 15
taken for granted. 2007: 16
Cost: Free
Pers ✔
Available: Online
Edu ✔
www.flickr.com
Ent

Flipboard
61

Previous rankings
2011: -
New entrant to the list this year. 2010: -
2009: -
A social magazine, available for iPad,
iPhone and Android. 2008: -
2007: -
Cost: Free

www.flipboard.com Edu

Ent

Bing
62

Previous rankings
2011: -
Microsoft’s search engine makes it onto 2010: -
the list for the first time this year. 2009: -
2008: -
Cost: Free 2007: -
Available: Online
www.bing.com Pers ✔

Edu

Ent

Ning 6 63

Previous rankings
Ning is the world's largest platform for 2011: 57
creating social websites. 2010: 31
2009: 11=
Continues to drop down the list since it
no longer supports the creation of free 2008: 16
communities. 2007: 31=
Cost: Commercial
Pers ✔
Available: Online
Edu ✔
www.ning.com
Ent ✔

Screenr  13 64

Previous rankings
2011: 51
A web-based tool that lets you create 2010: 58
screencasts and publish them in high- 2009: 55=
definition Flash format.
2008: -
Moves down the list this year. 2007: -
Cost: Free
www.screenr.com
Edu ✔

Ent ✔

Firefox (and add-ons) 65

Previous rankings
2011: -
Back on the list again this year after a
2010: 29
year’s absence, and despite having 2009: 9=
been the #1 tool in 2007. 2008: 2
Firefox is an open source web-browser 2007: 1
from Mozilla.

Pers ✔
Cost: Free
Edu
Available: Download
Ent
mozilla.org/firefox

Instapaper
66

Previous rankings
2011: -
New entrant to the list this year.
2010: -
Instapaper is a service that allows 2009: -
users to save webpages and web 2008: -
articles to read later on your iPhone,
iPad or Kindle. 2007: -

Cost: Free Pers ✔
www.instapaper.com
Ent

Udutu 2 67

Previous rankings
2011: 69
Create courses quickly and easily 2010: 95
either on your own or collaboratively 2009: 64=
with others. Easily import existing
content. 2008: -
2007: -
Cost: Free to create; hosting charge
Pers
Available: Online
www.udutu.com Edu ✔

Ent ✔

MovieMaker
68

Previous rankings
2011: -
Back on the list this year after an 2010: -
absence of a couple of years. 2009: 83=
Microsoft’s MovieMaker lets you turn 2008: 83=
your videos and photos into movies. 2007: -
Cost: Free
windows.microsoft.com/en-
US/windows-live/movie-maker-get- Edu ✔
started
Ent

Mindjet 69
(previously MindManager)

Previous rankings
2011: -
Back on the list after 5 years! 2010: -
2009: -
A complete solution for visual
information mapping, collaboration, and 2008: -
task management that can be used on 2007: 17=
Windows and Mac desktops, via the
web and on mobile devices.
Pers ✔
Cost: Commercial
Available: Online/Download Edu

www.mindjet.com Ent

Kindle  12 70

Previous rankings
2011: 82
The ebook reader developed by 2010: -
Amazon. 2009: -
The Kindle has improved its position on 2008: -
the list since last year. 2007: -
Cost: Commercial
Available: Purchase Kindle from local Pers ✔
Amazon online store, e.g.
www.amazon.com/kindle Edu

www.amazon.co.uk/kindle Ent

OneNote  29 71

Previous rankings
2011: 100
Note-taking software for capturing all of 2010: 85=
your ideas and to-dos on the go, 2009: -
brought to you by Microsoft Office.
2008: 66=
A significant increase in the ranking 2007: -
possibly due to its availability also as
an iPhone and iPad app.

www.microsoft.com/onenote
Ent

Wallwisher  18 72

Previous rankings
2011: 54
An online noticeboard. 2010: 26
Continues to drop down the list again 2009: -
this year 2008: -
2007: -
Cost: Free
Available: Online Pers

www.wallwisher.com Edu ✔

Ent

Zite
73

Previous rankings
2011: -
2009: -
A social magazine that goes beyond
manual customization to provide an 2008: -
individually personalized experience. 2007: -

Cost: Free Pers ✔
Edu
www.zite.com
Ent

iPhone and apps  19 74

Previous rankings
2011: 55
Apple’s smartphone and the huge
2010: 39
range of apps available for it make it a 2009: 31=
popular “learning” device despite its 2008: 50=
drop down the list this year.
2007: 43=
Cost: iPhone – Commercial;
Apps – vary
Pers ✔
Available: iPhone to purchase from
Apple and other stores, Apps available Edu ✔
from iTunes online store
Ent ✔
www.apple.com/iphone

Poll Everywhere 7 75

Previous rankings
2011: 82
Gather live responses in any venue: 2010: -
conferences, presentations, 2009: -
classrooms, print, etc,- using SMS,
web, or Twitter. 2008: -
2007: -
An increase in its position on the list
this year.
Pers ✔

Cost: Free and paid plans Edu ✔
Available: Online
Ent ✔
www.polleverywhere.com

Pocket  14 76
(previously Read It Later)

Previous rankings
2011: 90=
Put articles, videos or pretty much 2010: -
anything into Pocket. Save directly from 2009: -
your browser or from apps like Twitter,
Flipboard, Pulse and Zite. 2008: -
2007: -
A new name, and an increased position
on the list this year.
Pers ✔
Cost: Free
Edu
Available: Online
Ent
getpocket.com

Edublogs 3 77

Previous rankings
2011: 74=
An educational blogging service for 2010: 48=
safe, secure class-sites and e- 2009: 49
portoflios.
2008: 59=
A further drop down the list this year. 2007: 72=

Cost: Free Pers ✔
Available: Online
Edu ✔
edublogs.org
Ent

Vimeo  29 78

Previous rankings
2011: 49
A video-sharing website where users 2010: 70
can upload, view and share videos. 2009: -
Falls back down the list this year. 2008: -
2007: -
Cost: Free

www.vimeo.com Edu ✔

Ent

Wordle  40 79

Previous rankings
2011: 39
Wordle lets you generate word clouds
from text that you provide. You can 2010: 22
tweak your clouds with different fonts, 2009: 30
layouts, and colour schemes. 2008: -
Big drop down the list this year. 2007: -

Cost: Free Pers ✔
www.wordle.net
Ent

Symbaloo (and EDU)  39 80

Previous rankings
2011: 41
A unique visual bookmarking tool that 2010: -
helps you keep your favourite links on a 2009: -
dashbaord.
2008: -
A significant move down the list this 2007: -
year.
Cost: Free
Pers ✔
Available: Download
www.symbaloo.com Edu ✔

www.symbaloo.com/edu Ent

Excel 81

Previous rankings
2011: 81
A spreadsheet programme and part of 2010: -
the Microsoft Office suite. 2009: -
Excel maintains its place on the list this 2008: 50=
year. 2007: 27
Cost: Commercial
Pers ✔
Available: Download
www.microsoft.com/excel Edu ✔

Ent ✔

Paper.li 8 82

Previous rankings
2011: 90=
This is is a content curation service. It 2010: -
enables people to publish a daily online
newspapers based on topics they like. 2009: -
An increase in its ranking since last
2008: -
year when it was a new entrant. 2007: -
Cost: Free

paper.li Edu

Ent

Lino  15 83

Previous rankings
2011: 68
2010: -
An online web sticky note service that
can be used to post memos, to-do lists,
2009: -
ideas, and photos anywhere on an 2008: -
online web canvas. 2007: -
Drops down the list this year.
Cost: Free Pers ✔
en.linoit.com/
Ent

Voki
 44 84

Previous rankings
2011: 40
Create speaking avatars and use them 2010: 75=
as a learning tool. 2009: -
Drops back down the list this year 2008: -
2007: -
Cost: Free
Available: Download app
Pers
www.voki.com
Edu ✔

Ent

Buddypress 5 85

Previous rankings
2011: 90
Open source social networking
program. It is a plugin that can be
2010: -
installed on WordPress to transform it 2009: -
into social networking site. 2008: -
Small increase on the list this year.
2007: -

Cost: Free Pers
Available: Download
Edu ✔
www.buddypress.org
Ent ✔

eFront  28 86

Previous rankings
2011: 58
An eLearning platform (aka 2010: -
Course/Learning Management 2009: -
System) for both education and
enterprises. 2008: -
2007: -
Drops down the list this year.

Pers
Cost: Commercial
Available: Hosted/Installed Edu ✔

www.efrontlearning.net Ent ✔

Open Office  26 87

Previous rankings
2011: 61
Open source office suite to create 2010: 61
documents, spreadsheets and 2009: 71=
presentations. It is compatible with
Microsoft Office. 2008: 41=
Big decrease in position on the list this
2007: 31=
year.
Cost: Free Pers ✔

www.openoffice.org
Ent

PBWorks  54 88

Previous rankings
Capture knowledge, share files, and 2011: 34
manage projects within a secure, 2010: 33
reliable environment.
2009: 34
A significant drop down the list this year
after maintaining a good position for the
2008: 35=
last 5 years. 2007: 43=

Cost: Free and paid plans Pers

www.pbworks.com Ent ✔

Learnist
89

Previous rankings
2011: -
2010: -
Learnist makes it easy to share what 2009: -
you know by curating the web. You can 2008: -
use videos, blogs, books, docs, images
or anything on the web to explain 2007: -
anything.
Pers ✔
Cost: Free
Edu ✔
Available: Online
www.learni.st Ent

MentorMob
90

Previous rankings
2011: -
2009: -
Lets you organize any video, article, or
website into a Learning Playlist. 2008: -
2007: -
Cost: Free

www.mentormob.com Edu ✔

Ent

Mahara  24 91

Previous rankings
2011: 67
Mahara is two things: an ePortfolio and 2010: -
a social networking system combined. 2009: -
Open source software.
2008: -
Moves down the list this year. 2007: -

Cost: Free Pers
Available: Download
Edu ✔
www.mahara.org
Ent

Doodle
92

Previous rankings
2011: -
2010: -
Use Doodle for easy event scheduling. 2009: -
You can propose several dates and 2008: -
times and the participants can indicate
their availability online. 2007: -

Cost: Free and premium version Pers ✔
www.doodle.com
Ent ✔

Keynote 93

Previous rankings
2011: -
Back on the list again.
2010: 90=
Presentation software from Apple for 2009: 48
Mac computers. 2008: 65
2007: 72=
Cost: Commercial
Available: Download
Pers ✔
www.apple.com/keynote
Edu

Ent

Android phones 6 94
& tablets
Previous rankings
2011: 90
2010: 85
Android is a mobile operating system 2009: -
developed and distributed by Google 2008: -
for touch screen smartphones and
tablets. 2007: -
Small drop down the list this year.
Pers ✔
Cost: Commercial devices; apps vary
Available: Purchase devices. Edu
Apps available from:
Ent
www.google.com/play

Blackboard 6 95

Previous rankings
Blackboard is a suite of academic tools 2011: 89
based around a course management
system.
2010: 68
2009: -
Small decrease in position on the list
this year. 2008: -
Cost: Commercial
2007: -
Available: Installed
Pers
www.blackboard.com
Edu ✔

Ent

Tumblr 96

Previous rankings
2011: -
Back on the list again.
2010: -
Tumblr lets you effortlessly share 2009: -
anything. Post text, photos, quotes, 2008: 83=
links, music, and videos from your
browser, phone, desktop, email or 2007: -
wherever you happen to be.
Pers ✔
Cost: Free
www.tumblr.com Ent

Quora
97

Previous rankings
2011: -
2010: -
Quora connects you to everything you 2009: -
want to know about. Quora aims to be 2008: -
the easiest place to write new content
and share content from the web. 2007: -
Cost: Free
Pers ✔
Available: Online
www.quora.com Edu

Ent

Skydrive
98

Previous rankings
2010: -
Store any file on your SkyDrive (from 2009: -
Microsoft) and it's automatically
available from your phone and 2008: -
computers —no syncing or cables 2007: -
needed.

Pers ✔
Cost: Free

windows.microsoft.com/skydrive Ent

Popplet
99

Previous rankings
Popplet is a place for your ideas.
2010: -
Collect inspiration, record thoughts, 2009: -
explore ideas, create galleries. Share 2008: -
popplets and collaborate in real time.
2007: -
Cost: Free
Pers ✔
Available: Online
www.popplet.com Edu ✔

Ent

iMovie 6 100

Previous rankings
iMovie makes viewing and working 2011: 74=
with video as intuitive as enjoying your
photos. A built-in library automatically
2010: 95=
organizes your video, so all the clips 2009: 88=
you’ve captured and movies you’ve 2008: 66=
created are just a click away.
2007: -
Cost: Free
Available: Installed on Macs Pers ✔

www.apple.com/ilife/imovie/ Edu ✔

Ent

Top 100 Tools for Learning 2012

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Top 100 Tools for Learning 2012