Blogs

Happy New Year - not 1 but 2 blogs from me to start the year - this one is around what I consider to be a most useful (and bodacious) playlist of apps.  These are aimed at those studying for Human Resource and People Management programmes but applies other programmes too.

Hope this is useful to you - they are all pretty easy to load, learn and make the most of.  iOS and Android for sure, some Windows, some Blackberry apologies if your platform doesn't support them.

1. CIPD People Management.

A brand new app and an online version of the famous HR/CIPD magazine. Great for keeping on top of the latest trends in work; themes and issues around HR professional fields and the practice updates around employment law and more. Of course membership is a must and hard copy magazines are available as well as an iPad reader version yet the usability of this now as an app takes it to another level in supporting studying - from this point on. For archived features of course, the iPad or hard-copy version will be needed. A great starting point for the app was the December edition and its feature on Social Media.

2. TED.

The app version of the famous website TED.Com website of short 15-18 minute talks around techology, education and design. The very latest talks to your mobile, tablet or ultrabook lead you to the latest thought leaders, scientists and academics around a huge range of topics from the latest in technology and robotics, to neuroscience and manufactering.

3. Evernote

Never forget another thing. Ever. This bookmarking and cloud storage app links your notes; to do lists; internet browsing pages; social media favourites; images; video links and pdf downloads. A great way to connect your devices through one platform. For free.

4. Zite

A newsreader/information curation app that learns your preferences and presents the best of the web, blogs and other social feeds around topics YOU are interested in. The news wrapped around you rather than you having to dive into the web and search / locate newsworthy topics linked to your professional field and/or study topics.

5. Google Keep

Want a nice tidy to-do-list that is simple, colourful and based on a tiled interface? Google Keep is a way to colour code your actions and activities; again shared across mobile, tablet and/or netbook and synchronised across all devices. Attach images, notes and sketches; clip email and SMS text to move your to-do list away from your inbox and into a bright app accessible with ease.

6. Do it Tomorrow

Another productivity app - different to Evernote and Google Keep - less a project inventory and more a daily "must do" range of small tasks that allows you to "push" the deadline for completion the following day and no later. Perfect for procrastinators and those who have a lot to keep going in the long-term and need the critical small-tasks to be done in the immediate term.

7. Slideshare

Not strictly speaking JUST an app but more an app-based access to a social media platform where those who construct and deliver powerpoint decks speeches, courses and workshops share their slide decks for others to learn from and even reuse! Some fabulous content freely available and signposted by this useful learning app.

8. Google+ Hangout

Part of the Google+ family of social apps, this gives you the chance to have an up-to-9 person video conference with members of your learning cohort; class; remote team; colleagues in different locations. Again not strictly speaking just an app, but an app-based connection via your smartphone or tablet to "hangout" and share information with each other.

9. getAbstract

A subscription based app that gives you access to 5-page summaries of many of the best business books and classic leadership literature. These 5 page summaries take the pain out of reading volumes of books and allow you to zoom in on the models and case studies that matter.

10. Vimeo

Again, an app that accesses a website but on your mobile device, having access to this video-sharing platform. "Cleaner" that YouTube (i.e. Not cluttered with Harlem Shake videos and outtakes from You've Been Framed) Vimeo is a growing video-sharing platform with corporate and educational content around leadership, economics, people management, statistical analysis and more.

Overall there are tons of apps around productivity, efficiency and study support - use the wisdom of the crowd (ie other reviewers who recommend them) to select the ones that could be most useful to you.

Good luck

Perry