Every year Jane Hart runs a survey to list the the most popular digital tools for learning in 3 different contexts: self improvement and personal development, at work and for education. This is a great opportunity to learn about tools that are emerging in the industry and reflect on how we can leverage these tools not only for our own personal development but also when it comes to using resources to support others.

Here are my top 10 digital tools for learning this year:

Google search: This is my go to place when I want to know about literally everything. I google everything all the time and can’t honestly imagine my life without it. 

Youtube: Coming close after Google is YouTube. YouTue videos are my saviour when it comes to learning how to work with new software, getting inspiration from great people, repairing things (I once even repaired my laptop fan), doing a whole lot of DIY, doing yoga and meditation, basically everything.

Podcast: Podcasts give me the flexibility to learn new things and be inspired by new ideas on my run/walk days.

LinkedIn: This is where I connect with and eventually meet many inspirational individuals, learn about their thoughts and work and find events (mostly webinars) to attend.

WordPress: I’m a fan of  Harold Jarche’s seeking, sense-making and sharing framework and WordPress is where I started writing blog posts to reflect on my work, make sense of my learning and share ideas with my network. I love what Austin Kleon says about using your voice: “the only way to find your voice is to use it. It’s hardwired, built into you. Talk about the things you love”. Of course writing is really challenging for me – I feel anxious about writing blog posts and sharing them but I’m sure I’ll get better with time. As cheesy as it may sound, I do feel the fear and do it anyway (and I’ll die if I don’t add a winking emoji here 😉).

Google drive: It’s a tool I use every day to save my notes from conferences/webinars, recommendations, project details and progress, goals, etc. I also use Google docs and sheets for collaborative work; it’s easy to use, safe and free – what’s not to like. 

Zoom and Microsoft Teams: I use both these video meeting platforms for clients meetings as well as for my personal and professional development. Most webinars and online events I attend use Zoom as their primary tool. 

Suunto: Brilliant tool with great data to help me improve my running at a better pace and with better heart rate. I used it when training for my first Marathon. It’s a great tool to keep track of my routine activity and recovery.

Instagram: To be fair I’m not a very active social media user but I follow a number of people on instagram who I learn quite a lot from and get inspiration. I actually learned how to run pain-free when I was training for Marathon from a running coach who posts short daily videos and tips on Instagram. 

Slack: I use Slack as a primary communication tool with some of my clients.