Hello learner! When you are here at LifeLong Learning space, we know that you already know the importance of continuous learning for personal and professional growth. You understand that staying updated with new skills and knowledge helps you remain competitive and adaptable in this fast-paced world.
But did you know that you can use technology to make your continuous learning journey a cakewalk? Yes, that’s true. With the proper use of various apps and tools, accessing educational resources and acquiring new skills has become as easy as a few taps on your device.
Are you excited to learn what these apps and tools are? This article introduces you to them.
Types of Apps and Tools for Learning
As you know, many tools and apps are developed for different purposes on the Internet. That makes it difficult for users to choose the right app that serves their needs. To avoid this confusion, you must understand the types of apps and tools. Specifically, when it comes to learning, five key types of apps can support your various needs.
- Learning Management Systems (LMS)
- Language Learning Apps
- E-Book and Audiobook Platforms
- Note-taking and Organization Apps
- Staying Productive and Focused
Let’s explore each of them. But this time, you are not alone. Five individuals who, like you, are committed to continuous learning will join you to help you better understand these tools.
Learning Management Systems (LMS)
Let's start this journey with John. John is a mid-level manager in a tech company who wants to move up the career ladder. He has tried different methods to keep up with the constantly changing industry trends and the new skills required, like attending courses, watching YouTube videos, and reading blogs and books, but nothing has worked well for him. The main reason is that his busy work and life schedules make it hard to find consistent time for learning. Additionally, he feels that books and videos don't provide him with the practical knowledge he needs.
In this situation, he discovers Learning Management Systems (LMS).
A learning management system (LMS) is a software application or web-based technology used to organize, carry out, and evaluate a particular learning activity. It is used for the administration, tracking, reporting, automation, and delivery of educational courses, training programs, materials, or learning and development programs. LMS platforms are widely used in academic institutions and corporate training settings. Moreover, LMS platforms allow for self-paced learning, offer a wide range of subjects, and often provide certification upon completion.
The best examples of learning management systems are:
1. TechClass
TechClass is a digital academy that offers a comprehensive selection of self-paced training on all current and relevant knowledge like Digital Marketing, Artificial intelligence, Cybersecurity, Web Development, and more. The uniqueness of TechClass is that it allows you to access your courses anytime and anywhere, fitting easily into your schedule. Moreover, TechClass features a variety of learning materials, including engaging video lessons, reading materials, and interactive quizzes, to make your learning with them enjoyable and worthwhile.
2. LinkedIn Learning
Through expert-led course videos, LinkedIn Learning is an educational platform that assists you in discovering and developing your creative, technology-related, and business abilities. LinkedIn Learning is integrated with LinkedIn profiles, which is why it excels in providing each person with courses personalized to professional development, recommendations based on career goals, and skills assessments.
Productivity and Focus Tools
Productivity and focus go hand in hand. In continuous learning, productivity is essential. But you need to focus to be productive and get the best results out of your learning. However, productivity and focus are challenging to achieve today, especially with all the digital distractions.
For example, take Liam’s case. He is a freelance graphic designer who often finds it challenging to stay productive and focused in his learning amidst numerous projects and deadlines. He struggles with managing his time effectively and avoiding distractions from social media, his devices, and others. Now, the truth is that he can be productive and achieve his learning goals. All he needs is a little help from productivity and focus tools.
Productivity tools are applications designed to simplify tasks and improve workflow. They frequently include features allowing users to collaborate, quickly access documents, and create charts and graphs to show project planning, progress, and other details. The essential productivity tools include:
1. Trello
Trello is a visual work management tool that helps groups to ideate, plan, and manage their work together in a collaborative, productive, and organized way. You can use Trello for productivity in continuous learning by creating boards for different subjects or courses, adding lists for specific milestones or deadlines, and using cards to detail individual tasks or assignments. Moreover, you can use it to collaborate with other learners.
2. Todoist
Todoist is a task management tool for creating to-do lists, setting reminders, and tracking deadlines. With Todoist, you can create projects for different courses or subjects, break down your learning goals into actionable tasks, and schedule reminders to keep you on track.
Language Learning Apps
The world is getting closer every day, which means you have limitless access to knowledge, opportunities, and the growth of the world. When accessing these things, there is nothing but one barrier between you and what you seek to acquire: language.
For example, George, a businessman, frequently travels and meets clients and partners worldwide. But, he often faces language barriers that hinder effective communication. However, he was aware that language learning apps could help him communicate fluently in other languages while developing a new skill.
Language learning apps are mobile or web-based applications designed to help you learn new languages through interactive lessons and practice exercises. They offer a variety of features, including vocabulary building, grammar exercises, pronunciation practice, and listening comprehension activities. Two of the most popular language learning apps are:
1. Duolingo
Duolingo is a language learning website and app. It offers courses in a wide variety of languages, and its lessons are designed as bite-sized exercises that cover reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. The platform is well-known for its aesthetically pleasing design and bite-sized training. It turns picking up a language into a straightforward game that needs constant practice.
2. Babbel
Babbel is a self-paced online language learning tool. Unlike Duolingo's gamified approach, Babbel offers more structured and in-depth lessons designed by language experts. It also includes speech recognition technology to improve pronunciation and speaking skills, which is much needed for new language learners as a practical approach.
E-Book and Audiobook Platforms
Nancy is a stay-at-home parent who wants to use her free time to develop new hobbies and skills. Her learning method is not following courses or watching videos. She loves reading E-books and listening to audiobooks.
Unlike printed books and libraries, e-book, and audiobook platforms provide access to a vast collection of books in electronic or audio formats. They allow you to read or listen to books no matter where you are and the time of day. They often include features like highlights, notes, and synchronization across devices.
1. Amazon Kindle
Amazon Kindle is an e-book platform that provides access to a vast library of digital books across various genres. Through wireless networking to the Kindle Store, users of Amazon Kindle devices can browse, purchase, download, and read e-books, newspapers, magazines, Audible audiobooks, and other digital material.
2. Audible
Audible is a membership service that allows users to access the greatest collection of audiobooks in the world, podcasts, exclusive originals, and more. Users can listen to books narrated by professional voice actors, authors, and celebrities, making it a convenient option for those who prefer listening to reading.
Note-taking and Organization Apps
Monica is a university student struggling to manage her workload and stay organized. She needs efficient ways to take notes during lectures, keep track of her assignments, and study new subjects outside her curriculum. The best solution for her is to use a note-taking and organization app.
Note-taking and organization applications give learners the following features: They can digitally store all of their notes and pertinent information, typically in a cloud-based storage system. On the preferred device, they can type, scribble, and draw notes like a pen and paper. Top note-taking apps are:
1. Evernote
Evernote is a versatile note-taking and organization app designed to help users capture and organize their ideas, tasks, and projects. With Evernote, you create notes in various formats, including text, images, audio recordings, and attachments. Your notes can also be organized into notebooks and tagged for easy retrieval.
2. OneNote
Microsoft OneNote is a digital note-taking app that allows users to create and organize notes in a hierarchical structure using notebooks, sections, and pages. OneNote offers collaboration features, allowing users to share notebooks and work together in real time.
