minutes.io

minutes.io (http://minutes.io/) is an elegant, browser-based note-taking tool. The interface is simple to use, and notes are easy to share among participants. While it could be used for taking minutes at university meetings, instructors could use minutes.io to share lesson plans with students and administrators, and students themselves could produce plans of action for group work that could be distributed to instructors. minutes.io is free and does not currently require a sign-up. Here is a sample image:

Wunderlist

Wunderlist (https://www.wunderlist.com/) is a free application that allows users to create and share to-do lists, manage projects, and stay organized. Instructors could develop and distribute a checklist of tasks and due dates for students, and students could use Wunderlist to keep on top of their assignments and homework. Wunderlist is available on the web and on PC, Mac, Droid, iPhone, and iPad, and it can be synced across all devices.

Evernote

Evernote (http://www.evernote.com/) is a free, cross-platform and web-based organizational application (similar to Microsoft OneNote) that allows users to conveniently save notes, photos, and links to webpages. Notes can be arranged into searchable folders, can be shared with colleagues for collaboration, and are accessible virtually anywhere via an internet connection. Instructors could invite students to share research and assignments via Evernote, and students could use Evernote to catalog notes or work on group projects. Evernote is available on almost any machine or device—PCs, Macs, iPhones, iPads, Droids, etc. Here is a sample screenshot of Evernote:

Pinterest

Pinterest (http://pinterest.com) is a web-based bulletin board that allows users to pin images from the web to a virtual canvas, which can then be shared or embedded and commented upon by other subscribers. Students could use Pinterest for research compilation or for creating study aids, and instructors could provide additional course content to students by asking them to “follow” a class Pinterest board. Users need just click on “Request an Invite” for a free account (beware of the waiting list delay) or be invited by another account holder. Available for the iPhone and iPad.

Dropbox

Dropbox (https://www.dropbox.com/) is a free, cross-platform application that allows users to store documents securely and sync them across several computers and mobile devices. New accounts start with 2 GB. Here is a short video that describes its uses:

Doodle

Doodle (http://www.doodle.com/) is an online scheduling tool that allows users to solicit time availability from specified participants in order to arrange meeting times. Doodle can be used as a virtual alternative to the “sign-up sheet on the door.” Here is a sample:

Bubbl.us

Bubbl.us (https://bubbl.us/) is an easy-to-use, flash-based mind-mapping tool developed by two UWM graduates. Here is an example of what it looks like:

Dipity

Dipity (http://www.dipity.com/) is a web-based timeline creator that allows users to incorporate videos, photos, and other multimedia content. Dipity also expands the potential of the timeline interface with mash-ups such as "TimeTube," which allows users to create a "tubeline" of videos on a given subject on YouTube, and "Tickr," which builds timelines using photos on Flickr. Here is a sample Dipity that outlines post-apocalpytic literature from 1945:

FreeMind

FreeMind (http://freemind.sourceforge.net) is a free, cross-platform mind-mapping application that allows users to keep track of projects, take notes, and brainstorm. Here is an example: