Yammer

Yammer (https://www.yammer.com/) is a private and secure social networking tool designed specifically for businesses and organizations. Users are automatically added to a social network when they enroll using their organization’s email address (e.g. @uwm.edu). Instructors could use Yammer to cultivate a social learning environment that lives apart from public sites like Facebook, and students could join Yammer to share class- and campus-wide information and to collaborate in an online environment. Free apps for the iPhone and other mobile devices are available.

SoundCloud

SoundCloud (http://soundcloud.com/) is a free, web-based audio tool that allows users to publicly or privately share recorded or uploaded audio content. SoundCloud provides data on number of plays and profile views and can be pushed to various social networks like Twitter and Facebook. Instructors could record and distribute podcast lectures through SoundCloud, and students could themselves develop audio content to share with teachers and classmates. Free accounts require sign-up but provide 120 minutes of storage. SoundCloud is also available on the iPad, the iPhone, and Android devices.

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:

Posterous

Posterous (http://posterous.com) is a free, web-based microblogging platform that focuses on simple design, ease-of-use, and social networking. Instructors and students alike could use Posterous like any other blogging tool, the advantage being a potentially smaller learning curve. Free account sign-up is required, and an iPhone app is available for blogging on-the-go. Here is a sample Posterous site by Decimus:

Coach's Eye

Coach’s Eye (http://coachseye.com/) is an iPhone app developed by TechSmith (best known for Jing and Camtasia) that allows users to draw on and add audio to a digital video recorded through the app or imported from the device’s camera roll. The annotated video can then be distributed via email, text, or YouTube. Instructors could use Coach’s Eye to provide feedback on live performances, and students could mark up and share research videos taken in the field. Current price is $0.99. The following image was captured from the Coach’s Eye website:

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.

BlogPress

BlogPress is an iOS app that allows users to post to and manage their blogs from an iPad or iPhone. Most mainstream blog platforms are supported, including Blogger, Wordpress, and Tumblr. Current pricing is $2.99. Students and instructors could produce and share writing on-the-go via their mobile devices.