10 Mobile Apps Instructional Designers Should Be Familiar With

10 Mobile Apps Instructional Designers Should Be Familiar With
Summary: Let’s face it; our smartphones and tablets are like trusted friends. We wouldn’t even consider leaving home without them. So, why not use them to enhance the productivity of Instructional Designers and work remotely? In this article, I’ll share 10 top mobile apps Instructional Designers should know about.

10 Mobile Apps Instructional Designers Need To Know (In Alphabetical Order)

Many Instructional Designers already use mobile devices in their eLearning strategy. They give online learners the power to access valuable online resources and improve their skills from anywhere in the world. However, we can also use mobile apps to our advantage. In fact, here are 10 apps that can help you collaborate on-the-go and manage your time more effectively.

1. Apple Keynote

Keynote is a mobile app for the iPad, iPod touch, and iPhone. It gives users the ability to create interactive online presentations that feature animated charts, images, and text. You can also integrate tables and bubble charts into your online presentation design. Better still, the recipient doesn't have to be an Apple device user. You can deliver your content on HDTVs with the help of Presenter Display mirroring.

2. Blackboard Collaborate Mobile

Blackboard is one of the popular Learning Management Systems, and their mobile app takes online collaboration one step further. You can host web conferences, view eLearning content, and watch virtual presentations. The only caveat is that you need to have a Blackboard license in order to use the mobile app. But it's well worth it if you're looking for a mobile Project Management platform.

3. DesignJot

This mobile app is actually intended for Instructional Designers and online trainers. It gives you the power to create eLearning courses right on your mobile device, from planning to developing eLearning content. At the moment, it's only available for Apple gadgets, specifically the iPad. Some of its standout features are: sample eLearning course review, unlimited projects, and rapid eLearning analysis.

4. iTunes U

Most people have heard of iTunes, but few know about the knowledge-packed iTunes U app. This mobile tool features an impressive library of eLearning content, including free eLearning courses. Many of these eLearning courses are geared toward skill development, which is ideal for Instructional Designers looking for ideas for respective eLearning courses. Just make sure that you give yourself plenty of time to peruse their online catalog, because there are thousands of topics to choose from.

5. Outlook

Microsoft Outlook version for Android and iOS. While many people use it to just check their email, you can also store your contacts and calendars in the mobile app. Furthermore, you are able to sync up other email accounts so that you don't have to check multiple servers. For instance, your Gmail and Yahoo Mail messages are accessible via the platform.

6. Paper By FiftyThree

This productivity mobile app allows you to draw, jot down notes, and sketch out your eLearning course design. You also have the power to create to-do lists, diagrams, and wireframes, as well as photo annotations. The mobile platform gives you the opportunity to export your work to PDF, PowerPoint, and Keynote, as well. Paper by FiftyThree is a definite must-have for Instructional Designers.

7. Pocket

This is another Android/iOS mobile app that Instructional Designers may find beneficial. It allows you to bookmark online content quickly, such as subject matter related articles and eLearning videos. So, if you have to hurry into a client meeting, you can just tag the site and then go back to it later. This mobile tool is similar to Dropbox and Google Docs, in that it utilizes an online folder. The folder stores all of the information so that you can have it in one place. However, you also have the option to email the bookmarks or view them on your computer browser.

8. Skill Pill

If you're searching for bite-sized bits of professional knowledge, then Skill Pill is an obvious choice. It's made for Android, iOS, Windows Phone, and Blackberry. So, virtually anyone can access the "pills", which are microlearning eLearning videos. Each "pill" centers on a specific topic, from marketing to retail management. Thus, you only have to take a few minutes out of your day to expand your knowledge base. This mobile app is free, but you'll have limited access to the online presentations. For a fee you can upgrade your membership and unlock the whole library.

9. Udemy

Udemy is one of the top MOOC sites, but they also offer an Android/iOS app that features thousands of eLearning courses. While this may be a valuable resource for your online learners, it can also help you research the subject matter. There are a variety of topics to choose from, including skill-building articles and online presentations. You even have the option to save the eLearning courses and view them offline, which is a major plus when travelling. Last, but not least, the app features a whiteboard viewer where you can make annotations and peruse images.

10. WPS Office

This Adroid/ iOS app serve as a word processor, slideshow creator, and online presentation design tool. It also supports a wide range of formats, including .xls and .doc files. In a nutshell, it's a must-have productivity mobile app for Instructional Designers who want to view, share, and create eLearning content anywhere. For example, you can quickly access email attachments and then make the necessary changes. When you're done, upload it to Google Drive, Dropbox, and other popular doc sharing sites. This speeds up the work process and makes eLearning content revisions a breeze.

All of these mobile apps have one thing in common: They make your life easier. Aside from that, they also help you stay organized and improve your eLearning course design. You can use them to expand your professional knowledge, collaborate with your eLearning team, and make your work process more efficient. Best of all, they are all free or low cost.

Now that you know where to find top apps to improve your eLearning course design, you may also look for more free online resources to use for your eLearning deliverables. Read the article Top 9 Sites For FREE eLearning Music And Sound Effects to discover sites with high quality, royalty free music that will further motivate and inspire your online learners.