Anastasia is a learning facilitator and coach, based in Connecticut, US.  She runs her learning portal Buddy-in-Law  offering learning solutions to legal professionals, and publishes her blog Lawsagna.  Anastasia is also known as The Self-Help Book Muse, who helps her coaching clients create a life that is book-worthy by igniting their passion for self-directed learning, and actually writes a custom self-help book for each client individually.

Ana's Top 10 Tools as at 24 March 2008

1. FreeMind.  It is my mind mapping software of choice and a good start for any project, as it helps me activate both sides of my brain and create a visual representation of ideas. 

2. Google Alerts.  This is how I keep track of the topics I want to learn about through email updates of the relevant Google results.  I also use it to monitor my own blog and websites.

3. Google Reader.  I use this feed reader for my numerous blog subscriptions.  It is easy to manage, and I like its design. 

4. Google Search  This search engine drives my learning.

5. iTunes. This is my gateway to podcasts.  I subscribe to a variety of podcasts related to learning and coaching.  With iTunes and my iPod, I can be learning even when I walk the dog.

6. Moodle.  I use this Open Source course management system for my training courses.  I like its interactive components, including chats, forums, wikis, workshops.  I am also looking into ways to use it for group coaching. 

7. MS Word. It is the place where my thoughts start to gain coherence. 

8. PureText.   This neat little tool allows me to paste text to any application without the original formatting.  One click on the "PT" tray icon on my task bar (or a hotkey, if you prefer) removes the formatting from the text that is currently on the clipboard.  Easy and useful.

9. Skype.  It is my gateway to the world.  That's how I connect to my friends and contacts in different parts of the globe.  

10. TypePad. This is the platform I use for blogging.  I was able to get my blog up and running quickly and easily at the time when I knew nothing about blogging.