Thing 16

Thing 16:  Get Organized with Web 2.0 Tools

     As I experimented with various Internet start pages, I opted to join Pageflakes.  The main factors behind my decision regarded the utilization of email, calendars and task lists to keep me organized.  I was also attracted to the aesthetics of the web page layout and the general ease in formatting the actual page to quickly view topic headlines.  I was so enamored by the concept, that I did opt to create my own customized page that included local and national headlines, links to some of my favorite sites, organizational tools and of course... Sudoku!

     In considering which on-line calendar to utilize, I opted to register with Google Calendar as I currently utilize Gmail.  The Google Calendar will sync directly with my email account, including retrieving contacts and making the calendar both useful and easy.  My goal is to utilize Google Calendar to manage my personal appointments and school work, in an effort to remain organized, as I continue to juggle family, work and school.  I was impressed by the Salesforce Calendar from Jot.  The only reservation I had regarded the fact that it was not a free site.  I am not sure how it would be perceived by company executives, but I do plan to offer this as a suggestion at our next departmental meeting as I do feel the value is worth the investment.  If you have a moment... check it out, especially if you work in sales/marketing.

     With regards to "to do lists," I personally am a fan of keeping tasks organized.  My shortfall is in juggling professional and private lists.  There is certainly a little extra time involved in creating and managing lists, but I do like the ease of manipulating tasks in Google Calendar.  I also feel that the additional time required to manage this account will be minimal, largely due to the utilization of a personalized start page.  As with anything, time will tell as to the actual value of maintaining personal and professional tasks, but I remain optimistic that things will flow smoothly.

     In reviewing other Web 2.0 sources, I would suggest taking a moment to review MyStickies (on-line post-it notes) and Engrade (classroom organization/grading software).  MyStickies allows you to incorporate multiple colored post-it notes to various websites, thus allowing a means of tracking important components of various sites.  This feature outshines bookmarks as it denotes the value as to why pages have been marked; this information can be most helpful when conducting research.  Engrade enhances the process of maintaining, tracking, recording and sharing grades/assignments with parents and students.  This platform allows parents to remain abreast of classroom activities and student performance via weekly email updates, thus alleviating any surprises at the end of a grading period.  It also allows teachers a means of maintaining organization of attendance, grades and assignment statuses.