TT #2: Organizing yourself online

When I first read about TT#2 I had no idea what to write about.  It got me thinking, how am I organized online?  Truth be told, how am I organize period?  I will admit, I am the person that will put important papers and items in a "safe place" but then when I need those papers or items I could not tell you where I had kept them so safely.  Thats how safe they are, they are so safe even I cannot find them.  So you must be wondering how does she stay organized online?  This is a good question. As probably predicted I forget what username I have created or which password I used, which username goes with which site, and yes the list goes on.  I remember Mike talking to us last year about this issue.  He told us about an app he uses to keep all his passwords and usernames safe.  My problem = I am a broke student and the app coast $10, my other problem I don't remember what the app was called (probably because it cost $10).

What helps me stay organized are sites like Pinterest, Google Docs, Google Community, and Feedly.

I love Pinterest.  I am able to create my own boards to categorize all my pins.  I have boards for:

• Healthy Options
• Workouts
• Fashion
• Specific subjects (Math, ELA, etc,)

I have yet to learn the maximum amount of boards one person can have.  So far and counting one friend has over 100 Pinterest Boards.  

The site is easy to use and allows you to narrow down your search.  I have seen many teachers use this site to help develop their units.  I really like the feature of sending pins to your friends that you follow.  I have come across recipes, workouts, and activities that I have shared with friends and family.  My one caution is make sure to really look and see if the option is worth pinning or still exists.

Google Docs is one of my new favourite sites.  I love that I can create and collaborate with friends, family, and classmates on this site.  My one example I will share is how I was able to help edit my sisters paper with her even though I was in Brandon and she was back home.  I was able to leave comments and suggestions for her as she worked on her paper.  One other feature, you can access your Google Doc account from any computer, just sign in with your username and password.  This came in handy when my computer crashed and I lost everything.  This is a site I would love to use in my classroom someday; as long as the division does not have it blocked to students.  This would help students be able to collaborate on assignments after schools hours.  I, the teacher, would be able to see how is contributing as well and leave comments for my students as they work.  

These two sites are the ones I use the most to stay organized online and ones I plan to continue using when I have my own classroom.

~ Miss Laing