Tools for Saving Time and Keeping Organized

Keep Track of Time and Stay Organized: Digitally

Time Management and Organization are two, very important qualities of successful classrooms. Some of the traditional tools work, but are quickly becoming out-dated. This week in my Connected Educator class, our focus was finding digital tools for time management and organization. Each of these tools will help bring the out-dated methods into the 21st Century. Check them out!

Remind

Remind (formerly known as Remind101) is one of my "go-to" digital organizational tools. I love the fact that it connects me to my students and parents through text message. The entire application is run online, so I don't have to worry about sharing my personal phone number with anyone. The website generates a special code for each class that I create and I can provide the code to students and parents in each group. This helps me keep track of everything and make sure I am sending the right message to the right group of people. The application allows me to send simple messages, files (I prefer sending PDF's), and pictures. You can create your reminder and schedule it to send out a specific time. I like to do this in the morning and set the reminder to send out at the end of the school day. This feature is extra convenient because I don't have to be sitting at my computer the moment school is over, it just sends it out at the time I selected. All-in-all, this a fantastic, easy tool that can be used for a wide-variety of purposes. Teachers, coaches, parents, study-groups and many more use this to help them stay organized, digitally! PLUS IT'S FREE!

Check out this tutorial on how to use Remind.

SignUp Genius

SignUp Genius is exactly what it sounds like: a Genius way to SignUp for various events. This website allows you to create a group/event and times for participants to sign-up for. This organizational tool keeps everything in one place and makes it easy for you to keep track of multiple events, see who is helping out, and times that you need more support. There are so many different ways you could use this: fundraisers, community service projects, concessions stands, carpools, parent volunteers in elementary classrooms, field trip volunteers, and so much more. 

Check out this Tutorial to see how you could use this digital organizational tool!

Timers from SmartExchange

If you have a SmartBoard and you haven't explored SmartExchange yet, this is the place to go! There are so many tools for both organization and time management. One of my favorite ways to use my SmartBoard is for the various timers it has. The SmartExchange offers a variety of different timers that you can download and use in the classroom. I love the traffic light because it not only keeps time, it provides my students with an easily recognizable visual for how much time remains. I use the timers when I have my students working in stations, centers, or small groups. It can also be used to keep track of time for OTB activities. There are so many different uses for the timers. Follow the link above to check out the variety of timers and other tools SmartExchange has to offer!

As always, I hope you continue to join me on my journey to become a Connected Educator. Stay tuned for more updates, tools, and information about using technology in the classroom and beyond!

-Mrs. Adkins