Smart phone use
I use my smart phone to manage my "to-do" list.
It has features that allow me to prioritize, move items, check off the stuff that's done and set reminders, deadlines and alarms for immediate priority tasks.
I uses this because with all the distractions at school, I tend to forget the tasks that aren't "in my face" all the time.
Jason, Excellent to hear! Yes keeping it in sync is the key. Otherwise, it's the equivalent of having multiple lists - which can feel overwhelming.
Dr. Melissa Read
This works well for me also. I have it sync with my work calandar as well as personal one. That way I always know what is going on and if things will conflict.
I rely on my smart phone for almos everything.
Monique, It's great to respond quickly to a student when they are first experiencing a problem. Problems do tend to grow in size when left unattended and the smart phones can really help.
Dr. Melissa Read
I find the smart phone a great way to respond to students and minimize my to do list in response to assisting students with questions. It does help with the task that are not looking you in the face for sure.
Monique
Scott, So true. The syncing to your laptop is key to staying organized. It helps us have one digital list instead of many that have to be justified.
Dr. Melissa Read
I agree we must have a back up system for all activities. I use my smart phone not just for calendar, but being in nursing I use it at the work stations for looking up current procedures, medications, diagnostic test. Its awesome for quick reference.
I also use my smart phone aka iPhone to help me with all my reminders, with all the meetings I can sync it to my laptop to that all my "to-do" list are the same and helps me keep them all organized. The smart phone is an amazing help to all of us.
I no only use it on daily basis but also set alarms. As a part of my job, I have to be off campus. If I do not use my smart phone calendar and things to do section, I used to miss important on campus meetings or had to rush last minute. Now I look at my calendar and synchronise with my office calendar. I have set up reminder according to the importance and preperation time needed for the meeting or any academic activity.
Gleb, So true. It's wonderful to have your up-to-date calendar right in your back pocket for anytime use. To all instructors, I recommend synchronizing mobile calendars with your computer so everything is truly up-to-date.
Dr. Melissa Read
I too use my pda to manage and prioritize school activities. Having immediate access to one's own calendar is really helpful.
Roland, Calendar reminders work great. Sometimes, it's a way to get tasks of your list temporarily. If you know when a task needs to be completed - especially if this task needs completion on a specific day - these can be quite helpful.
Dr. Melissa Read
I use a similar method from the sound of it. I use the calendar and the reminders for deadlines and reminders of things on my "to-do" list. It seems to work pretty well.
Carrie, Really love this thinking and so true. We can't allow ourselves to become too reliant on any one technology. When we misplace it or don't have access, we become lost. A far better system is one that includes synchronization between a range of technologies - to your point.
Dr. Melissa Read
One thing to keep in mind is that a phone can easily be lost or damaged. We have all become so dependent on our phones that we easily forget that sometimes a paper back-up, or a back up to a home computer is something we should all have. I have a Google Droid and it allows me to sync my calender on my phone with my Google calendar. That way if I happen to lose my phone or the data on my phone, I am able to just login to Google anywhere and retreive my data once again. No matter what you are using, make sure to back it up!
I had not thought of this way. I have needed a new phone
Jason, Sounds like you have an excellent organizational system already in place. Great work! I agree that calendar synchronization is critical to success when using a data device.
Dr. Melissa Read
I use my smart phone as well. Its convenient to have the ability to view/edit my "to-do" list at any time. I also sync my work calendar with my phone, which helps with planning out my weekly to-do list and to see my re-curing tasks.
Sounds like a great idea. I will try it. I'll look for a useful app.
