Getting Organized

This week I explored several digital tools to help teachers save time and get organized. Up to this point in my career, I have used very few of these kinds of digital services. I write out my lesson plans by hand (that's easier when you're working out algebra equations), and I use use a physical calendar for scheduling lessons and meetings. Really the only digital organizational tool I use is Power School, the online service that my district uses for grades and attendance. This week, however, I became familiar with several new online tools for organization.

Google Calendar
Believe it or not, but I had not really used a digital calendar before! Both at work and at home, I still use a a paper calendar to keep track of everything. Using Google Calendar was very easy. I was able to create a classroom calendar and add over 10 events in just a few minutes. This calendar could be shared with parents so that they know what lessons are being covered, when homework is due, when I will be unavailable for tutoring after school, etc. I can also receive reminders for meetings and other appointments.

Despite Google Calender's ease of use and versatility, I will honestly keep using my paper calendars. I am able to keep track of everything without trouble, and for some reason I like being able to look at a physical calendar rather than a digital one. Parents already have access to the homework assignments and due dates through Power School. Call me old-fashioned, but this new tool, while easy to use, is just not for me right now.

Other Tools
I also discovered several new tools that I had never heard of before. Evernote allows one to keep track of notes, sketches, photos, files, and articles and access this content on all devices. Class Dojo lets teachers track student behavior over time and share this information with parents. Volunteer Spot provides a forum for parents to easily sign up for field trips, school events, parties, etc. Remind allows teachers to contact parents and students without exchanging personal phone numbers.

While I did not actually sign up for any of these services this week, all of them sound like they would be very helpful. Class Dojo sounds particularly interesting, since I have always struggled with classroom management, although I have heard some teachers say it is geared toward elementary aged students. Perhaps I can look at it more closely over Thanksgiving break and consider implementing it next semester. I have already told my principal about Remind, and he said he would look into it. Our district developed  a new policy last year that teachers cannot text or message students without also contacting parents. Perhaps Remind might help in this regard.

Here is a video explaining the basics of Class Dojo:

And another one for Remind: