Google is tricky- we've all been there...you come in on Monday morning, login to your account and it suddenly looks different. It can be a little unnerving (especially when you're training)- but I like the change, it keeps me on my toes.
So, I wasn't surprised last month when Google (reasonably) quietly released Google Keep (keep.google.com). Initially, I didn't know too much about it and I waited a couple of weeks to investigate it because I didn't know if I would use it. Do I ever! It turns out that I love Keep. I probably should have started out with "What is Google Keep?" Google Keep manages lists, reminders, and notes for me, which I really like. I know there are other services and sites that do that too, but I already use Google a lot and it's nicely integrated right into my existing account. The top three reasons I like Keep are:
Do I wish for more from Google Keep? Of course (this wouldn't be my blog if I didn't!). Primary on my list of concerns is that there is no iOS app. You can use it in Chrome on your iPhone or iPad but it's not great. The experience on the Andriod app is pretty awesome, as is the web desktop version. It's in both my personal accounts as well as my Apps for Education account- so this could definitely be a great tool to use with your students and integrate as part of your class. It would work well in conjunction with Calendar to keep kids organized and on track. I could also see students collaborating on a shared writing checklist, end of the day proceedure, or even steps in a science lab. I especially like the sharing aspect of Keep. Have a Google Account? Give Keep a try! Full disclosure: this is a BIG departure from what I usually write about. It has nothing to do with education (unless you really read into it). If you skip this post, I completely understand :)
Were you after the Lilly {Pulitzer} + Target stuff this morning? I know I was. I had plans for those pineapple sandals (size 10) and one of the shift dresses (size 4). I even got up before 8 to get there, grab my coveted items, and get home for a relaxing Sunday al fresco with the husband. Then I woke up. A friend and I got to Target at 8:03....Eight Oh Three! There was nothing left on the racks. Nothing {PS: Target opens at 8}, What I did see was a whole mess of frantic girls and women hunting, searching, and cajoling. People seemed desperate- they were stalking and hunching in aisles over piles of treasures like Smeagol/Gollum from LOTR. They were animals. I couldn't believe it...it happened again- (cue memories of Zac Posen & Missoni). So. Stinking. Frustrating. After my third Target today (where they were taking down signs & promotional stuff, since it was truly over), I got to thinking- what's the deal? How can everything sell out in FOUR minutes? As I logged into ebay to find my two items, I realized I knew how. I'm helping make a market for the lunatics that swoop into target and fill their shopping cart with everything on the rack. They clearly are not shopping for themselves, their families, or friends. They're shopping for ebay. It wasn't one hour after it went on sale at Target that the postings were on ebay. I want to say it's not fair, I want to say it's not right- that it's Target's fault for not instituting limits on how much people can buy....but if I'm going to spend even $20 over the retail price on those pineapple sandals (they're really cute), then I'm contributing. It's my fault. So what if I didn't? What if we didn't? What if we don't make room for that resale market of the swooped goods? What if when the list these items, we agree to pay retail and no more? I'm going to do it. If I find my items at retail prices on eBay, I'll get them. If not, then not...I don't need them anyway. And that's really the lesson, we don't need all of these things. As Americans (most of us) have SO much. Instead of hustling our children to Target on a Sunday morning to grab at Lilly gear (I get it...it really is darling), let's focus on our relationships, experiences, and living our best life. That's something I can get behind. Who's with me? I use Chrome...a lot. There are many reasons why Chrome is my browser of choice (#2 is Opera), but that's a different list for another day. One reason I love Chrome that there are extensions and apps you can add into Chrome to make it even better.
Chrome Apps and Extensions are bits of software that you choose and install to do specific things. Keep in mind that if your school district may restrict the use of some extensions and apps (some of mine are). These are in a loose list in order of how much I use them, which gives some indication of how wonderful I think they are. If you'd like more details on any of them, feel free to contact me...I'd be glad to share more/help you! Instructions for adding extensions/apps here.
Do you use Chrome extensions or apps? What are your favorites? |
Kendra MurphyI'm a Technology Coach and IT Support for a school. I'm passionate about 1:1 classrooms technology in instruction. Archives
September 2015
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