Entry #1 Screencasting
I think fear should be my compass, not my deterrent. As I reflect on my blog there is a common, re-occurring theme: I start off skeptical of a certain technology and then end a believer. After my last assignment in another masters class "Innovative Uses of Technology", I am a screencast disciple. After watching many a screencast in all of my past masters courses, I thought the technology an alien and difficult task - not quite sure how it is done. My last assignment was to screencast a presentation about a project I had completed.
I must admit that I stalled a bit. I was scared. Now I think that fear is a good sign - it means I'm about to have a breakthrough...an "Ah-ha" moment.
When I finally sat down to screencast my presentation I thought it was going to be an arduous process - the kind where a few expletives slip out under my breath. But, when I visited the recommend site "Screencast-o-matic" and quickly 'okayed' the run of Java, within in moments I was recording. What began as my test run ended up being a 15-minute screencast. I did end up doing one more draft, but I could've used the first one. Screencast-o-matic allows you to immediately upload your sceencast to YouTube and then copy the URL.
I found screencasting the easiest of all the technologies I learned to use in the last eight weeks. In fact, it is so simple that no tutorial is required. If you can click a red "record" button and use a mouse, you can screencast. It's just that easy!
Other possible screencast free downloads or online programs:
Screen Flow http://www.telestream.net/screen-flow/overview.htm.
Camtasia http://www.techsmith.com/camtasia.html
Jing http://www.screencast.com
http://www.screenr.com/ I
Screencast-O-Matic @ http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/
Entry #2 "Super Effective Organizing"
A Response to Addicted2Success article by Joel
(Click Here)
I am an American & World History that likes to think I am organized. I have color-coded folders, everything is place in chronological order, I have neatly labeled and organized computer folders as well as a work space that is clutter-free. My wife on the other hand is an elementary school art teacher. Her version of organization is much different than mine. Not worse or better, just different (and more spread out!) We have to compromise on our home space. It is the one place where I need to be flexible in organizing - striking a balance between filed and clutter-free and counter-top piles.
That is why "Joel's" blog post on Addicted2Success titled "10 Ways to be a Super Effective Organizer" caught my eye on my feedly account. It doesn't necessarily begin and end with technology, however, in an age where all my files, books and calendars could theoretically ALL be on our "gadgets". Nonetheless, in reality that is not the case. Even in an era where our lap tops, iPads and iPhones are integral, organization in the classroom, in the office and at home are key.
The list of ten strategies includes:
1. Create a To-do list
2. Find Places for Things
3. Get Rid of Clutter
4. Get Things Done Right Away
5. Color Code Tasks
6. Keep a Schedule
7. Create Small Goals
8. Have a Positive Attitude
9. Set Priorities
10. Use Time Wisely
I will keep this list posted on my desk and on my fridge. I am glad I happened across this easy checklist of ways to maintain an organized environment and look forward to implementing it.
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