Thing 17 -- Other Online Productivity Tools

I looked at all of the tools listed. I tried to use bubble.us to create a map of my computer apps class, but I had trouble creating it and finally gave up after about 15 minutes. Directions on the site would have been helpful. I uploaded a presentation on computer components that I created last year into Zoho Show. I liked this application and might use it (or SlideShare) in the future. I think it would be easier to create the PowerPoint first and then upload it rather than create it in Zoho Show.

I looked through Remember the Milk, but don't think it's something I would personally use. I can create a simple to do list on my computer desktop that would be easier. I'm not sure I see the point of LibraryThing (except to see what others are reading) and Trailfire. Trailfire seems like a lot of work.

I started a calendar for myself using 30 Boxes. This is something I really like and want to finish (after I finish 23 Things first). I'm terrible at remembering important dates, so this will be extremely helpful for me.

I created a deck of cards at Knowtes (saved under the name Lesnie48 with the tags computer components). It wasn't hard to create the deck, but I'm still unclear as to how students would be able to access them to use them to study. Ideally, I would like to create a link to them from Moodle, or something like that.

I even explored some Web 2.0 tools on my own. There are a lot out there and it takes a lot of time to explore. One new one I like is called Sutree (http://www.sutree.com/) where you can search for how-to and tutorial videos. I don't know that all the content might be appropriate for students, but it definitely is a good place to search for teaching videos. I looked at several videos and there were some good ones (and just OK ones, too).

The wide range of tools available can increase personal productivity and provide more interesting and collaborative ways to share and interact, but the main drawback is the time it takes to learn how to use them well. I wouldn't be comfortable having my students use these tools until I knew how to use them better, and finding the time to do this is always an issue.