Tech Tip: Create a Pinterest Board

Tech Tip: Create a Pinterest Board

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(Screenshot of Simply Organized Pinterest Board)

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       This tip was a interesting one for me, as I already use Pinterest occasionally for crafts or projects. This semester in particular has kicked my organizational/time management skills in the butt. While I have always had good organizational skills, I do not do well with unexpected complications that push back any plans I had. This semester has just been life problem after life problem, which lead to a complete obliteration of any organization or structure I had in my life. That's why as this semester comes to a bitter but much needed close, I wanted to create a board full of tips that I loved and have yet to try out so I can get back on track.
        Setting it up was easy enough, following the instructions laid out by Professor Gibbs as well as my common knowledge of the app. And then I just searched every kind of organization I needed back in my life. Starting with academic and online class organizational tips all the way to financial planners that might be useful to own. At first, just looking at others' organized "put together" lives, I was just discouraged but after a while I got excited by the different ideas I could implement now!
      Ultimately, I would recommend for others to try this out if they have a new goal they would like to reach or simply want to find a mecca for fun and creative ideas on anything. I would just be careful with the recreational pinning because it can easily become a distractor for some people. Overall, I think this is a neat tech tip that will help me get back to where I was and could be immediately great for others!

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Tech Tip: Hashtags and Retweets

Tech Tip: Hashtags and Retweets

(Quoted tweet by @ChachiBobirks)

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       This tip was a interesting one for me, in learning how to do it and testing it out. Usually, I would describe myself as a person who enjoys working under pressure. Not only do I feel like I work best, because I am required to be concise instead of indulging my want to elaborate, but I also just enjoy pressure to a certain extent. The downside of this leads to procrastination more often times than not, which is why I thought the timer might recreate that feeling but allow me to get it done earlier.
        Setting it up was easy enough, following the instructions laid out by Professor Gibbs, but the real test was to see if my idea held up. I tried it out Friday before class and ultimately, I think my strong sense of laziness prevailed. Rather than encourage me to get it done, my anxiety by constantly checking where I was on the timer lead me to want to give up all together than be slightly late on the timer. I definitely will still try this timer idea out until I can break this dangerous habit but as far as first tries go, this one was a failure on my part.
      Nonetheless, I would recommend for others to try this out if they have a knack for working under pressure, the timer does do a good job of recreating that sense of urgency other people like me enjoy. I would just be careful with the expectations you put on yourself with each timer you set. Don't push too far or you might be prone to just giving up instead of prevailing. Overall, I think this is a neat tech tip that may need some more toying with for me but could be immediately great for others!

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Tech Tip: Google Timer

Tech Tip: Google Timer

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(Screen Capture of a Google Timer)

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       This tip was a interesting one for me, in learning how to do it and testing it out. Usually, I would describe myself as a person who enjoys working under pressure. Not only do I feel like I work best, because I am required to be concise instead of indulging my want to elaborate, but I also just enjoy pressure to a certain extent. The downside of this leads to procrastination more often times than not, which is why I thought the timer might recreate that feeling but allow me to get it done earlier.
        Setting it up was easy enough, following the instructions laid out by Professor Gibbs, but the real test was to see if my idea held up. I tried it out Friday before class and ultimately, I think my strong sense of laziness prevailed. Rather than encourage me to get it done, my anxiety by constantly checking where I was on the timer lead me to want to give up all together than be slightly late on the timer. I definitely will still try this timer idea out until I can break this dangerous habit but as far as first tries go, this one was a failure on my part.
      Nonetheless, I would recommend for others to try this out if they have a knack for working under pressure, the timer does do a good job of recreating that sense of urgency other people like me enjoy. I would just be careful with the expectations you put on yourself with each timer you set. Don't push too far or you might be prone to just giving up instead of prevailing. Overall, I think this is a neat tech tip that may need some more toying with for me but could be immediately great for others!

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Tech Tip: Canvas Notifications

Tech Tip: Canvas Notifications

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(OU Canvas graphic for OU Insight website)

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       This tip was really helpful for me in particular because admittedly, I think about this class last in my to do list that is ever growing as a senior. This course is also the only course I have that utilizes Canvas so there is a strong element of forgetfulness since I normally just check D2L. By learning how to set up notifications other than the reminders sent out by the instructor, I have added in an extra wall in defense of forgetfulness. 

       Another helpful aspect of setting up one's Canvas notifications is that it keeps me accountable. If I make the bad decision of relaxing with Netflix instead of doing the work that is due that night I get an extra reminder at 7 am through email to wake up and do all work within the grace period. Although, notifications do not combat against some of my bad habits or crazy class/work schedule the extra help does not hurt! 

      Even though we are nearing the end of the semester and most students are already on the right track assignment wise, I know that because of its online aspect this class will, unfortunately, be left not prioritized. By setting up notifications, it keeps this course in one's mind and high on the priority list or at the very least gives the student a nagging sensation until the assignment is completed. I really recommend students use this feature for this course and any upcoming classes they may have. You never know, one notification might just save your grade! 

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