Thing 10: Productivity Tools

Just as our rooster friend is being productive by pouring a hot cup of coffee as a wake up call, so are all of the tools we've used so far.   As I finish this project I am left wondering how to integrate all of these great Web 2.0 tools into my lessons.  We don't have access to iPads, iPods, tablets or hand held devices in my library as learning devices, but I would still like for my students to be aware of the versatility of these devices.

Our Smartphones can be much more than just texting and gaming devices.  We can use apps that help us to safe guard our devices and information.  One such app is Lookout.  This is one of the apps I am using for my phone.  It backs up important data and protects my device form security breaches and loss.  I like the screaming feature that allows your device to scream if lost.  I also like the back up of my contacts.  One time our computer crashed and my daughter and I lost everything from our phones.  (We did not have any other form of back up for our mobile devices).  It was horrible for me trying to remember all of my contacts.  LOL

Another great tool is Dropbox.  I use it on my Smartphone to keep my documents and photos neatly tucked away.  It's free just like Lookout and provides you with 2 GBs of free storage.  I can't tell you how many times I've wanted to download a PDF and did not have a place to store it.   So awesome.
A handy tool for people who don't want walk around with external drives or don't have them.

The only complain I have is not being able to download any of these tools onto my district laptop.  (The school district won't allow it).  Such a shame, because many of these tools help keep me sane online.   Happy online travels :)