How to Get EdTech Organized This Summer

Eric GuiseGot TechED Podcast

GotTechED the Podcast 

Episode #114:  How to Get EdTech Organized This Summer

Welcome back to GotTechED the podcast this is Episode 114 called “How to Get EdTech Organized This Summer”   In this episode, we’ll share 11 tips for organizing your files, emails, and everything else digital.  We’ll also take a look at some summertime edtech PD for the 2022 summer season.  This is another episode you don’t want to miss, check it out.

Segment 1: Summer PD

It’s not too late to get out and join some great summertime PD

Cleaning up your #Edtech Repertoire is often a daunting task! This episode provides listeners with 11 tips and tricks for getting yourself #Google organized! Click To Tweet

Segment 2:  11 Tips for Getting EdTech Organized   8:00

What do you do with your free time in the summer?  Finally might have some time to get edtech organized …

  1. Clean up your Google Drive
    1. Log-in via Chrome browser, not desktop app
    2. Start by taking limiting your folders, have no more than 10, put folders in folders if you have more
    3. Search by file size and date to delete old things you haven’t looked at in years
    4. Color-code your folders (right click and change color)     14:40 internet drop?
    5. NEW – You can now Ctrl+C Ctrl+V and Ctrl+X to cut copy and paste drive files
    6. Add an asterisk for important files and folders, keeping them at the top of your list
    7. Edtech
      1. Duplicate File Finder
      2. Google Checker Plus
      3. Folgo
  2. Take stock of your hardware – ask for what you might need  22:00
    1. Second monitor?
    2. Webcam?
    3. Tablet for digital writing and drawing?
    4. Wireless mouse?
    5. Docking station?
    6. Chargers?
    7. Class sets of headphones, chargers, etc?
  3. Create an EdTech Playlist for next year’s students
    1. On a google doc, list out all the tech and skills that students need to have in your class
      1. For me: Screencastify, typing equations, calculator use, ptable.com, etc.
    2. Gamify it with some challenges and competitions
    3. Build this into your first day of school activities 
  4. Create Gmail Templates for the upcoming school year
    1.  First, turn on the feature in Advanced Settings.  Then write the email, click the 3 dots, and Save as Template. 
  5. Where are you with your passwords?
    1. Use a third party password saving service like
      1. Lastpass
    2. Make a handwritten list to keep on file at your home
  6. Start a class website that houses everything your students need
    1. Google Sites is easiest to use and get going
  7. Check your local hard drive storage
    1. In Windows, select the Start Button, System, Storage.  This will give you a look at how much free space you have.  Toggle on storage sense to manage it if you’re running low.
    2. If you’re low, consider moving stuff over to your cloud storage drive
    3. Clean up that desktop, delete, use folders, only keep things that you actively use on a regular basis
    4. Delete your downloads folder or clear the recycle bin
  8. Manage your browser bookmarks
    1. Click and drag them to change positions, move the most commonly used ones to the far left
    2. Can create folders of related bookmarks for different projects
    3. Challenge – try and get all bookmarks visible on one screen without having to use the drop-down overflow menu
  9. Manage Your Extensions
    1. At top of Chrome browser click the little puzzle piece and click on manage extensions.  
    2. Click Update or Remove ones you dont use
    3. Extensity is a great extension that can turn them off or on as needed
  10. Organize your Gmail account
    1. Start using labels!
    2. Start Archiving old ones you haven’t looked at
    3. If you have an overflowing inbox, make the unread emails appear at the top.  Go to Settings, Inbox Tab, and change Inbox Type to Unread First
    4. Change the display settings to work for you.  Click the Cog and Display Density (choose from Default, Comfortable, or Compact)
    5. Putting hashtags in your emails can make them quickly searchable later
    6. Start Snoozing emails you know you won’t get to until later
  11. Take advantage of Google Calendar
    1. Use the checkboxes under My Calendars to toggle on and off which types of events you see
    2. Click the plus sign under Other Calendars to create your own calendars
    3. Chrome Extension
      1. calendly

Segment 3: Where to Find GotTechED

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Need a Presenter?

As experienced presenters and content creators, you can contact Nick and Guise to speak at your school, event, or conference. They can customize a workshop that meets your organization’s unique time and content needs. While no topic is out of bounds, GotTechED is best known for sessions on:

  • 1:1 Chromebook Integration
  • EdTech Throwdown
  • TargetED Learning
  • Gamification (Badge Systems)
  • Game-Based Learning (Escape Rooms, Amazing Race, and more)
  • Google apps and extensions
  • Personalized learning and Choice Boards
  • Teacher productivity (Lesson Planning, Online Grading. and Feedback)
  • Digital content creation
  • Student Podcasting
  • Screencasting
  • Flipped Classroom
  • Student-Centered Learning