I really enjoyed the research and presentations that we did about how we can use technology to make our professional lives more manageable. I really believe that I will use some of the things that were presented.
I liked ALL of the apps that can be used to manage communications with parents and others. They are surprisingly easy to use and are definite time savers.
I have been in a quandary over how to organize all the forms and articles that we're received over the course of our degree work that I would like to be able to access because they would be helpful. I believe I will be using Live Binders for that - everything in one place. While it was mentioned as a way to keep in touch with parents in terms of assignments, etc., I think it's a bit too cumbersome and overwhelming for parents and students to deal with. And this beats storing everything on your laptop and running the risk that your computer will crash and take everything with it.
Even though most school systems use Inifinite Campus, I think I will use Engrade for my own personal use. I like the way that it automatically calculates grades. Math is one of my other anxiety-producing areas, and Engrade will take the mystery of math out of the mix for me when it comes to grading.
I was amazed at the sheer number of things out there for teachers. Nathan and Hillary's presentation on apps for coaches was incredible. Who would have thought that there was a "robotic" basketball that can keep stats? I think for my purposes I like apps and programs that really do simplify things. Some of them seem more trouble than they are worth.
