Stay Organized with Google Keep!

This time of year can be so incredibly busy!  I know that if I don't write things down, there is a pretty good chance that I will forget something that needs to be done.

Over the years, I've tried multiple online to do lists and apps but one never really stuck until I started using Google Keep.

This app is accessible in the GSuite(Google Apps) menu for staff and students or go to https://keep.google.com.  An app is also available for iOS and Android smart phones.  Everything stays synced so it does not matter if you access it through the web on a computer or the app on a phone.

Here are the ways that I use Google Keep to stay as organized as possible:

• Track all of my to do's (I usually create a list for the week and another list for more long range projects)
• Rearrange my checklists to prioritize tasks, placing the most important tasks at the top of the list.
• Shared "to do" list with my co-workers. This helps us remember agenda items for our next meeting.
• Brainstorming notes or ideas for upcoming projects.
• Website link with a note (easy to add when you use the Google Keep extension in Chrome and will even store the citation for you; could be a great way for students to explore topics for an upcoming project)
• Add reminders to a task that will display on my google calendar
• Modify the color of the note to help an important one stand out. (If you like using colors for organizing, you might want to check out the extension Category Tabs for Google Keep to organize your view by the color of the note.)
• Access Google Keep Notes in Google Docs or Google Slides  and add to the doc or presentation.(In the Tools menu, click on Keep notepad).
• "Pin" the most important notes to the top of the screen.

Some additional ways that Google Keep can be used:

• Record a voice note with the app on a smart phone (Android and iOS)
• Drawings
• Add labels to your notes to help organize, search and quickly filter the notes
• Add images to notes.  Personally, I've used similar tools to capture pics of food or beverage items to make sure that I get the correct item when I get to the store. 
• Grading Comments (video tutorial)
• Google Keep Help site (Google's help site will help you stay up to date with the latest features in Google Keep)
• Check out Matt Miller's blog post (Ditch that Textbook blog) for even more ideas and help with getting started: "10 ways Google Keep can help streamline life at school."

As a gadget lover, I have used or experimented with some gadgets or tools that would just fit into the "cool tool" category.  Google Keep is not only a cool tool but one that has helped me be more efficient!  Check it out!

Submitted by Joanie Rueth, Teaching and Learning Coach/Technology Coach at Brookfield Central High School and Brookfield East High School.