Top Ten Tech Tools I Can't Live Without (Week7)

Here are a few technology tools that have absolutely made my life so much easier. Most of these I use on a daily basis. Check them out!

10. Email
Microsoft Outlook is one of my best friends! Not only is it an effective way to communicate, but it also allows me to keep track of everything. Often, my colleagues give me valuable information when we're passing in the hallways. I try to make a mental note of the information, but sometimes the note doesn't make it to my file cabinet. Now, I'm famous for saying, "Shoot me a quick email." In addition to keeping track of valuable information, I also have my schedule set up through my email.

9. Twitter
Although my personal Twitter account reaps no benefits, my professional Twitter account is one of my most important resources. Twitter has allowed me to stay up-to-date on everything education. No matter what day or hour I choose to check tweets, there is always something interesting or valuable there.

8. Evernote
Evernote is an app that allows me to take notes on-the-go. For me, it's used the most on my smartphone. My account is also synced on my laptop, office desktop, and tablet. Therefore, I can use it anywhere and all of my information is there!! It also has text-to-speech recognition that allows you to create notes hands-free. You can also save webpages and share ideas/creations with others.

7. Diigo
I had never used a social bookmarking page until recently. It allows me to bookmark and categorize any interesting or helpful websites I find with the click of a button. You can also share your resources with others.

6. Camera
I love taking pictures. They are definitely worth a thousand words. My camera is a necessity in my personal and professional life. I enjoy documenting vacations, field trips, interesting projects, fun events, etc. and my camera is the perfect way to do it.

5. YouTube
YouTube is great for educational and enjoyment purposes. I have found several videos to support lessons that I have done, and I have also found several videos that I watch just to lighten up my day.

4. Mimio & components
The Mimio is an interactive whiteboard that allows you to keep your traditional whiteboard. The ability to keep your traditional whiteboard is one the most important reasons why I choose this one over other interactive whiteboards. It also comes with a document camera (relative to a transparency projector) and Mimio voters, which gives a nontraditional assessment option.

3. Google
No explanation necessary!

2. Computer (Office Desktop & Personal Laptop)
My computers are used daily for several hours at a time. For both my professional career and personal life, this is where I do almost everything.

1. Smartphone
With the exception of the Mimio, everything I have mentioned in this blog can be done on my smartphone. I never miss anything because everything I need to do can be done from my smartphone. What a smart phone!