Here are the steps and tools recommend for the Technology Baby Steps:
1. Messaging
-Gmail
-Outlook
=Gmail is Google's simple, functional, and versatile email system. The ability to save an almost infinite amount of messages, search through the messages, use tasks, chat, integrate with calendar and most other Google Apps makes this our #1 choice for email.
=Outlook is Microsoft's powerful email system with a calendar, tasks list, and other great tools, settings, and functions make this another great choice. Many businesses and schools use this by default.
*In the grand scheme of things, it doesn't matter what email you choose. Pick one you're comfortable with and is the easiest to use. As long as you can use it to get things done, any will do.
Tips and videos for using your Messaging system to it's fullest can be found here:
-Messaging, Email to Zero!, Processing Your Email, Email Filters, Keeping Your Email to Zero, Be More Productive With Microsoft Outlook.
2. Productivity
-Getting Things Done (GTD)
-Michael Hyatt
=Getting Things Done (GTD) is the bestselling book and system by David Allen. It has become THE go-to book and resource for successful businesses and people. We highly recommend it and have incorporated many of it's principles into CATCHsystem.
=Michael Hyatt is the former CEO, and now Chairman of Thomas Nelson Publishers. He has become of the great voices in personal productivity with his easy to follow and understand methods of getting what you want done. He is a GTD follower, strong Evernote enthusiast, and blogs on many other great topics.
3. Sites
-Google Reader
-Educators PLN
-FreeTech4Teachers
Build a Website
-Google Sites
-Weebly
Build a Blog
-Blogger
-Wordpress
=Google Reader is Google's website aggregator. Instead of going to all of your favorite Sites to read what's new, simply put a website URL into Reader and anything new will come to you. Organize the Sites into categories to stay organized.
=Educator's PLN joins educators together in one place to share ideas, collaborate on projects, and voice opinions. It is THE learning network for educators.
=FreeTech4Teachers is an online resource for latest tools and tips for integrating technology. Add FreeTech4Teachers.com into your Google Reader for daily tips on how to use technology.
=Google Sites is Google's simple website building application. Google Sites is great for the beginning builder with it's simple design and easy instructions. Visit Google's YouTube channel to see some tutorials.
=Weebly is one of the easiest ways to create a website. With over 6 million people using Weebly it's no wonder it's recommended. Weebly showcases an extremely simple drag and drop interface that makes it for beginners and advanced. Have a website in minutes.
=Blogger is an easy blog building tool. Access your Gmail, Reader, Site, and blog all within your Google account.
=Wordpress is the blog building Site for the serious blogger. It has a user friendly interface, but powerful tools and functions. Use this if you plan to grow your blog beyond simply sharing your ideas.
4. Documents
-Google Docs
-Google Forms
-Google Spreadsheets
-Google Presentations
=Google Docs is Google's version of the traditional Office suite. With Docs you can create and share your work online and access it anywhere. Collaborate with colleagues on the same document, at the same time.
=Google Forms allow you to create an easy form in minutes and share it online. Send the link to friends or colleagues and collect the data you need.
=Google Spreadsheets are a simple way to analyze data that helps you be more productive. Information from your Google Form automatically populates a Spreadsheet, making your work easier.
=Google Presentation is the online slideshow/powerpoint utility from Google. Create nice looking slideshow presentations with Google's easy to follow and intuitive application.
*Create a Flyer using Google Docs that sends people to a Form online. Visitors enter information that automatically populates a Spreadsheet. Analyze your data and make a convincing Presentation. That's how things work. Everyone should follow this simple formula: Doc = Form = Spreadsheet = Presentation = Success.
5. Media
Social
-Twitter
-Facebook
Video
-YouTube
-Vimeo
Photos
-Flickr
-Picassa
Bookmarking
-Diigo
-Delicious
Screencapture
-Screentoaster
-Jing
Editing
-iMovie
-MovieMaker
=Twitter is a social networking and microblogging tool that uses instant messaging, SMS, and web interface to connect users. Find out what others in your field are doing, ask questions, get involved in live chats, and search for topics people are discussing.
=Facebook connects friends like never before. Create a page for your group or organization to keep up with what's happening, post pictures, videos, and comment on what's going on.
=YouTube is THE place to discover, watch, upload and share videos. Post videos for your organization, club, school, business, or just fun. Millions of people are waiting to your next video.
=Vimeo provides a high quality and respectful environment for posting videos online. Vimeo allows you to post longer videos.
=Flickr is an online photo management and sharing application. Share your favorite photos with captions with the world.
-Picasa is Google's photo sharing application. Create a Blogger site and all your photos are stored with Picasa.
=Diigo is a powerful research tool and knowledge sharing community. Save all your favorite links in one place and share them colleagues and friends.
=Delicous is a social bookmarking service that allows you to keep, share, and discover the best of the Web.
=Screentoaster is a screencasting software that allows to record what's on your computer screen. Use it to explain how to complete complicated steps on your computer or record a talking powerpoint.
=Jing captures anything you see on your computer screen, as an image or short video, and lets you share it with others.
=iMovie is Apple's movie editing software that comes on every computer. iMovie makes it easy to turn your home videos into great movies.
=MovieMaker is Microsoft's movie editing software. Turn your photos and videos into polished movies.
*By this stage you should know how to shoot video, capture your screen, and turn it into a polished movie. Then upload your work to YouTube or Vimeo. Share photos with friends and colleagues and add them in to your videos to include everyone. Share the links you used to research clips for the video and share your finished and uploaded work with your Facebook and Twitter network.
