My System for Task Management

Lying in bed with my computer and a box of tissues, I had a chance to reflect on some of my best practices for managing tasks. I would consider myself excellent at multitasking. I often manage multiple tasks at once and don't feel flinch when I am interrupted by someone or something else. Come to find out, many people think they are excellent at multitasking and according to a study done for PBS Frontline's Special: Digital Nation most are not good at multitasking and that their rate of response actually slows when they are doing multiple things at once. However, there is this entire group of digital natives who believe that they are good at multitasking, so what gives? 

I started thinking about what systems I have put into place that make me a good multitasker, in my mind.

For one, I hardly ever let email sit and pile up. I deal with email immediately and move on. If it is something that needs thought or time, I let it sit in my inbox for a day or two and then, deal with it, move it out. I have less than six emails in my three email accounts on any given day. I think that the Inbox Zero approach is dead on. Deal with it and move on.

Secondly, I keep a todo list. Actually, I keep two todo lists, one for work and one for personal stuff. For the sake of my sanity, I try not to blend the two. It also helps keep my life balanced. I believe balance is healthy and although much of my personal life revolves around bettering myself professionally, they are still two separate things in my mind. Oddly enough, my work todo list is on paper and my personal todo list is on my iGoogle page. I can also access my personal todos from my phone, which makes it handy when I'm in the grocery store wondering if I need bread.

Third, I try to condense "stuff" into one place. I live off my iGoogle page. If you don't have one, you should try it. My email, news, feeds, calendar, weather, important links, everything comes right to my homepage. I can quickly scan each widget and prioritize from there. I don't like running all over the web to get access to the stuff that is most important to me and since everything is in the same place, I don't go running around wasting time.

Fourth, I prioritize. With so much happening all around me, I need to decide what is most important and work backwards from there. If I have a deadline, I can turn everything off and focus or I guess, that would be not-multitask. I have the ability to shut off email, my phone, iGoogle, and focus on what is important. I don't feel the need to be connected all the time and maybe knowing my priorities allows me to be the most productive self I can be, multitasking or not.

Finally, I enjoy the ride. I love switching gears, exploring multiple avenues, and communicating with others. Because of this passion, I find myself do many of these things at once. I may be in a meeting listening to the speaker, scrolling through and posting to Twitter, and looking up references from the speaker. By simulating my mind, I don't feel like I am ignoring any one of these things, I am merely making connections between them that help concrete my learning.

Although I don't consider myself a true digital native, I didn't own a computer until I was a junior in high school, I believe that I have adapted to the world around me. Perhaps not being a true digital native has given me the power to stop and smell the roses sometimes...

Google Groups

Google Groups is one of my favorite ways to communicate with my Professional Learning Networks. It is easy to use and getting a daily email means that I can stay connected without having to click to multiple websites.

Today, I discovered that I can add a widget to my iGoogle page and get updates on new discussions and it provides a quick link to the different groups I am a part of.

My personal learning networks are a large part of my professional learning, so today, I thank those who have answered my questions, made me think, and inspired me to be the best at what I do.

Tech4Learning Innovative Educator

Last week, I was recognized as a Tech4Learning Innovative Educator. My work with Tech4Learning products, including Frames and Pixie, has made me a better teacher. I am not sure who likes using Tech4Learning products more, me or the kids. Whether I am working on a project for my graduate class, a classroom teacher, or with students, I find that Tech4Learning products are a great solution for almost any project. I am honored to be recognized and I am excited about sharing my knowledge and experiences with other educators.

Tech4Learning