EME 2040 Productivity Tools
1) How would you explain to someone else what productivity tools are?
Productivity tools are computer applications or software that serve as tools to individuals and organizations when they want to make the work process very easy and increase efficiency. These tools can vary from note-taking apps to task management tools, project management software, and communication platforms for teams.
2) What are effective ways to use these tools/apps in education?
The effectiveness of various productivity tools in education stands out in the educational sphere. On the other hand, there are numerous note-taking applications like Evernote or OneNote, which students can utilize to keep all their class notes, research materials, and assignments in a single location. This, in turn, makes it more convenient to access and review the information when necessary. Google Docs and Microsoft Office 365 are examples of cooperative tools that can mirror onscreen the real-life interaction in a class involving simultaneous finalization of assignments, exchange of ideas, and executing tasks as a team (Robson, 2014).
3) Do you think tools/apps are helpful to education though?
Productivity tools do no doubt provide many benefits in the academic setting. However, it is always important to ensure that balance is maintained and these tools are used carefully. Not only does it lead to excessive technology usage, but the wrong application of these tools can also bring distractions or disrupt valuable learning experiences (Britland,2013). Hence, there is a need to employ technological matters that will redefine, rather than eliminate, the traditional learning techniques. Thus, a balanced approach suits the bill.
4) Will there be possible advancements in tools/apps and education?
However, AI, AR, and VR should be considered as possible catalysts for the advances in learning and tools to help professionals work more efficiently in the future. AI-based systems may provide learners with personalized instruction, built-in tests, and intelligent teaching systems that are set up in such a way that they meet the requirements of each student in terms of how they learn (Heick 2018). With the aid of AR and VR technologies, the learning material will become more interactive and less like simple memorization, opening the door for immersive and experiential learning experiences that were not possible earlier.
5) How do you plan to use tools/apps, including the Google apps? Please feel free to find and share other resources (with attribution).
The Google Apps for Education benefit from the combination of collaborative tools such as Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides that help in developing personal plans. They offer accessibility in collaboration, real-time editing, and feasibility in sharing educational resources among students and teachers. Furthermore, I intend to discover other productivity instruments, such as Notion (an all-purpose note-mapping and project management tool) and Todoist (a task management app), that will aid me in arranging my workload properly and enhance my work effectiveness.
