As a student continuing their education online, staying organized is extremely important at any age and at any educational level. Keeping life in order can sometimes be difficult, especially for those with families! Oftentimes flimsy paper calendars and Post-it® notes are used to try and keep track of who needs to be where and when.
There are many new technologies available that can aid families with the potential for organizational disaster. One solution is to use Google Calendar, an online calendar tool provided by Google, or Microsoft Outlook’s calendar. Another much more expensive solution would be to purchase an HP TouchSmart.
The Wall Street Journal recently published an article reviewing a new and free calendar software called Cozi Central. It is a downloadable calendar program that works on most Windows PCs and is a less expensive alternative to the TouchSmart. Cozi provides many features to aid with organization such as a built-in family messaging system and shopping or to-do lists that are editable by the entire family. Cozi can also be set to automatically synchronize with Microsoft Outlook calendars.
Web-based version of Cozi is available, so any family member can check the calendar even if they’re not at home, and it can send schedules and shopping lists to a cell phone via a text message or an audible text-to-speech program. The Windows PC version and the Web-based version sync up with one another making it easy for family members to check the calendar from anywhere.
Juggling tasks that involve work, school and family life can be extremely daunting and the need for an effective and easy to use "family calendar" is clear. Whether you are going to use Google’s Calendar, Cozi or any other organizational program, everyone, especially online learners, should invest some time into a calendar!