FTT - Google Tasks: It Integrates into Everything!

 

Using Google Tasks!

 @LisaBerghoff/@MrKimDHS

There's something awfully cathartic about checking something off of your to-do list or crossing out items on your shopping list as you navigate through the bumpy, crowded supermarket. It's kind of nice to finally throw away that sticky note reminder or click the little box that removes that nagging obligation. There's a palpable feeling of release when you're done with a task, as if a real weight is being lifted off of your frayed mind.  You're off the hook from yourself, or your students, or your colleagues which gives you much more time for...other fun things to do? I'm sure we're all feeling the crunch at this time of the year with AP exams coming up, seniors are about ready to leave the comforts of your classroom, and our courses are wrapping up. Now is a good time to think about being more efficient with your tasks by using and exploring...Google Tasks!

Now what's the difference between Google Tasks and any other digital organizer? Well first off it's as simple as it gets. It's a light-weight Google Workspace addition that allows you to create lists, tasks, and subtasks that are all perfectly integrated with Google. It integrates with Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and more. So wherever you are in Google Workspace, you can check your tasks. It also integrates well with Google Calendar events and due dates, as well as individual Gmails.

Getting Started

1. Create a task list: The first step to using Google Tasks is to create a task list. To do this, click on the "Tasks" button on the right-hand side of your Gmail inbox. This will open up a new pane on the right side of your screen where you can create a new task list.
2. Add tasks to your list: Once you have created your task list, you can start adding tasks to it. To add a new task, simply click on the "+" button at the bottom of the task list. You can also add subtasks to a task by clicking on the arrow next to the task.
3. Prioritize your tasks: Google Tasks allows you to prioritize your tasks by adding a due date and setting a priority level. To do this, click on the task and then click on the "Add date" button. You can then set a due date and select a priority level (high, medium, or low) for the task.

Gmail Tasks 

If you're reading an email and was reminded for the 3rd time to help that one student with that thing, you can click on the newly added task button on top of the email to add it as a task:

The bottom line is this: we all could use a little help keeping our priorities in check. Everyday we are bombarded with dozens and dozens of little requests by students or staff in the hallways in between classes, or serious, multi-step requests tackled over weeks or even months. Stay organized and use technology the way it should be used - help educators to be more efficient, productive versions of ourselves so that we can spend more of our time and attention on teaching! Let me know if you have any questions.