Google Docs

I have heard about Google Docs from others students and how it makes group projects much easier. I am always a little hesitant to use technologies that make things easier because I assume that they will be time consuming to set up, which makes me stick with my old ways. However, I am working with another student on a project and we decided to try it out. I couldn't believe how easy it was. By uploading our power point presentation on Google Docs, we are both able to access and edit it versus sending copies back and forth via email. The only thing I noticed is that you do not have the full range of editing capabilities that you have in the regular version of power point. For instance, the tool bar was limited and we did not have a "format painter" button. So although technology can make things more convenient, sometimes it complicates things. Once we are done editing the content through Google Docs, we are going to have to retype it all into power point to be able to play with the formatting. I guess some technology comes with a price, its just a matter of determining if its worth it. Check our google docs.... http://docs.google.com/

Hairstyle/Makeup Makeover Technology

Have you ever brought a picture of a hairstyle with you to your hairdresser only to HOPE that it will look just as good on you as it did on that person? Have you ever made the mistake of getting a new hairstyle doesn't look as good on you as it does on everyone else? Perhaps it did not fit your face shape or the color did not complement your skin tone? These are now mistakes of the past now that there are technologies such as the hair and makeup makeover tool on Instyle's website. This technology allows you to upload your photo and to literally try on various hair styles, colors (+hightlights and lowlights), makeup, and even colored contact lens. Because you can "try it on" first, you can actually prevent yourself from making decisions you might regret. This tool has helped me tremendously over the past year. At one point, I wanted to cut my hair short, but after trying on various short hairstyles, I realized that I should stick with my longer locks because of my face shape. I have also tried on various makeup colors that I would never usually buy, and found out that they looked better than I thought.

Here is an example a couple of makeovers I did on myself....

So, next time you are bored or are wanting to change your look, visit http://www.instyle.com/instyle/makeover/ Create an account, upload your photo, and start trying on hair & makeup! Have fun!

Digital Notebooks

I know that digital notebooks have been around a while, but I imagine some of you do not know exactly what they are and what they do. Like I mentioned earlier, I am a secretary, and am always looking for ways to improve efficiency in my work. My boss, who is aware of the cutting edge technology, introduced me to digital notebooks. At first, I was very skeptical, given my very limited experience with technology, however, now that I know how they work I love them! I attend many meetings where I have to take notes. Previously, I used my own notebook and I would type up my notes and send them to others. A digital notebook allows you to take notes as normal with a special pen on special paper. The pen has a camera on it that captures the text as you write it on the special paper and stores it until you download it onto the computer. When you download it onto the computer, the computer reads your handwriting and converts it into Microsoft Word. This is so convenient because it allows me to very quickly send out meeting notes, with very little typing/editing. It also allows me to give someone in my meeting the original notes, since a copy is stored digitally in the pen. Here is a picture of an example of a digital pen & notebook.
I recommend that you try this if you are ever working a position where you are required to take notes or minutes. It will save you a lot of time, plus it's fun!

Wordpress Websites

This week I learned a new and exciting technology called Wordpress. I had heard of Wordpress and thought it was only used for blogging. In addition to blogging, you can actually create complete websites in Wordpress. Wordpress has an interactive user-face that allows you to create and update your website as easily as your Facebook account. Best of all, it’s free! All you have to do is visit Wordpress.org and download the files to create your website onto a server. Mine is currently stored on the H drive, “www” folder which all purdue students have access to. You could create your own website today if you wanted to.

I knew there had to be a better way to create websites besides writing it in HTML. This is even more simple than programs like Dreamweaver. There are hundreds of design templates that you can download for free which makes your website look professional and you don’t have to spend hours coming up with a design yourself.

Cozi- Online Family Organizer

A couple of years ago, I had an idea. An idea for an invention that I thought did not exist and that I could make a lot of money on. That is, until I went online only to find out that Microsoft had partnered with another company and were already developing a similar idea!

I am very dependent on my Microsoft Outlook calendar at work to keep me on track and remind me of important meetings. This helps me stay organized and not to forget anything. But, I noticed that things were DISORGANIZED at home. I thought, if only I had an Outlook touch screen calendar on my fridge, to remind me when to pay bills, of birthdays, hair appts, vet appts, important deadlines, and help me manage grocery lists, etc. I don’t spend much time on the computer at home, nor do I have an iphone, so having it in a common place, such as the kitchen, is ideal. Although what has been developed does not go on the refrigerator, Cozi has created a solution to a problem that is surprisingly shared by many (especially stay-at-home mom’s). Cozi is an online family organizer everyone in your household can access from any computer. It that allows you to not only manage your calendar, create lists (including grocery lists!), reminders & messages, a family journal, mobile phone access, and photo collage screen saver. When your computer is idle, you have a screen saver that displays your pictures, while also showing deadlines for upcoming events. The thing that l like most about this was the list option. You can create your grocery list online and then either access it online through your mobile phone or simply call a number that will either tell you your list over the phone audibly or text it to you while you’re at the store. No more digging in your pockets and purse for that list! This is also an environmentally friendly option because you no longer have to use paper.

Although, I do not use my computer much, I think I will start using Cozi at home to help me maintain just as much organization at home as I do at work.

Best of all, Cozi is FREE! Check it out… http://www.cozi.com/

doodle

Do not confuse the word "doodle" with "google". Doodle is a new technology that I have discovered that has helped increase efficiency in my job when it comes to scheduling meetings with more than 2 individuals. Basically, I can tell Doodle my bosses' availability and send a URL to all parties where they are able to reveal their availability with the click of their mouse. It looks something like this.

Before technologies like Doodle, secretaries had to send emails to all parties and ask them to respond with their availability. Then they go through each response and try to find a time when all parties are available to schedule the meeting. With doodle, you can clearly see when all parties are available on one screen. It might sound complicated to set-up, but it really isn't. I reccomend you try it (just for fun) next time you and your friends want to get together.

Ingenious Invention

I work as an Administrative Assistant. Keeping the office organized is one of my top priorities and I am always looking for ways to improve productivity. One day my boss gave me a stack of about 200 business cards and asked me to find a way to organize them in a binder. So, I went to the supply catalog and ordered business card sheets that hold about 8 cards per side and can be inserted into a 3-hole binder. Because he travels all over the world, I sectioned the business cards by country. This system was working out good until he kept giving me more and more and more.... and more business cards to file. I have learned that my boss is amazing at networking. He asks for everyone's business card... even a manager at a tiny coffee shop he visited in Dubai. Because we had hundreds of cards, I ran into the challenge of making them easy to find... you can't keep re-alphabetizing them as you add more and more. I thought surely with the amazing technology out there, there has to be a better solution. I went online and searched and found the BEST invention ever - the business card scanner.

This cute little scanner sits on my desk and gets used frequently. You can scan business cards that are front and back, in foreign languages, and the software not only stores a photo image of the card, but it also converts the text into English and pulls the various fields (name, phone, email) into a contact directory. This directory information can be merged into my bosses' Microsoft Outlook address book for easy accessibility.... even from his I Phone. He no longer has to flip through pages and pages of business cards to find what he's looking for. We recycle the business cards which allows us to save office space and help the environment. Its ingenious! I totally recommend that you get one of these some day!