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Does this look like your desktop?
Incidentally, most of our computer desktops are no different. It is said, a cluttered environment is a cluttered mind (irrespective of what Einstein once said). A cluttered mind is the last thing we need when preparing for a class or a meeting. I would like to share with you some ideas on how to de-clutter your digital life using what you already have.
Most often, in my experience, I see teachers and other laptop users execute a common reflex when saving files and attachments - "Save it to my desktop...".
Most often, in my experience, I see teachers and other laptop users execute a common reflex when saving files and attachments - "Save it to my desktop...".
This would seem like a place that would be the most effective, as far as accessibility and productivity. Having files and folders readily accessible is necessary for an on-the-move professional. Our desktop seems like the easiest and best way to manage this since files are right there. However, for many, the desktop has become the catch-all and, in turn, has developed into something counter-productive and not as accessible when searching through many files.
Let me share with you a couple of ideas and tricks (or what I do) that could make your download/attachment-workflow much more efficient and, not to mention, much less cluttered.
Disclaimer: For those outside of my district or are non-MLTI users, this post will cover desktop organization in the perspective of the Apple Macbook.
1. The Desktop
What is the problem with using your desktop for storage of files and folders. The problem lies when your desktop starts getting fairly full of these files and folders. The more stuff you place on your desktop, the slower your computer's performance will be; especially when starting up. Because the desktop (or your Finder) is what is always visible, it will cause your computer to constantly be scanning for any updates or changes to your files and folders. Whereas other files and folders that are located elsewhere, will only need update checks when the file or folder is accessed. "Bottom line, a cleaner desktop will make for a snappier computer experience, and less of the color wheel waiting...", stated Troy (PIMS computer technician)
2. The Dock
Your dock is the best way to do transactions of adding and taking in your workflow; because it it right there and always available. Not only does the dock house your frequently visited applications, but it can hold your frequently visited folders as well; located from any where on your hard drive. So accessing content from your folders is as easy as going to your dock. Below is an example of what folders in my dock looks like (I regularly have my dock hidden to make the most of my screens real-estate).
3. Home Folder (Teacher)
Your Home Folder is your user account's base or hub. It houses all of the other important folders that are associated with the user - Downloads, Documents, Movies, Pictures, etc. As a teacher, your user Home Folder is called "Teacher". Open the Finder icon in your dock. By default, your Teacher folder should appear with its contents.
By making this your hub or file center, you will be able to manage and access files and folders from one main location and without having to load your desktop. You do not have to only use the folder that are located in your Teacher folder. I have added some of my own - an Inbox, Personal, Photo Inbox, etc. I make it a point to only allow on my desktop only what I plan on using immediately; in other words, that day or the day after.
I also created an Inbox or "junk-drawer" folder that I believe is necessary for everyone. It is the one and only place that I can just put stuff and organize it later. In any organizational flow, one has to have this one place that everything is funneled to, then sorted at a more convenient time. I used to call it, Monica's Closet.
Let me share with you a couple of ideas and tricks (or what I do) that could make your download/attachment-workflow much more efficient and, not to mention, much less cluttered.
Disclaimer: For those outside of my district or are non-MLTI users, this post will cover desktop organization in the perspective of the Apple Macbook.
Back to basics: First of all, let's simply utilize what we already have.
1. The Desktop
What is the problem with using your desktop for storage of files and folders. The problem lies when your desktop starts getting fairly full of these files and folders. The more stuff you place on your desktop, the slower your computer's performance will be; especially when starting up. Because the desktop (or your Finder) is what is always visible, it will cause your computer to constantly be scanning for any updates or changes to your files and folders. Whereas other files and folders that are located elsewhere, will only need update checks when the file or folder is accessed. "Bottom line, a cleaner desktop will make for a snappier computer experience, and less of the color wheel waiting...", stated Troy (PIMS computer technician)
2. The Dock
Your dock is the best way to do transactions of adding and taking in your workflow; because it it right there and always available. Not only does the dock house your frequently visited applications, but it can hold your frequently visited folders as well; located from any where on your hard drive. So accessing content from your folders is as easy as going to your dock. Below is an example of what folders in my dock looks like (I regularly have my dock hidden to make the most of my screens real-estate).
3. Home Folder (Teacher)
Your Home Folder is your user account's base or hub. It houses all of the other important folders that are associated with the user - Downloads, Documents, Movies, Pictures, etc. As a teacher, your user Home Folder is called "Teacher". Open the Finder icon in your dock. By default, your Teacher folder should appear with its contents.
By making this your hub or file center, you will be able to manage and access files and folders from one main location and without having to load your desktop. You do not have to only use the folder that are located in your Teacher folder. I have added some of my own - an Inbox, Personal, Photo Inbox, etc. I make it a point to only allow on my desktop only what I plan on using immediately; in other words, that day or the day after.
I also created an Inbox or "junk-drawer" folder that I believe is necessary for everyone. It is the one and only place that I can just put stuff and organize it later. In any organizational flow, one has to have this one place that everything is funneled to, then sorted at a more convenient time. I used to call it, Monica's Closet.
MLTI has put together a great tutorial explaining what the Home Folder is and its purpose.
MLTI Minute Episode 6: Overview of Your Home Folder
4. Create Your Workflow
Now that you have understood the purpose of your Home Folder and what it contains, let's put this in to practical action - workflow. Get into the habit of placing your downloads or files in your Teacher folders. To make your Teacher folders more accessible, place the folders that you feel you will be using on a regular basis in your dock. From there you can add, view, and take away simply by accessing your dock.
If you have any questions concerning this material, please do not hesitate to ask.
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