There are plenty of tools available to communicate remotely with colleagues and students. Some of them are already familiar, but working from home and deliver online lessons might require the use of different tools and applications. Find below a selection of the most relevant and useful tools to meet your communication needs.
Apart from the communication tools provided by our institution (G Suite: email, Hangouts, Chat, Meet) there are more tools for video conference available and are quite popular and easy to use.
Skype is a well known application for video calls and instant messaging. It can be used in any device and can support up to 50 participants in a single video call. You can share your screen, chat, record the meeting and enable captions during a call.
Zoom is another popular application for video conferences. The free edition can host up to 100 participants, 40 mins limit on group meetings, and unlimited number of meetings. Meetings can also be recorded, participants can share their screens and exchange documents.
Working from home most probably is a new experience for everyone and it might require some time to adopt. In order to make a smooth transition and keep track of your time and your projects you can use some of the suggest tools below.
Using the available G Suite we have access to:
Calendar lets you keep track of important events, share your schedule, and create multiple calendars.
Keep and Tasks let you make to-do lists, transcribe voice memos, take photos as reminders, and more.
Drive lets you access and share your documents from any device on the go. (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms)
Find more on how to use Google tools to teach online and work from home.
Keep track of your tasks and projects:
Evernote is an app designed for note taking, organizing, task management, and archiving.
Microsoft OneNote is a program for free-form information gathering and multi-user collaboration. It gathers users' notes, drawings, screen clippings, and audio commentaries. Notes can be shared with other OneNote users over the Internet or a network.
Microsoft To Do is a cloud-based task management application. It allows users to manage their tasks from a smartphone, tablet and computer.
Asana this work management platform helps you keep organize and connect your team. Help your team focus on their goals, projects and tasks.
Trello lets you work more collaboratively and get more done. Create boards, lists, and cards that enable you to organize and prioritize your projects in a fun, flexible, and rewarding way.
Staying at home for long periods of time certainly have implications in one's lifestyle and wellbeing. Routines change and hence human body and mind might be impacted. It is important though to stay safe and keep calm. There is always a good way suitable for anyone to balance personal life and work while being constantly in the same place. You can find below some relevant information you might find useful.
Health & Wellbeing
The Bissell Library has created a guide with resources on health, wellbeing and mindfulness you might find useful.
Read also some recent articles with advice on how to handle remote working.
Tricks and tools for better working from home article by Jessica Bown on BBC News
How to Work From Home, if You’ve Never Done It Before article by Jen A. Miller on NYT
How to Work From Home Now That Your Boss Doesn’t Want You Coming In by Melanie Pinola on NYT
Set up your remote workspace: Prepare your virtual work space to allow telecommuting, manage your work schedule, and stay connected with your team.