Thing #12

There are multiple tools available through Google Tools. One of them is the calendar. I can see this being a helpful tool, but I am already using my Outlook Calendar, which I share with the people that need to know my calendar. I like this option better than using one based on the web, as I have the security of my server with firewalls, which helps to insure that outsiders can not gain access to my calendar. I can't say that I will use the Google Calendar, as I simply have nothing that I want to post on my calendar and make public to everyone on the web.

As for the Google Notebook, I tried to use it for several hours and it never worked. Based on this initial performance, I can honestly say that I am not impressed. If the operation of this tool is a sporadic as it was when I tried to use it, I can state with certainty that I will not use this tool. The reliability of its performance does not impress me and I do not have the time or the patience to work with tools that create more work for me than I already have.

I think the most valuable tool offered here is the Google Alerts tool. I can see some practical applications for this tool to assist you with gaining access to information immediately. For the subject that I teach, I typically do not have a need to get information immediately, so I do not need all of the "bells and whistles" that this tool offers. For me simply receiving an e-mail to notify me and allowing me to look up the topic at my leisure is more than adequate. For people that are on the go and that have a need for immediate information, I can see how some of the notification features can be beneficial.