Organizational+Tools

=[|RefWorks]=

=[|Evernote]=
 * "RefWorks** is a web-based citation management program that enables you to:
 * **download,** gather, and store references from databases and library catalogues automatically
 * **format** citations and bibliographies in seconds
 * **connect** to your RefWorks account anywhere there's web access
 * **share** your citations with other RefWorks users " (University of Alberta Libraries)

Use //Evernote// to save your ideas, things you see, and things you like. Then find them all on any computer, phone or device you use.

=﻿Organizational Tool Review=

RefWorks
I view RefWorks as a writing and bibliographic tool. The primary databases I use in my research import citation information easily into RefWorks. I am able to create folders within RefWorks to organize materials, similar to a filing cabinet. Within those folders, I can keep extensive information on numerous types of data. I am also able to save the notes I make on each article (or data entry type) within the same file. There is a capability to search keywords, thereby making it easier to retrieve specific entries.

RefWorks also employs a word document writing tool, namely Write-N-Cite. This tool allows the writer to make citiations and compile bibliographic information from the RefWorks database as they are writing a word document. I have used this feature, but have found some inconsistencies in its effectiveness. Firstly, I have yet to successfully create citations within my word documents. Either the citation is incorrect or missing key information, or the citation does not import.

RefWorks is able to produce bibliographies in a number of formats. However, even when the correct format is chosen, there are numerous mistakes in the //References// document when it is produced. With diligence, however, one can correct formatting problems as they are noted, by addressing the file for that particular work, and making changes where necessary.

Overall, I find RefWorks to be a useful writing tool. While I tend not to use Write-N-Cite for shorter writing pieces, I do use it for the lengthier writing pieces primarily for the compilation of bibliographic information. I have not explored RefWorks in its entirety, but have now discovered [|Learn RefWorks], an on-line support site which provides Webinars, recordings and other supporting links to assist in learning basic and advanced features of the product.

Evernote
Evernote is an organizational tool in which I see huge potential. I have the online account which makes my data available from any online location. I also have Evernote loaded on my home computer and laptop. These are offline versions which sync with the online version, either via a prompt from the user, or by an automated prompt within the program. I am further able to share information within Evernote by either making it a public folder, thereby assigning it a URL, or via email. The sharing component is easy to manage, and allows flexibility to share portions of the data in Evernote, and the degree to which you will make it public. I am also able to indicate whether the file is view-only, or if those viewing it can have the ability to modify the file as well.

Adding data to Evernote has been very easy. I am able to add web pages to Evernote via my tool bar (or by right-clicking my mouse and selecting "Add to Evernote". By highlighting specific text, I am able to add the selected text to Evernote in the same manner. Even my email account has an "Add to Evernote" tab which allows me to add any email I received to Evernote with one click of my mouse. I downloaded Evernote to my cell phone, and am able to easily add photos, voice notes, text notes and upload files to Evernote online. I was able to link my Twitter account to Evernote, and by simply inserting @myEN somewhere in my tweet or retweet, I can have the information sent directly to my Evernote online account, as well.

The feature that sold me on Evernote, was [|Microsoft OneNote]. This tool is ideal for managing information. It is similar to a notebook with tabs creating sections within the notebook. There are secondary tabs which would be comparable to the pages within each section. Any time I import information to this document, it creates a link to the exact point in the source document I was at time, making it easy to return to at a later time. Adding to OneNote from the web is as easy as adding to Evernote, I simply chose "Add to OneNote" from the tool bar. This is a visually easier program to organize data in than Evernote. It would be comparable to having numerous binders on a shelf (Notebooks), each containing information about a specific topic. The benefit to OneNote is, even though the Notebooks are separate, I am able to search keywords in all Notebooks simultaneously, making it easy to identify links between the Notebooks. I can then hyperlink information within OneNote between Notebooks.

I can also share OneNote Notebooks in an interesting way. The first way is simply via email. The recipient does not have to be a user of OneNote to open the Notebook. The second way is to create a live sharing session. In this session, several people can be in the Notebook at the same time making changes to the Notebook simultaneously. The updates are said to be saved seamlessly, but I have not had the opportunity to experiement with this to see this function in use. A final way to share your Notebooks is to upload them to Evernote. Again, the upload is easy. The Notebook will appear under the tab with other existing Notebooks, and the tabs and pages become the tags on these entries in Evernote. At this point, you share the Notebook as indicated for the online Evernote (see above).

OneNote is one of the easiest programs I have ever used, and seems extremely practical for managing information. I immediately thought of the uses in the classroom, such as student anecdotal records, unit and lesson plans, and inquiry (there is even a template for a Research Notebook, with practical tabs already pre-labelled).

I think students would find this a wonderful tool for organizing information. Students could easily use this a to create different subject area notebooks, and keep notes taken in or outside of class for that subject. Submitting work would involve emailing the Notebook. Live sharing sessions would provide a means for collaborative work with either other students, as in group projects, or with the teacher when needing assistance or guidance.

I caught my husband looking through OneNoe, and he has minimal computer experience. He was navigating pages easily. He is in the autobody industry, and we discussed the way the program could work for him as a research tool for the suppliers, materials, parts, and other information he requires each time he works on a new project. He was also intrigued by the possibilities OneNote presented in organizing information. The [|features and benefits]are exciting.