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 I was introduced to Haystack Digital Business Cards a few years ago, pre-pandemic. This has been a slick way to quick share my information as needed. While at a “Quilt, Craft and Sewing Festival”, with my wife, I shared with many small business exhibitors that were amazed. So it is time to share this tool here. Many exhibitors have their website posted, some traditional business card and also Facebook Marketplace link. So there were many camera shots and a notepad needed to write important information down. In addition, there were MANY traditional cards scattered on the floor, as people lost interest or just dropped. Haystack is super easy and slick. There is a free, user-friend apps in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. I have only used the play store version. Download an then it is time to setup. One click to “Create your digital business card”. From there enter your information in the following fields:
I recently updated my business logo. From my phone, I was able to download or screen shot my logo. Open the Haystack app and add my logo in a couple minutes. All aspects of creating this digital card were fast and efficient. Then it is time to share. Haystack give you a few option; Email, Text (SMS), QR code and more sharing options. I used all three at the most recent trade show. Most preferred QR code, but Email and Text (SMS) were appreciated. There are 3 Haystack pricing plans, though I have only used the free version. It looks like it can scale from small to large business as needed. Again, the free version has met all of my needs and I highly recommend.  I have struggled with my Gmail management for years. “Inbox Zero” is a goal, like chasing a sunset each day. I want it and it is gone. I have found a strategy that is a game changer for me. It has always been simple to read, move or delete incoming emails. However, there are important emails I need to hold onto for a variety of reasons. Many of those emails have an expiration shelf life. I need to keep it until Friday, but then delete. I used to label them, but then forget and they just sit there for years. Customizing my Gmail Labels has been a game changer. By creating a label with a special character it will be at the top of my label list. Then giving color to draw my attention as the email sits in my inbox. Finally, delete and/or move when the hold time expires. This simple process helps me so much. Here are the step to follow as they align with the gallery photos:
 It is truly an understatement to say the past 2 years have changed us all. This site and channel was originally created to share tips and tricks for efficiency tech teaching tools. I thought these tools I shared with passion would make my classroom a well oil machine. Well that wasn’t the case, for there are people behind the screens and they need human interactions in some fashion.
My classroom was using all of the same technology and more during distance learning, but my tricks bag was empty at times. Like many teachers everywhere, I felt like a 1st year teacher with 29 years of experience. The community of learners, students and teachers, had changed during the pandemic. I could be grumpy or I could change for the better. That brings me to the Reboot & Be There mindset. I still love to “Share the Learning” to anyone wanting to learn or needing a tech tool to solve a problem. Helping middle schoolers, teachers and even the retirement community brings me joy. The tool tip can be as small as connecting a wireless printer to an iPad, but success gives the end user some needed relief for a basic print job for important documents. The Reboot & Be There theme has to be purposeful and with empathy. The levels of tech knowledge and confidence is broad to say the least. I like to push myself with Internet of Things tech around my home. In saying that, I have shared what I think are old tools that I was first exposed to years ago. That old toll is received with smiles and relief of solving a problem. It is time for me to share this journey, of whatever knowledge level solution is gained. My plan and hope is Be There and Make Someone's Day in a larger community on this channel. So my weekly entries will target at least one solution I have gained and maybe help another somewhere else. This is exciting to say the least. As I attempt to Reboot & Be There, I ask for your feedback and respect of where we are all at in that moment. Our community is important to me and I want to be there for you. Be honest and try to share through the eyes of the user. Let the journey begin.  Life’s journey is always filled with detours, re-routing, and even roadblocks. As I reread that sentence, it hits the mark of the past 18 months. All of our routines, life plans, and employment changed. This would be my creative movement to find myself and there were crickets. I mean NOTHING. I truly enjoy and appreciate my teaching position. Entering my 29th year in education and I can see the next chapter on the horizon. I’ve always loved technology and enjoy helping others with efficient tricks and/or tools. Working remotely has always intrigued me, yet that path hasn’t shown itself to me, yet. I guess largely because I’m still focused on my current full-time position and that is fine. This brings me to a “Positive Pivot” moment. We all need it and I believe most people want it too. The current mask arguments are a mystery to me. People are so mad at each other, yet most would help someone in need in a heartbeat. It is time to choose my attitude with empathy, not anger, but with selflessness. I find myself teaching middle schoolers the same digital citizenship lessons as the adults in my life. Both messages are helping them find safe passage on the internet while being part of a social media group. Both are important and need guidance. “Share the Learning” has always been the cornerstone of my teaching and learning career. I have harvested many great ideas and methods from others. This community or professional learning network, has always been positive and so willing to help each other. What an amazing gift to give or receive. I want to heighten this “Share the Learning” approach, with respect and empathy. We are people of a caring and giving nature. Currently, it feels like our government leaders care more about their parties than all people. We have the power to care for each other and listen first. It is time to move forward together, one smile and an act of kindness at a time. Here is my “Positive Pivot” plan. I hope to use this platform to post a regular message that shares a cool tech tool. That tool will include the benefits it brings, with the human element of giving, sharing, and empathy. That sounds like quite a bundle and it is. Most of technology is really cool, with good to great intentions. Tech is a tool that needs human management, for the good of the community. Here We Go!   Two of my impactful mentors suggested always greeting students at the door. That is pretty easy and makes sense. The greeting wasn’t just being at the door, but looking and listening to the students as they enter the class. Always monitoring body language, smiles, and what are students saying today. Then take those bits of the greetings into the lesson, where applicable. Connections in an organic way, so impactful.
Yes, distance learning changes that greeting, but it is still possible and super important. I’m so fortunate to share a student leadership group with a super energetic and creative teacher. She has over 20 years of experience and always sharing her amazing attitude. She is always first to our Gmeet, greeting every student as they enter. More than just saying HI, but exchanging what is going well today. The exchange needs some fertilizer and builds off of previous interactions. Sometimes the connections start with me mentioning something in their learning space, like cool string lights. There is almost always a story that goes with those lights. Mom/Dad didn’t want me to get them, I got them for a present, I think they are really neat, I like my lights, etc. So simple and fun, in the same method of greeting at the door. Then there are the totally unexpected gifts. We were studying the research step of the design process. Natalie asks if she can use Alexa for her research. I answered that use whatever reliable resources you have, but no offense to Alexa, but she is a bit dumb for deep questions. I asked if she has an Alexa in her learning space, to which she said “yes”. What happen next was totally off script and spontaneous. I said, “Alexa, play Mr. Roboto from STYX.” She responded and started playing the song. There were smiles all over the screen and some students shaking their heads. Then Natalie points her camera in the kitchen, where her mom is dancing to the song. Mom says, “I don’t care who sees me, I haven’t heard this song in years.” Simply the best in exchange for sure. Well it gets better, for each time we meet for that particular class there is Mr. Roboto playing when I arrive to the Gmeet. Students are laughing and anxiously waiting for me to arrive. The class attendance has been at or near 100% since the Alexa moment. I’ll be honest, I get excited for this class too. Greeting and Exchange is super important. Learning is fun and we have to always keep that in mind. We as educators can’t forget what it was like to be a student at whatever age we are teaching. Be that teacher that is there at the door, smiling and excited to share the learning. There are always people behind the tech tools. |
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