Tech Tip: Word Count

For this week's Tech Tip, I added a word counter to Chrome (the extension can be found here). I think I knew that this tool existed, but I hadn't decided to try it out until I saw it as an optional Tech Tip. I can see it being incredibly useful, as previously I would prewrite my documents in Google Drive because of the included word counter. Now, I can write my blog posts and comments directly on the page!

I tend to do alright with word count, and whether I go over or under depends a lot on how much I have to say. My stories naturally tend to be longer when they have more elaborate plots or need deeper exposition. Usually, when I'm getting close to the minimum word count, I ask myself how I plan to wrap up the story. Sometimes I'm not even close to a stopping point though!

There are 160 words in this blog post. :^)

Tech Tip: Embedded Youtube Video

Below, I've (hopefully) managed to embed a Youtube video for this week's Tech Tip. I chose a video that I found recently and that made me laugh, so I hope you enjoy!

Tech Tip: Bookmarks

For this tech tip, I explored bookmarking in Chrome. One thing that I learned is that you can create sub-folders for your bookmarks to more efficiently organize them, but I don't think that I use enough bookmarks for this to be terribly useful.

I use bookmarks sparingly, and I already have all of mine on the bookmark bar! Something I've learned about myself is that I can get very easily distracted by bookmarks for social media, games, etc. I keep my bookmarks reserved for websites relating to work and school, which helps me stay on track when I need to be working. For everything else, autocomplete usually does the job!

Tech Tip: Einstein Generator

This week, I used this website to make the above image. The quote that I placed on the blackboard comes from Frank Ocean's Blonde, which I was listening to while I made this!

Tech Tip: Motivational Poster

As a tech tip this week I made a motivational poster using this website. I wanted to inspire myself to finish the semester strong!

Photo source: Pexels

Tech Tip: Canvas Notifications

For this week's "tech tip", I fiddled with my canvas notification settings. Generally, I prefer to receive email notifications even for insignificant things like upcoming due dates. These I selected to be daily notifications. I can always ignore emails, but every so often it could be the reminder I need. One thing Canvas has over D2L (rest in peace, sweet prince) is the notifications when grades are posted, even if they're on a bit of a delay.

Tech Tip: Weather Widget

I added a weather widget to the sidebar following these instructions. Now this blog is your one stop shop for myths, folklore, and weather updates.

Thanks for checking in!

Tech Tip: Google Map

For this week's tech tip I chose to learn how to embed a map in my blog. I chose a map of Toronto, because it's the first place I'd love to visit when I get a passport. I've never been out of the country, and Canada seems like a neat place that wouldn't be too expensive to travel to.

Tech Tip: Blog Profile

This week I changed the way my sidebar profile is displayed. Formerly, it had my name and a link to my Google+ profile. I don't have a problem putting my name out there, but I don't use Google+, so it made more sense to delete that sidebar widget and add a simple text box with my name and a little information about me. Now my blog is just a little bit sleeker!

I think it's important to be considerate of one's online identity. One of the things that bothers me these days is how easily seemingly anonymous accounts can be tied back to a real identity. For this reason, I tend to be pretty careful about what I post online regardless of the situation.

Tech Tip: Canvas Profile

This week I tried the first tech tip for this class, and changed my Canvas profile. I already had a profile picture which I think captures my essence; I'm pictured in a low squat while wearing a sleek navy suit. The photo seems to say, "I'm fun, but professional; daring, but smooth."

I did change my title to "Student" and updated my bio to reflect my major, graduation date, and zodiac sign. Looking forward to the next tech tip!