I feel like this is the biggest online class I have ever taken, which isn't true because there are only 36 students. It's not like a MOOC or anything... It's just that everyone has such interesting discussion board posts and stories, and soon blog posts, that I find it hard to grasp everything... plus get all the reading done.
For my first post I wanted to share a little handout I made for FSU graduate students on resources on and off campus to help with any writing concerns you may have. I also listed some strategies here to help with starting a writing project.
But what I wanted to highlight for this blog post are the tools listed at the end there.
- pomodoro.me features a tomato timer that helps me with time management to make sure that I take breaks and get more done in the long run. More recently I have adopted the Chrome extension, Strict Workforce, because it is a timer that does not allow you to access social media and other designated sites during your set work period. That doesn't take aware my phone; unfortunately, self-regulation is still required.
- writtenkitten.net simply motivates a writer by displaying a picture of a different kitten, bunny, or puppy once you hit 100 (or 200 or 500) words written.
- oldandbusted.drwicked.com is a site also known as Write or Die. Using this free web app, you set a goal number of words and a time limit and can select one of the following consequences
- Gentle Mode: A certain amount of time after you stop writing, a box will pop up, gently reminding you to continue writing.
- Normal Mode: If you persistently avoid writing, you will be played a most unpleasant sound. The sound will stop if and only if you continue to write.
- Kamikaze Mode: Keep Writing or Your Work Will Unwrite Itself (deleted forever).
Have you ever used these before? Try them out and let us know what you think.
I hope some of these tools and information is helpful to you in your future grad school writing.
