Institute for Innovation in Education

An incubator of ideas, projects, and collaborations

Google Keep

Google Keep
Review of Google Keep by Thomas Stockwell, 2016 Google Keep -   Quick and simple sticky notes that can be shared with others.

Price:  Free      Users:  anyone

Basic information: What does the method or tool "do" ­ in other words, what skills, practices, and/or means of collaboration are supported by this method or tool?
  • Google Keep is a collaboration tool that I have likened to both Padlet and Trello with some regard.  Like padlet and trello, the basic functionality can be compared to sticky notes.  You are able to add notes, set colors, include links, etc.  The most complicated the tool gets is the ability to add checklists and reminders on individual notes.  The tool is very easy to use, has mobile applications on most mobile platforms.
Usage: How is the method or tool being (or might it be) used in your current project management and design, your teaching, and/or your graduate coursework? What type of example activity might be developed for utilization by someone unfamiliar with the tool?
  • At a recent Staff Works conference UM-AA, Google Keep was shown as a project collaboration tool.  A set of project notes were shared with a group, reminders were able to keep everyone on task, and all changes were live.  Quick checks on a phone can assist with determining progress on a particular project.  I see this project as more of a personal task manager rather than a collaboration tool used for Business. I also see this tool being useful as a quick group collaboration tool in educational settings.
Design: What are the affordances and constraints of this particular method or tool in relation to current/future collaboration, team or group work, and project management?
  • The biggest benefit to Google Keep is that it is very easy to learn and setup.  Google Keep is also a tool that is currently under development.  As noted at the Staff Works conference, several features were added in just the past few weeks that did not exist previously. Google Keep also provides integration with several other Google products.
Relation: How is this method or tool similar/dissimilar to other methods or tools you have previously used? How is it similar/dissimilar to those methods or tools your peers in this course have already reviewed?
  • As mentioned previously, Google Keep is similar in concept to both Trello and Padlet.  Functionality wise, I would say that Google Keep is very comparable to Padlet.  Padlet offers a few UI improvements and customizations that Google Keep cannot offer.   Google is comparable if not a bit inferior to the free version of Trello.  The pay service for Trello provides functionality that Google Keep comes nowhere close to competing with.
Media: Incorporate multiple forms of digital media to illustrate the functionality/purpose of this method or tool.
  • https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/workplace-improvement/voices-staff/u-m-staffworks-best-practices-technology-conference/u-m-staffworks-2016-poster-presentations/using-google-keep-stay-organized
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKXC6nFA7z8
Reflection: How does this method or tool relate to course themes and/or professional practices?
  • The goal of the course is to experiment with different online collaboration platforms.  Google Keep provides components that allow for collaboration amongst groups.  Several other tools in the Innovation Hub may have an upper edge with regards to online collaboration for educational and business purposes.