All time-management tools

Google Calendar

With this online calendar you can keep track of appointments, classes, assignment due dates--practically anything time sensitive--and set reminders to alert you to upcoming deadlines. You can share calendars with anyone else who uses Google Calendar.

• Who should use this? Anyone with an smartphone or a computer. (If you don't use Google Calendar, then I hope you are using a similar calendar or scheduling system.)

• How does it work? It's very intuitive; just sign up for a Google account (if you don't already have one) and access Calendar as you would any other Google app. If you need help getting started, go to YouTube and search on Google Calendar--there are many demos available. For some great tips, watch this video.

• What does it cost? Free (you just need a Google account)

Google Keep

This Google app lets you create virtual “sticky notes” with to-do lists--with reminders--that you can access from any Internet-connected computer or mobile device and share with others. Versions for all computers and mobile devices are available.

• Who should use this? Students who need an easy way to create and access to-do lists and study notes.

• How does it work? As with most Google apps, this is very easy to use--and requires a Google account to access. With a couple of clicks, you can create to-do lists, organize them, and add reminders. Watch this video for details on how to use Google Keep.

What does it cost? Free! Included in Google G Suite (go to http://keep.google.com or search for it in Google Drive), and available on the Apple App Store, Chrome Web Store, Google Play (Android). 

Remember the Milk

This online service (and app) is essentially a superpowered to-do list that sends you reminders to keep you on track. You can share these lists with two people. 

• Who should use this? People who have a hard time remembering tasks and appointments--and don't want to (or can't) use Google Calendar on their smartphone.

• How does it work? Create a to-do list with due dates and priorities; you'll get reminders via email, text, and IM. There's actually a lot more to this; go to the tool's website to learn more.

• What does it cost? Free (you can upgrade to a premium account for $40 per year)

• How can I get it? Sign up at the Remember the Milk website for an online account, or download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

MyHomework

With this online service (and app) you can keep track of your class schedule, homework, and tests/quizzes--and set reminder alerts. You can access your information across all your devices.

• Who should use this? Busy college students who need help keeping track of all their assignments and homework.

• How does it work? Use the website or a smartphone/tablet app to enter information on your classes and deadlines, then set reminders. You can upload a syllabus for each class.

• What does it cost? The free version is great for most students (there is a premium version for $45 per year).

• How can I get it? Sign up at the myHomework website. You can download smartphone/tablet apps at the Apple App Store and Google Play; a Chromebook version is available on the Chrome Web Store.

MyStudyLife

This free web tool does everything that myHomework does--just in a different interface. It helps keep you on track with your class schedule, homework, and tests/quizzes, across all your devices.

• Who should use this? Busy college students who need help keeping track of all their assignments and homework. Try this and myHomework to see which works best for you.

• How does it work? Use the website or a smartphone/tablet app to enter information on your classes and deadlines, then set reminders. 

• What does it cost? Nothing.

• How can I get it? Sign up at the MyStudyLife website or download smartphone/tablet apps at the Apple App Store and Google Play; a Chromebook version is available on the Chrome Web Store.

WEBSITE: University of Minnesota Assignment Calculator

There are plenty of assignment calculators out there, but it seems like most of them are based on the one developed by the University of Minnesota. 

• Who should use this? Students in higher education who need support with the steps of the writing process and planning the work involved.

• How does it work? In any web browser, visit the Assignment Calculator webpage and click "Research Paper," "Speech," or "Lab Report" to get started. Enter your start date and the assignment due date as directed, and you're treated to list of deadlines for all of the steps needed--including writing tips and links to other helpful resources for each stage.

• What does it cost? Free