Gmail in the classroom

I've been a Gmail user for many years, but haven't utilized the service as fully as I could have in the past.  I especially like the idea of using labels instead of folders. In the past, I've created contact groups for different class periods and for the teams I've coached.  I've used groups to send out reminders to players for practices or to officials to notify them of game time changes or of potential weather issues, and to remind parents of conference times.  When I was teaching college classes, I used the calendar integration to allow students to set up appointments to visit or to sign up for times to meet for finals preparation.

Chris, I am in the same scenario as you, as I've used Gmail for quite some time on a personal note, but have never realized all the options that were available until I took this class.  In the near future, my employer is moving us to Gmail, so I am going to make use of the labels, as you have mentioned.  It will be great that I can start fresh and keep things organized...it's a bit overwhelming to go back and organize my personal account.  I will use this course's information to ensure a good start and organization to my work account so I'm not in the same situation.  :)  As you have done, I will need to set up new groups as well to send to educators I serve and have on a current 'list serve'.  I'll be helpful to have the tutuorials to refer back to when I'm ready to do so. Lots to learn.