iGoogle is your personal homepage. You can add different gadgets to your iGoogle page to help you keep track of the things you are interested in on the internet.
Some gadgets also let you create To Do lists and track your goals. iGoogle is a great tool for learners because each time one of the webpages you follow is updated, the new information appears on your iGoogle page. You don't have to go searching for each new webpage to stay up-to-date.
Where to Find iGoogle
iGoogle and GMail are both free services offered by Google. You sign into both services using your GMail address and password.
Go to the Google homepage at
http://www.google.com/ (ask your instructor if you need help opening a second browser window). In the top right corner, click the link to iGoogle. If you are already signed in to GMail, you are directed to your iGoogle page. Or, if you have not yet signed in, iGoogle will ask you to sign in to see your personalized page.
Ask your instructor to send you our Adult Learning Centre iGoogle homepage. This contains the gadgets you will use to track your goals and progress throughout your time at the ALC.
Why Use iGoogle?
Keeping track of all of the helpful and interesting information you find on the internet can be confusing. Your iGoogle page gives you a place to put some of this information.
It is important to note that when you visit your iGoogle page, you will just see small snippets of information from each webpage that you follow. However, you can click on the information you want to see and go to the full webpage.
Add a Learning Goal to Your iGoogle Page
Once your instructor shares the ALC iGoogle page with you, check your email and follow the link to see it. Note: if you do not receive the email within a few minutes, check your Spam inbox.
In the middle of your iGoogle page, you should see a box called "Countdown." Fill in the boxes to track your learning goal. For example, if you are writing your GED test on April 9, 2011, add "GED test" as the event name, followed by the end date for your learning goal. This exercise allows you to see how much closer you are to achieving your goal as you progress through the course.
Other Things You Can Do with iGoogle
iGoogle lets you keep track of information from the internet, but you can also add your own content, such as:
- photos
- goals
- notes to yourself
- lists of things to do or things you like
- local weather
- and much more!
Watch this 2-minute video to learn more about Google gadgets and how to add them to your iGoogle page:
Congratulations! Now that your iGoogle page is set up and you know how to add gadgets, you can move on to the next lesson,
7 1/2 Habits of Successful Learners. Before you do, be sure to click on the form at the bottom of the page and fill it in to enter the monthly draw! Click Home to return to the homepage.
