Stay on Track: Top Calendar Apps for Schools and Colleges

Stay on Track: Top Calendar Apps for Schools and Colleges

Schools and colleges are busy places. Between regular classes, unexpected club meetings, and everything in between, students, teachers, and school staff have a lot on their plates. It can be a challenge to stay on top of everything and make sure nothing is overlooked. That’s where tools like calendar apps come in handy. They help everyone stay organized and on track. 

The Calendar App for Schools by VirtoSoftware is a popular choice, but there are many other options out there. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best calendar apps that can make life in an educational setting a bit easier. 

The Rising Need for Academic Calendar Apps

 1. Centralized Schedules: Access to all activities, events, and deadlines in one unified space.

2. Collaborative Planning: Facilitates seamless sharing of dates, assignments, and reminders.

3. Timely Alerts: Prevents overlooking crucial tasks or events with timely notifications.

A Dive into the Best Academic Calendars

 The Virto Calendar for Colleges for Schools isn’t just another app; it’s an experience. Picture a digital realm where every event, big or small, is meticulously mapped. From an urgent teacher’s meeting to a long-awaited college fest date, everything finds a neat corner. Its synchronized updates are like the gentle nudges, ensuring you’re always in sync with real-time changes.

 Google Calendar, meanwhile, is akin to a trusty old friend who knows just what you need. Its strength lies in its simplicity and integration. Whether you’re working on a school project using Google Docs or setting up a virtual class on Google Meet, this calendar keeps tabs, making sure you never miss a beat. The color-coding system? Think of it as the artist’s palette, allowing you to paint your schedule in hues that resonate with your mood and activity type.

 Stepping into the world of Microsoft Calendar is like entering a well-oiled machine. It’s a universe where every cog, bolt, and gear is interconnected. If your academic life heavily revolves around Microsoft’s ecosystem—be it Teams discussions, OneNote musings, or Outlook emails—this calendar becomes the central hub, orchestrating seamless symphonies of schedules.

 When students crave a sanctuary that understands their pulse, the myHomework Student Planner steps in. It’s not just about dates and alarms; it’s about presenting a holistic view of their academic journey. From that daunting math assignment to the much-anticipated science fair date, everything gets a spotlight.

 For the minimalists, Timetable emerges as the epitome of elegance and efficiency. Stripped of any distractions, it presents a pristine interface where every class, assignment, or meeting is treated with reverence. And its thoughtful feature, like the auto-mute, is like that silent guardian ensuring tranquility during classes.

 ClassUp is more than just a scheduling tool; it’s a canvas. Every student, teacher, or administrator becomes an artist, sketching out their unique academic narratives. From quirky annotations to vibrant visuals, it celebrates the individuality of each user.

 Any.do is like that meticulous friend who remembers everything. Its smooth interface makes task tracking seem like a breeze. Students and faculty alike can set reminders for assignments, meetings, or even the next coffee break. With integrations like Google Calendar and Outlook, it’s a seamless extension of one’s academic workflow.

 Fantastical is often hailed as the magician of calendar apps. Its natural language processing lets you create events using simple phrases like “Coffee with Prof. Smith at 3 PM tomorrow.” For college students juggling between classes, assignments, and social commitments, Fantastical becomes a trusted aide.

 Study Cal takes the essence of being a student into its core. Apart from basic scheduling, it assists in tracking grades and managing assignments and even gives a visual representation of one’s academic progress, making it an all-in-one academic companion.

a calendar showing a planning schedule post about top calendar apps

 Challenges and Solutions: Making the Most of Your Calendar App

 Navigating the academic world can sometimes feel overwhelming. Here are a few common challenges and how the right calendar app can provide solutions:

 Overlapping Schedules: With classes, club meetings, personal study sessions, and extracurricular activities, students often find their schedules overlapping. Advanced calendar apps allow users to visually block out times, ensuring they don’t double-book themselves and can plan rest periods in between activities.

 Forgetting Deadlines: It’s easy to lose track of when that big project is due or when an important test is scheduled. By setting up advanced reminders, users can get notifications not just on the day of the deadline but days or even weeks in advance, ensuring ample preparation time.

 Coordinating Group Projects: Group assignments often mean coordinating with several people’s schedules. Shared calendar features allow group members to sync their availability, making planning meetings a breeze.

Criteria to Consider: How to Choose the Right Calendar

Ease of Use

A user-friendly interface ensures that everyone, from tech-savvy students to educators, can navigate and use the app effectively.

 Integration Capabilities

A calendar that seamlessly integrates with other commonly used apps can greatly streamline academic processes.

 Customizability

The ability to personalize aspects of the calendar—be it color-coding or adding notes—enhances user experience.

 Accessibility

Choosing a platform that’s accessible across multiple devices ensures continuity, especially in our increasingly mobile world.

 Security & Privacy

Given the sensitive nature of some academic information, security features should be top-notch.

Beyond Calendars: Other Essential Digital Companions for Academia

While calendars keep your dates in check, the academic realm demands an arsenal of digital tools to keep everything else in order:

  • Task Managers: Tools like Trello or Asana can help in organizing group projects, delegating tasks, and ensuring timely submissions.
  • Note-Taking Apps: Evernote and OneNote come to the rescue, ensuring that every iota of information is captured, be it a lecture note or a sudden spark of inspiration.
  • Document Management: Google Drive or Dropbox keeps all academic documents organized, shareable, and accessible, ensuring collaborative endeavors are smooth.
  • Communication Platforms: Apps like Slack or Microsoft Teams foster communication, ensuring everyone stays on the same page.
  • Reading & Research: Tools like Mendeley or Zotero streamline the process of academic research, making referencing and bibliography a breeze.

Conclusion

 In today’s digitized academic environment, tools like the Calendar App for Schools by VirtoSoftware have become indispensable. But these calendar apps are more than mere schedulers. They’re the navigational compasses guiding students and educators through the intricate maze of academic commitments.

 The right calendar is akin to a reliable compass, helping users smoothly traverse the diverse landscape of academia. From integrating schedules and setting reminders to fostering collaboration, these digital aids are at the heart of modern academic success.

 As we merge education with technology, the essence isn’t just in adopting a tool, but in harnessing its true potential. It’s about maximizing productivity, alleviating stress, and ensuring that every academic moment is both organized and purposeful.

 

 

Discover the exciting new features of iOS 17

Discover the exciting new features of iOS 17

Apple’s latest operating system, iOS 17, brings a host of new features to enhance the things you do every day. From new ways to express yourself when calling or messaging someone to convenient new ways to share content, iOS 17 offers new experiences for your iPhone. The company made the announcements at WWDC 2023 where it introduced other innovations.

new iOS 17 plus bottom in iMessage feature

One of the most exciting updates is the new plus button in iMessage. This button allows you to view all the things you send the most, such as photos, audio messages, and your location. You can also swipe up to view the rest of your iMessage apps. Additionally, there is a new catch-up arrow that lets you jump to the first message you haven’t seen in a conversation and you can now swipe to the right on any message to send a reply.

Another great feature is the ability to share your location or request a friend’s location from the plus button. When someone shares their location with you, you can view it directly within your conversation. Audio messages are now transcribed so you can read them in the moment and listen later.

new iOS 17 features announced at WWDC 2023 for apple iphone users

The new stickers drawer lets you access all your Live Stickers, emoji, Memoji, and other sticker packs in one place. Your stickers sync with iCloud so they are available on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices. You can use Markup to add stickers to photos, documents, screenshots, and more.

There are also updates to FaceTime. You can now record a video or audio message when someone misses your FaceTime call. Additionally, there is a new reaction feature that fills the camera frame with fun 3D augmented reality effects like hearts, confetti, fireworks, and more.

One of the new features in iOS 17 is the Smart Home Lock Screen. This feature allows users to control their smart home devices directly from their iPhone’s lock screen. The Control Center has also been updated to provide quick access to frequently used controls and settings.

Another new feature is Live Activities. This feature allows users to stay on top of things happening in real-time. Active Widgets are another addition to iOS 17, providing users with glanceable information and quick actions for their most frequently used apps.

NameDrop is a new feature in iOS 17 that allows you to share your contact information with someone else by holding your iPhone near their iPhone or Apple Watch. You can choose which phone numbers or email addresses you want to share and can also share your Contact Poster instantly. This feature makes it easy to exchange contact information with someone you’ve just met.

NameDrop new iOS17 feature

The Health App has also received updates in iOS 17. Users can now track new types of data and receive personalized insights and recommendations to improve their health and well-being. Apple Music has also been updated with new customization options, allowing users to personalize their listening experience even further.

These are just some of the many new features in iOS 17. Here are the compatible iPhones that can upgrade to the new OS.

iPhones compatible with iOS 17

  • iPhone 14
  • iPhone 14 Plus
  • iPhone 14 Pro
  • iPhone 14 Pro Max
  • iPhone 13
  • iPhone 13 mini
  • iPhone 13 Pro
  • iPhone 13 Pro Max
  • iPhone 12
  • iPhone 12 mini
  • iPhone 12 Pro
  • iPhone 12 Pro Max
  • iPhone 11
  • iPhone 11 Pro
  • iPhone 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone XS
  • iPhone XS Max
  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)

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Microsoft to host maiden Xbox Game Studios Game Camp in Africa

Microsoft to host maiden Xbox Game Studios Game Camp in Africa

Microsoft’s Africa Transformation Office (ATO) is announcing a two-day Xbox Game Studios Game Camp in Africa. To empower African creators to realize their potential in the gaming industry through unique learning experiences from industry leaders. The conference will run from July 15th – 16th, 2023.

The two full days events are themed “The Journey of a Game” and will offer multiple perspectives on the complex craft of game development. In addition, there will be online learning components to the camp, which will allow participants to engage with focused training modules on topics that align closely with their skills and interests, before and after the event.

While the camp is available online for all registered campers, Game Camp will also host in-person viewing events for 100 selected campers at the Microsoft campuses in Cairo, Johannesburg, Lagos, and Nairobi. These sites will offer viewing parties on-site panel sessions and opportunities to meet with Microsoft and Xbox personnel. Furthermore, teams or individuals with games to pitch are encouraged to do so.

Game Camp Africa on xbox controller logo as Microsoft hosts Xbox Game Camp in Africa

To participate, individuals must be of legal age, reside in any country on the African continent, and be studying or working part or full-time in the field of software development, visual arts, 3D, music and audio, web design, narrative design, or professional project management. See the complete list of participation requirements at Xbox.com.

At Xbox, we’re on a mission to bring the joy and community of gaming to the world’s 3 billion gamers and we recognize that Africa is home to the largest population of youth in the world, many who love to play. In 2019 I attended the opening of our Africa Development Centre and met with tech leaders, educators, and developers from across the region to understand their vision for the future of game creation. Through the inaugural Xbox Game Studios Camp Africa, in collaboration with Microsoft’s Africa Transformation Office, we have an opportunity to continue to deepen our relationships with talented developers in region and help African games studios realize their vision and role in the global gaming industry,” said Phil Spencer, CEO, Gaming at Microsoft.

The Xbox Game Studios Game Camp program is an initiative that unifies various Xbox initiatives under one umbrella where talent is celebrated and game developers are empowered to pursue their dreams.

At Microsoft, we are excited to enable African game developers and creators to build faster through access to tools and resources, and to help their games be discovered by players in Africa and around the world. We want to grow strong roots in this significant market for gaming and game development. The ATO and Xbox personnel will also combine efforts to identify game studios to invest in through our Startups acceleration program and venture capital investment partners. I’m looking forward to seeing what innovative concepts this Game Camp produces,” says Wael Elkabbany, Strategic Initiatives Lead for Microsoft CEMA.

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Microsoft Build 2023: The Future of Development

Microsoft Build 2023: The Future of Development

Microsoft Build is one of the most anticipated events of the year for developers who use Microsoft technologies and platforms. This year, Microsoft Build 2023 will take place from May 10 to May 12 and will be a hybrid event that combines online and in-person sessions. Build 2023 will offer a variety of sessions, workshops, keynotes, and networking opportunities for developers of all levels and backgrounds.

In this blog post, I will highlight some of the main themes and features that attendees can expect from Microsoft Build 2023, and how they can make the most of their experience at the event.

Microsoft Build Africa Microsoft Build 2023 digital event keynote

Microsoft Build 2023 Themes and Features

Build 2023 will focus on four main themes: cloud, AI, mixed reality, and collaboration. These themes reflect the current trends and challenges in the software industry, and how Microsoft is empowering developers to create innovative solutions for them.

Cloud

Microsoft Azure is the leading cloud platform for developers, offering a range of services and tools to build, deploy, and manage applications across multiple environments. At Microsoft Build 2023, attendees will learn about the latest updates and enhancements to Azure, such as Azure Arc, Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Kubernetes Service, Azure Functions, and more. They will also get to see how Azure integrates with other Microsoft products and platforms, such as GitHub, Visual Studio, Power Platform, and Windows.

AI

Artificial intelligence is transforming every industry and domain with its capabilities to analyze data, generate insights, and automate tasks. At Microsoft Build 2023, attendees will discover how they can leverage Microsoft’s AI offerings to build intelligent applications that can see, hear, speak, understand, and interact with users and the world. They will also get to explore how AI can be applied to various scenarios and domains, such as conversational AI, computer vision, natural language processing, machine learning, cognitive services, and more.

Mixed reality

Mixed reality is the blending of physical and digital worlds to create immersive experiences that enhance human capabilities. At Microsoft Build 2023, attendees will get to experience how Microsoft is leading the way in mixed reality with its devices and platforms, such as HoloLens 2, Windows Mixed Reality, Azure Spatial Anchors, Azure Remote Rendering, and more. They will also get to learn how they can use mixed reality to create applications that can augment reality, simulate environments, train workers, entertain users, and more.

Collaboration

Collaboration is essential for developers to work effectively and efficiently with their teams and stakeholders. At Microsoft Build 2023, attendees will see how Microsoft is enabling collaboration among developers with its tools and platforms, such as Teams, Outlook, OneDrive, SharePoint, Yammer, Stream, and more. They will also get to learn how they can use collaboration tools to communicate better, share information faster, manage projects easier, and co-create solutions smarter.

Microsoft digital skills

Other highlights at Build 2023

Keynote speeches from Microsoft leaders and visionaries.

Microsoft Build 2023 will feature keynote speeches from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Chief Technology Officer Kevin Scott, Corporate Vice President of Developer Division Amanda Silver, and other prominent Microsoft executives and experts. They will share their insights and perspectives on the latest trends and innovations in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, mixed reality, quantum computing, and more. They will also showcase how Microsoft is empowering developers to create solutions that address the challenges and opportunities of the digital era.

Breakout sessions and workshops on various topics and technologies.

Build 2023 will offer a wide range of breakout sessions and workshops that cover various topics and technologies relevant to developers. Attendees can choose from sessions and workshops on Azure, .NET, Visual Studio, GitHub, Power Platform, Windows, Microsoft 365, Teams, Edge, Dynamics 365, and more. They can also learn from experts and peers on best practices, tips and tricks, case studies, and demos. Whether they are beginners or advanced developers, attendees can find sessions and workshops that suit their interests and skill levels.

Networking and community opportunities with other developers.

Build will provide ample opportunities for attendees to network and connect with other developers from around the world. Attendees can join online chats and Q&A sessions with speakers and moderators, participate in live polls and surveys, share their feedback and ideas, and join virtual meetups and social events. They can also interact with other attendees who share similar interests or backgrounds through the Microsoft Build Community Zone. Additionally, attendees can visit the Microsoft Build Expo Hall to explore the latest products and services from Microsoft and its partners.

Exclusive access to new announcements and resources from Microsoft.

Microsoft Build 2023 will be the platform for Microsoft to announce new products, features, updates, and initiatives that will shape the future of development. Attendees will be among the first to hear about these announcements and get exclusive access to new resources such as documentation, samples, tutorials, guides, videos, podcasts, blogs, and more. They will also be able to try out new tools and technologies through hands-on labs and challenges.

Tips on how to make the most of your experience

Plan ahead: Before the event starts, check out the agenda and register for the sessions and workshops that interest you. You can also download the Microsoft Build app to access your personalized schedule, get reminders, and stay updated on any changes or announcements.

Engage actively: During the event, participate in the live Q&A sessions, ask questions, and share your feedback with the speakers and moderators. You can also join online communities and social media channels to connect with other attendees, exchange ideas, and expand your network.

Explore broadly: After the event, watch the on-demand sessions and keynotes that you missed or want to revisit. You can also browse the resources and samples that are available on the Microsoft Build website,
GitHub, and Docs. to deepen your knowledge and skills on the topics that interest you.

Have fun: Last but not least, enjoy yourself at Microsoft Build 2023. You can also take part in the challenges, games, and contests that are organized throughout the event, and win prizes, swag,
and recognition.

Microsoft Build 2023 is a must-attend event for developers who want to learn more about Microsoft technologies and platforms, network with other developers, and get inspired by the possibilities of development. To register for Microsoft Build 2023, visit https://build.microsoft.com/.

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E-mobility in Africa must be expedited – Alp Tilev

E-mobility in Africa must be expedited – Alp Tilev

Co-Founder and CTO of Ampersand, Alp Tilev, says the transition to e-mobility in Africa must be expedited. He shares more on why there is an opportunity to drive the adoption of electrically powered motorcycles that produce less pollution in Africa. Talking about the financial and environmental advantages of electric motorcycles for drivers and the environment.

Co-Founder and CTO of Ampersand, Alp Tilev

Historically, Asia has been the birthplace of motorcycles. China, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam are the world’s four largest motorcycle markets. The continent is home to roughly 58% of all motorcycles in the world.

Africa is quickly catching up. According to a report by AMEND and the FIA Foundation, motorcycle usage in Africa has increased from less than 5 million in 2010 to an estimated 27 million in 2022. Because of Africa’s entrepreneurial spirit, 80% of the continent’s motorcycles are used for commercial purposes such as taxis or delivery services.

Although Africa’s contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions is negligible at under four percent, these petrol-powered two-wheelers contribute a significant amount of carbon emissions. As Africa joins the rest of the world in the drive to reduce pollution, there is an opportunity to drive the adoption of electrically powered motorcycles that produce less pollution.  

Electric motorcycles are hardly a new concept, but they are relatively new to Africa where they are starting to gain momentum by firmly making their way into the cultural and economic zeitgeist while inching the continent’s travelers towards a lower carbon future.

Ampersand e-mobility in Africa using electric motorcycles

Adoption of electric motorcycles in Africa has its challenges, the issue of charging batteries being one. Given that a significant proportion of motorcycles on African roads are used for commercial purposes, riders rarely have time to wait for their batteries to charge.

However, there are innovative solutions that can be deployed to address the challenge, and technology is rapidly advancing, providing opportunities for innovators to create long-term solutions to the continent’s most pressing challenges.

On the back of this, we created Ampersand, an electric motorcycle and transportation energy solutions provider that allows riders to stay on the road while their batteries charge. To make this possible, we built a network of charging stations where riders can swap out depleted batteries for fully charged ones in only 2 minutes, saving them over $500 per year by reducing downtime.

Furthermore, each battery has a range of 60-90 km and needs to be replaced less frequently than drivers typically refuel with petrol. This solution not only saves drivers money but also ensures that they have a constant source of power, making electric motorcycles a more viable transportation option.

As the business grew from the initial 20 drivers to the current 800+ vehicles in Kigali and Nairobi, one of the challenges we encountered was keeping track of the batteries and their condition. With hundreds of drivers swapping out batteries every day, being able to track them and ensure they are in good condition is critical to our ability to support more drivers. Consequently, we built AmperOps, an adaptive cloud solution built on Microsoft’s Azure platform that allows the collection of over 15,000 data points and the execution of multiple transactions per second. The system also enables seamless management of battery packs through customizable parameters such as state of health analysis and geofenced alarms for increased security.

Furthermore, the system includes smart maintenance systems that automatically notify the team of required battery or vehicle repairs before they occur. With this level of customization and real-time response, we can gain a thorough understanding of the performance of each swap station, driver, and battery.

In the long run, the advantages of electric motorcycles extend beyond financial savings for drivers and environmental advantages. As Africa continues to industrialize, so will the capacity for designing, building, and assembling motorcycle components. This demonstrates an opportunity for green job growth throughout the value chain, from design to delivery and maintenance. Given that Ampersand users travel over 1.9 million kilometers per month, there is a clear opportunity for electric motorcycles to impact Africa’s transportation industry and for electric motorcycles to become the sustainable lifeblood of public transport systems In fact, we have set an ambitious goal of electrifying all motorcycles in East Africa by 2030, and earlier in Rwanda by 2027.

Without a doubt, electric motorcycles have the potential to be a viable mode of transportation for millions of Africans. Technology will drive change by enabling innovators to create solutions to niche challenges in the adoption of e-mobility. With the right investment, Africa’s transportation industry could be transformed while also creating job opportunities, reducing pollution, and saving drivers money.

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