4b. Personalized Homepages – iGoogle

The What

“The first page you see when you open your browser should be your window to the world. (Steve Spalding , How to Be More Productive, 2007).” Portal creation software helps you create a personalized homepage with the features and information you want and need right at your fingertips.

The Why

Colorado Libraries 2.0 introduces you to a wide variety of 2.0 tools that can help you become more productive, engaged, and up-to-date. However, as you complete the various discovery exercises, you may find it difficult to keep track of the tools you have registered for and to continue to interact with these tools. By creating a personal homepage and setting that page to be your default homepage, you can create a highly relevant, personal experience for yourself, and access the activities, tools, and information you choose to make part of your PLE available front and center. Having all of your tools in one place helps you manage your workflow and make better use of your time.

The How

Tools

Personalized homepage software offers tools (gadgets or widgets) that enable you to customize the look and feel of your page. Whether you are a news junkie, want easy access to your email accounts and RSS feeds, or just want to stay organized, there is a tool for you. Feel free to add a touch of fun to your homepage as well. These gadgets or widgets can be added, deleted, and moved around your page with ease.

Categories of tools and applications available in iGoogle

  • News
  • Tools
  • Communication
  • Fun & Games
  • Finance
  • Sports
  • Lifestyle
  • Technology
  • Politics
  • And of course…Google Search

iGoogle themes allow you to add your own personal flair to your homepage. Choose from vivid animal or nature themes, represent your favorite sports team, or showcase just how trendy you are by adding a Twilight or Gucci theme. You can even create your own theme by uploading a photo and choosing a color scheme.

Discovery Exercise

  1. Start by getting a free iGoogle account. (Note if you already have a Google account for Gmail or other Google applications, you do not need to register for another Google account).
    1. Set your iGoogle page as your default homepage on your work or personal computer. (Instructions by browser)
  2. Add some of the tools (gadgets) from the modules that you have already competed for Colorado Libraries 2.0
    1. Google Reader (or any other Google application like Gmail, Google Calendar etc)
    2. Twitter
    3. Flickr
    4. YouTube
    5. Doodle
    6. Facebook – coming soon!
  3. Update your theme

The attached job aid Creating an iGoogle Page (PDF – need Adobe Reader?) will give you step by step instructions to help you complete the discovery exercise. You can also view the iGoogle Mini Product Tour.

iGoogle is a fun, easy way to track the information you need, to access the applications you use, and to express a bit of personality at the same time

More for the Curious

Links to similar products or applications

 

Personal Learning Environments | Next up: Productivity Tools

About the Author

Christine Kreger

Christine Kreger

Christine Kreger is the Technology and Digital Initiatives Consultant for the Colorado State Library and Colorado Plinkit Coordinator. Christine has over 20 years of public library experience including reference, AskColorado, technology training, and website development. She received her MLS from Emporia State University in 2003. http://www.linkedin.com/in/ckreger