Getting Started with Evernote in the Classroom

One of the first apps I downloaded onto our class set of Kindle Fire HDs was Evernote. We were in need of a way to compose thank you letters, and previously found out through trial and error that Google Docs will not work on our devices, even using Dolphin browser. "I'll go home and figure something out tonight for us to use," I told the kiddos. Enter Evernote: Evernote is a multi-platform app that allows you create and share notes easily. The notes can include typing, pictures, audio, and can be tagged and organized. It's such an easy app to use, we were set up and using it in less then 15 minutes. Here's how:

Step 1:
Download and install the app on your device. Open it and begin to create your account. All my students used our class gmail account plus their name as the email. For example, they typed "mrskilgosclass+studentname@gmail.com. Their username was my name plus their class number, and their password was the same.

 

Step 2: There is a quick tutorial that Evernote guides you through, then you can open the app and begin using it. Your screen will probably look like this: You can swipe across to reveal your notes and your notebooks. To get started on a new note, tap New Note. 

Step: 3: Begin composing your note. Our first notes were titled "test" and the kids literally just typed a bunch of funny stuff to begin with and to learn how to use the app.

 

Step 4: Save and/or send your note. Click the checkmark to go back to the Evernote home screen. This will also save your note. To share your note via email or Edmodo, tap on it and then tap the share symbol circled in pink below. 

That's it! Simple to use, easy to learn, and has many useful functions! In a later post, I'll discuss ways we're using it in our classroom.