Life in Plain Text: Accessible Document Creation, Journaling, and Task Management in Plain Text

What is life like in plain text? Simpler. Lighter. Freer. Possibly more fun.

Join a learning community focused on uses of plain text files and plain text editing. Together, we’ll look at the difference between plain text files and other file types and explore some of the reasons you might find it advantageous to make regular use of a plain text editor. All campus faculty and staff are welcome.

Over three, one-hour sessions, we’ll cover how to choose and get started with a plain text editor; the ins and outs of Markdown, a simple syntax for adding formatting instructions to plain text; methods for converting Markdown documents to other document types, such as HTML (for the web), Word, or Google Docs; the benefits of plain text editing for accessible document creation; and strategies for note-taking, journaling, and task management in plain text.

Attend one, two, or all three sessions in Teams. Start at any point in the series. Preview or review the session content on the series website in Geneseo OpenLab, Life in Plain Text.

Center for Digital Learning director Paul Schacht will lead the three sessions. Participants will be able to share their favorite apps and tips in OpenLab, where the conversation can continue long after the series has concluded.

Session 1: Introduction to Plain Text Files and Editing (9/4, 1:30–2:30 pm)Session 2: Introduction to Markdown (9/18, 1:30–2:30 pm)Session 3: Accessible Document Creation, Journaling, and Task Management in Plain Text (10/16, 1:30 pm–2:30 pm)--This session. You may choose to attend this event in person or online via Teams.