Digital Files

ORGANIZING DIGITAL FILES 

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Developing an organization system for your digital files will keep you prepared and ready to take on the spring semester. While much of our work has shifted from physical paper to digital, we can use the same principles when organizing our digital filing system.  

Establish a common file organization system that involves creating a folder for the name of the semester. 

  • Within that folder, create a sub-folder for each course 
  • Then by looking at your syllabus on D2L for each course, a sub-folder structure can be chosen. Examples include:  
    • A folder for each week 
    • A folder for each chapter or unit 
    • A folder for each type of assignment (papers, weekly discussions, lab reports)  
    • A folder for each theory or major concept 

Other Tips:  

  1. Keep things in the same place. While there are lots of options for storage (UABox, Google Drive, Microsoft 365, etc.), choose one and stick to it. This will help you in the long run to locate things. 

  1. Back up your electronic files regularly in the event you run into an error. 

  1. Check in and reassess if your organization system is working for you. Sometimes we establish a system and then have to go back and see if it’s actually working. It’s always okay to switch things up!  

  • Are you able to find your documents and folders? 

  • Are you saving them in one place and backing them up?  

  • How do you title your documents?  Do your titles make sense for the documents?  (This may help you find things!  Some instructors have preferences on how to save and submit documents – double check your syllabus)