Microsoft To-Do

Microsoft To-Do is a list-making app and website that lets teachers and students prioritize and manage tasks over time. A replacement for Wunderlist, which Microsoft acquired in 2015, this app feels a bit like a tool in progress. In-app support explains how to use the tool, but it's pretty easy to learn the basics through general use. Students can manually add tasks to the My Day list or choose them from their other lists. Several list-sorting options provide a visual reminder of more pressing tasks; users can choose from a handful of colors and themes to keep lists separate between home, work, and school. There's also the ability to add files, notes, and sub-tasks to an item, minimizing the need to move back and forth between different lists. 

Searching is easy via keyword or hashtag, and students can also opt to pull in tasks from flagged emails from their Outlook account. Once they complete the task, the flag will be removed automatically. This integration saves users time by enabling them to keep track of tasks in one place.

Students and teachers in need of a tool that promotes organization, time management, and task management will find Microsoft To-Do useful. The ability to prioritize daily tasks, set due dates, and get reminders can help reluctant or disorganized learners become more productive and better manage their time. Breaking down tasks for students is also a neat feature here. Because lists can be shared with other members of an organization, teachers can help students manage large projects by creating sub-tasks and adding files so that students have everything they need in one place. 

There are a few features lacking, which might frustrate some users. For instance, kids can't edit a task or list name directly on the list -- they have to tap it and edit on the sidebar. There's also no way to copy or duplicate a list, so if students have a process where just one or two things change, they have to rewrite the entire list. While users can move items up and down on a list, it would be nice to be able to drag and drop items onto different lists. Finally, there are no folders, so the sidebar quickly becomes cluttered (the app's Twitter feed promised that a folder feature is in the works). That said, there's an in-app Suggest a Feature page and responsive feedback from Microsoft, so despite the current limitations, it seems likely that Microsoft is committed to working out the kinks.