Skip to main content

Apps & Tools

During the ALX SE program, you will be introduced to a variety of apps and tools that you will be working with. Some of these will only be required occasionally, while others will be used on a regular basis.

Although you will learn about them as and when you need them, having prior experience with some of them can be very beneficial, particularly when you are just starting out. So, let's take a look at some of these tools.

Using Google Docs for submitting tasks​

During your first few days in the program, you may be asked to use Google Docs to submit answers for some of your tasks. To ensure a smooth experience, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with how Google Docs works.

One important feature you should know about is how to retrieve a shareable link for any document you create. This allows you to share the document with others, even if they don't have a Google account.

To get the link, simply click on the "Share" button in the top-right corner of your document and select "Get link"

Additionally, you may have to make your document public so that anyone with the link can access it.

To do this, click on the "Share" button and change the visibility settings to "Anyone with the link can view".

This ensures that your work can be easily accessed by your mentors and fellow learners.

Slack for communication​

Slack is the primary platform for connecting with other program participants, including peers and mentors. It's important to familiarize yourself with some of Slack's key features, such as channels, threads, and direct messaging. Knowing how to use these features will help facilitate communication and collaboration with others.

Video Conferencing Tools​

As the program is primarily conducted remotely, video conferencing tools are essential for meetings with peers and mentors. At ALX Africa, we use Zoom for official meetings such as expert sessions and live coding or learning sessions.

For private meetings, you can choose any video conferencing tool that suits your preferences. Zoom and Google Meet are popular choices among our participants.

Moreover, we have dedicated days on your calendar for peer learning discussions. To facilitate this, we provide an internal video conferencing tool embedded in the intranet. Once you start the program, you will have access to this tool.

Sandbox for coding​

In order to complete and submit your projects, it's recommended that you use a Unix-based operating system. To help you get started, we provide access to a sandbox environment with all the necessary installations. This will enable you to work on your projects even if you don't have your own environment set up.

While using the sandbox is highly recommended, it's not mandatory. If you have an alternative environment, you are free to use that instead.

Check out the Concepts section of this guide to find out more about using a Unix-based operating system.

Gmail and Calendar: Staying Connected and Organized​

Gmail and Calendar are two essential tools for staying connected with peers and mentors, and keeping track of your schedule. Here's what you need to know about each of these tools:

Gmail​

At ALX SE, email is the primary means of direct communication. We will send you emails for various events, updates, and reminders. To ensure that you receive important emails from us, make sure to check your inbox, spam folder, and any other email folders regularly.

You should also familiarize yourself with your email client's features, such as how to compose and reply to emails, attach files, and use labels or folders to organize your emails.

Almost every morning, we will send you an email reminder of the projects available. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to your mentors or peers via email.

Calendar​

To help you stay organized, ALX SE may send you calendar invites for official program events or meetings. You should add these to your Google Calendar, so make sure you have access to one.

When you receive a calendar invite, make sure to RSVP to let us know whether or not you will be attending. This will help us plan and prepare for the event.

You can also use your calendar to schedule your own tasks, reminders, or meetings with peers or mentors. By keeping track of your schedule and deadlines, you can stay on top of your work and make the most of your time in the program.