# Trello ### What is Trello? Trello is a digital task management platform based on the [Kanban Board](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanban_board) model. Kanban Boards are a workflow visualization tool that today is mostly utilized in the computer programming world. Kanban translated from Japanese means “signboard” or “billboard.” The Kanban method was first developed in the 1940s for the newly developed [Toyota Production System](https://www.toyota-global.com/company/vision_philosophy/toyota_production_system/origin_of_the_toyota_production_system.html) in order to build vehicles based on customer demand to avoid excessive inventory. It was adopted by software developers in the last few decades and more recently for use by educators. For an explanation on kanban boards can be used for university, take a look at John Derian's article, "[The Ultimate Team Work Management Tool: Kanban Boards](https://www.pblworks.org/blog/ultimate-team-work-management-tool-kanban-boards)". He talks about a paper model, but we'll be using a digital version on Trello. He notes that using kanban boards in classes for collaborative (and self-directed) work, have many benefits: * Helps students plan and discuss their work as a team * Helps students see how the daily work is leading towards the culminating product/ task/ event * Helps students identify what to work on next once a task has been completed * Holds individuals accountable to their team work. * Helps students see their progress and take pride in their work. I hope that in our online class we can use the digital kanban Trello to reap these same benefits. ### Video Tutorials on Trello * [A Quick Overview of Trello](https://youtu.be/tVooja0Ta5I) * [Getting Started with Trello (YouTube](https://youtu.be/xky48zyL9iA)) ### How to Sign up for Trello In Trello, I have formed a Team entitled, "The Making of the Middle Ages" which I will ask you to join. Via Teams, I will send you a link to join the team which will allow you to copy a pre-made Trello board to allow you to keep track of your assignments. 1. Click on this link to sign up for a Trello account: 2. Trello will ask you to sign in and complete a mini-tutorial... 3. And then other stuff will happen which I will desribe... --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://marc-saurette.gitbook.io/the-making-of-the-middle-ages/course-info/digital-tools/trello.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.