23 Mobile Things: Thing 23

Wow!  I made it through all the Things and the survey!  😃  it has been so much so fast, I feel like I just got through a whirlwind of apps.  This program has certainly made me more comfortable with using a variety of functions on my iPad (although, I have to admit, my favorite is still Sudoku).  My favorite Things were Education (#18), Hobbies (#19), and Free-for-all (#21).  I was excited to discover Google voice search, books/Google Play, Spotify, and, especially, Duolingo.  I found the Utilities Thing (#3) very helpful as well, and the games were entertaining--nice break from the serious side.  I now have a rudimentary Facebook page which I will put to more use in future.  

I would be interested in learning one app in detail in order to become proficient in it, such as Google.  There is an overwhelming number of apps available, to the point of information overload.  With such limited time, I would rather focus more in-depth on one to three apps.  I would have benefited from an interactive discussion board (I discovered that the blog was basically a one-person dialogue--no interaction), but discussion boards are usually quite time-consuming.

I would likely participate in a 23 Google Things, 23 EduCreation Steps, or similar program that focuses on more capabilities within one app.  There just isn't enough time to learn a bunch of apps well enough to effectively integrate them into my lessons in a truly meaningful way.  I also tend to feel a bit overwhelmed and rushed trying to absorb so much within a short span of time. 

I can't imagine the amount of time it must have taken to set up this program.  Lots of exploration and research involved.  I sure appreciate those who did this!  I feel better able to keep up with my "wired" students.  Thank you!!  Libraries are all about learning and leading others to information.  This program definitely brought me one step closer to fulfilling this mission.  It was well worth the time and effort.  Thanks again for making this learning adventure available to us!

23 Mobile Things: Thing 16

I chose Audiobook because ipadio requires a phone number and I don't have enough free time to get into something as big as SoundCloud.  Audiobook has a lot of recordings one can listen to, but none interested me much.  I discovered one that was a rap recording.  I'm not really into rap, but it may be fun to make up some library raps!  I recorded our Shelf Marker Song, a song I use with the elementary to remember correct use of a shelf marker, sung to the tune of "Do the Hanky Panky."  I don't have much of a singing voice, but if I could find someone who did, I could play the song in my classes (so the kids don't have to listen to my non-singing voice)!

Other than The Shelf Marker Song, I'm not sure I would use Audiobook much right now.  We just began using Puppet Pals in our lessons, which has it's own mic/audio recording capability, so we will be experimenting with audio through that.

23 Mobile Things: Thing 10

I tried both Instagram and Snapchat,  I couldn't find my friends in Instagram.  Maybe I have to change my Facebook settings?  I tried to send a video to Facebook from Instagram, but it wouldn't work.  Don't really see the need for Instagram when I can send pics/videos directly to Facebook from the iPad Photos.   

It took me several tries to come up with a user name in Snapchat as many were already taken.  Once I achieved that, it became apparent that I couldn't send anything without knowing my friends' exact Snapchat names.  I couldn't send one to my daughter without wifi for her to receive (we don't give her our wifi access code in order to control her electronic use time at home). 

I think both of these functions are more effective via phone; can't imagine carrying around an iPad a lot to send quick pics.  There are new Snapchat apps that are kind of scary that kids should know about like others having an app to keep pics forever.  Kids may not realize this and believe what they send will disappear.  I may use these more at a later time, but probably not in the immediate future.

23 Mobile Things: Thing 8

OK.  This was a complete fail for me.  I wasn't excited about setting up a social media site as I purposely do not already have one.  I have neither the time nor the interest in publishing personal news or photos.  That said, I did set up a Facebook account which was a headache.  It sent me a code that didn't work, followed by another that did, and in the meantime, automatically created 2 accounts for me without me even entering the codes!  Furthermore, it does not allow me to delete an account (they can only be deactivated), so they are there forever. 😠

I thought it would be helpful to combine my e-mail accounts (3) and Facebook into one access point.  I tried Cloze, but found it very complicated.  I was unable to find a message "delete" button (it just archived everything; I'm a "thrower" and don't want to keep it all).  I was also unable to add 2 of my e-mail accounts as they aren't through common sources and I don't know server info for them offhand.  I ended up deleting this app for now.

I then tried Buffer.  It was very annoying as it wouldn't let me in with an e-mail access; it just kept saying "error."  I got in through Facebook, but then it just took me there and I didn't see a way to access other platforms.  

I will probably get LinkedIn at some point as some employers are using it, but don't have the time at present.  Maybe when I add that, the management tools will be more effective...  Right now, I will just access the different accounts separately, I guess.  However, I AM excited about someday being able to get all my e-mail messages (and Facebook posts) from one source, so the IDEA is great!  😃

Maybe a future training could focus on walking us through one social media management app??!

23 Mobile Things: Thing 21

The app I use the most is Sudoku by Finger Arts, which I mentioned under the Games Thing.  It is a nice relaxer when too tired to read.  It includes different levels of difficulty, from Easy to Expert.  Different styles can be selected for personal preferences.  On the downside, it can be addicting and the images of grid/numbers can get stuck in your head!

I use the app, PicCollage, with my elementary students.  Again, I have mentioned this in previous blogs.  It is easy to work with, but includes many simple options.  Projects can include text, photos from web or camera, different backgrounds, etc., and may be printed or shared via e-Mail, Facebook, Twitter, and more.  The kids really enjoy working with it and stay engaged!  It is a wonderful alternative to the old "scissors and glue" projects.

Another app I am using with elementary is Puppet Pals.  Students are designing a puppet show as part of their Tall Tales unit, but it would work great with other genres as well, especially Folk or Fairy Tales.  We just started this project so I can't judge the success of it yet.  Most of the students seem excited about trying it.  Characters can be selected from options in the program, or pictures may be imported. The kids were having some difficulty with the import function, but I think it was due to filters/blocks specific to our school.  We ran out of class time this week, so I don't know yet if we are able to get around this issue or not.  It appears that many more free character choices have been added in the app itself.  Purchases may be made within the app, but we avoid those!

Finally, I just got the app, Marlee Signs, which is a basic ASL self-teaching program.  It includes finger spelling and a few basic phrases (for free; more could be purchased).  This could be helpful for those working with deaf, hard-of-hearing, and/or non-verbal students.  It gives the option to see gestures in slow motion.  The free app probably wouldn't be the best program for those wanting advanced ASL lessons, but may be helpful for those just looking for an intro, basics, or a refresher.

23 Mobile Things: Thing 22

Searching with Quixey, I found some apps to possibly explore further (Read Me, Weather).  Several of the apps listed were ones we were introduced to in previous lessons.  I thought Quixey was easy to use with an organized "purpose" list.

I looked at some of the "best of" lists for online searching.  This may be helpful if/when I may be looking for a specific app, but I have enough apps to explore further right now!  :-)

I already had Apps Gone Free, and have used it, although not often.  It's a nice app to have to learn what "freebies" may be available.

23 Mobile Things: Thing 18

I tried several of the apps listed.  First was ColAR Mix which looks very engaging for students with iPads to see their work in 3D.  I couldn't print directly from my iPad at the time, so e-mailed the free docs to myself to open later and try it out.  Once I've had a chance to try it, I may integrate it into my elementary lessons.

Next, I loaded Duolingo, which is AWESOME!  I went through a few lessons in Spanish and German, and hope to teach myself some more of these languages over the summer (refreshers for one, all new for the other).  It's simply great that feedback is immediate, sound allows for proper pronunciation, and repetition helps it "stick".  I love it!

I loaded Google Earth, which I have accessed before on PC.  It's fun and interesting, but I will need some more time with it to make it truly useful for me.  Many students used to play around with this on the PCs during study halls, but I think the Tech Director may have blocked it as I haven't noticed anyone on it this year.

The Life app is great.  I looked at images of Vietnam in 1966, Marilyn Monroe, Dachau, 1969 fashions, and more.  This could be really neat as a supplement to Social Studies lessons.  Perhaps I can come up with a way to integrate it into my historical fiction genre lessons.

I loaded Ted for the music option, but ended up deleting it as it was not what I had expected or would likely use.

I loaded iTranslate only to be told I needed to download an updated version to get mic capability.  I then downloaded that and discovered the mic app requires a purchase!  😕  I did have fun translating phrases though and listening to how they should sound.  I may use this in conjunction with Duolingo to learn new languages.

I looked at iScript which I think I had before.  I couldn't get it to allow a problem with an "x" and a "y" (it kept changing the y to a number).  I found it too frustrating.

Lots of great options here.  Hope I get time later to spend more time with them!

23 Mobile Things: Thing 17

I tried NNC Now as a "local" resource.  My first impression was influenced by spelling errors (Chisolm)! The radar was interesting.  The news was for the Iron Range, Duluth, and Wisconsin; not really "local" for us.

I then looked at upnorthexplorer.  I tried to search for events at the DECC, but wasn't successful.  Many of the links were for Wisconsin.  Because our location is on the edge between Regions, there isn't much coverage applicable to us.  These sites are interesting if one has time on his/her hands, but I don't see a lot of personal or professional use of them by me.  Most of the info I can get from other sources I already access.  The other apps didn't interest me as they weren't about topics or areas I NEED to know about on a frequent basis (I'm trying to prevent information overload).

I plan to keep the apps for awhile to see if I access them.  Maybe I'll find that the news is fun to read or the radar/weather is a fast, handy resource--who knows??!

23 Mobile Things: Thing 20

I tried several of the games.  Bubble Mania is fun and is good for color recognition for young students. I didn't know what the "lagoon" or "boosts" were for as I don't play many online games and I didn't want to get into any purchases accidentally.

I played Candy Crush a few times.  I know others who love it, but I don't seem to really get the point!

I found "Frogger Free" to be really frustrating!  I couldn't figure out if the tap or slide option works better.  I made it across the street, but always died in the river. :(

The ads were annoying in Word Collapse.  It took me a couple of tries to figure out the game as I thought it was a "word scramble" at first.

I couldn't find Word Warp in the app store, but loaded Word Warp Extreme (maybe the same thing?).  I didn't really care for it.  Some of the words aren't words in a typical dictionary.  I also didn't like the ads, and you have to pay to avoid them.

The game I play is Sudoku by Finger Arts.  It is addicting!  There are levels of easy to expert, and a few other options.  It's great for anyone who enjoys Sudoku and it's free.  I love it!

The games are fun.  I try to limit my time at electronic games though, as it takes time away from other things, especially READING!!

23 Mobile Things: Thing 19

We love to travel, so I tried the RoadNinja app.  The "Tour" button wouldn't work, so I had to try it without direction (no pun intended).  It took me several tries before it would give me any info.  Probably because we are in a rural area, it wasn't much help when not on the road!  The nearest exits were over 200 miles away (perhaps it only does Interstates?).  I will try it this summer if we travel.  We have a Garmin and it would be interesting to see which is more helpful.

I checked out the ESPN SportsCenter app and put in a couple of favorite teams.  I personally don't follow any closely these days, but I will show the app to a known sports lover and see what he thinks.  I'm anticipating that he will love it!

Finally, I loaded the Spotify app.  I had some difficulties at first getting back to previous screens and finding the + button, but loved the app once I could navigate it better.  I started a playlist.  I also asked students in study hall to write down their favorite songs (ones without swear words) in order to make up a playlist to play quietly in Media Center during study halls and non-elementary times, especially as we wind down toward the end of the school year.  Are there any copyright issues with using this app in a classroom (until I know that, I won't post the list or put links to it)?

23 Mobile Things: Thing 15

Although Infographics may be fun, I'm not sure I have a crucial need for them.  I already use PicCollage which can do similar, basic things.  I enjoyed looking at celebrity home stats and read about public wifi dangers under Infographics Hub.  The tutorial for I Visual Info Touch Lite wouldn't run and I couldn't find the photo option to add pics.  I didn't like the idea that graphics have to be completed " in one sitting" and can't be edited later.  

Visualize Free had some great options, but the directions were lengthy!  I also question copyright issues when copying pictures or text from the Internet into a graphic and then possibly sharing it online?

I don't plan on using these apps at this time, but it's nice to know they exist in case I discover a need for them "down the road."

I did like the link for the most famous books by state; I didn't know about that list.  I was happy to see that I have read a good share of the books on it!  😀

23 Mobile Things: Thing 14

I would first like to say that the camera function on my iPad includes video capability that is easy to use, including sound.  I have used it to record and it works well.

Whenever I try new apps, if I can't figure out basic steps easily, I don't like to take the time to dig when there are so many other options.  Technology for my use is to make things easier; I don't care to spend my free time on electronics.  So, that said, I thought I would try Socialcam as there were no limits on length and it included soundtracks.  It would not load, possibly due to worksite filters.  I tried at home later and there was someone else's password entered! I didn't really care for it's ability to "follow people" as that's not something I do.  I deleted the app.

I tried Vine, but the first thing I tapped started a fairly loud video clip filled with swear words.  Deleted that app, too.

I was hesitant to use Magisto because of the limits on "free" accounts.  I didn't want to get into an app that was constantly promoting sales.  However, I gave it a try and LOVED it!  I don't have enough interesting photos on my iPad to make a good video, but I loved the ease (user friendliness) of the app and think I will try some fun videos after I load some pics.  I did create 3 fun videos with the stuff I had. It is so easy to use and it's great fun to pick soundtracks, etc., and see what movie is created.

23 Mobile Things: Thing 13

I tried Haiku Deck, but got very frustrated when images seemed to load themselves into my deck and I couldn't find a way to delete individual images (just whole decks).  I ended just deleting the whole app. :(  I then played around with EduCreations, which I already had an app for on my iPad.  I find it easier to manipulate and recorded a "welcome" message with images of a few past Media Center displays (just for fun practice!). I was interested in Deck Slideshow, but ran into some difficulty loading it and gave up.  Maybe another time!  

I do hope to integrate EduCreations into my Media Skills lessons at some point, but haven't found a good fit yet.  It is much easier for students to see images projected straight from my computer than to see the smaller mirrored iPad image, so I try to use the iPad more for student projects vs teacher presentations (although I do know, and sometimes use, creations from my iPad sent to my computer!).

I could possibly use EduCreations for a slideshow for a child's graduation or to put together narrated stories of some of our trips.  That would be a great way to preserve memories!

23 Mobile Things: Thing 12

I did not try Wattpad as I don't have time to engage in social media.  Free Books has a fantastic selection ability for teaching genres and for English class book assignments.  I found it difficult to maneuver within books such as trying to get to a specific fable within Aesop's, but perhaps if I read the directions more in-depth, it would be easier.  The audio capacity appeared to require a purchase.

iStory was fun.  It was slow in downloading and the "what is your name?" beginnings were annoying, but there were some fantastic possibilities to use in teaching genres (folk tales, for example).  I attempted to use one with our Kindergarten class today, but the sound was bad (too quiet).  Could have been due to mirroring the iPad to screen and our Red Cat sound system doesn't pick up iPad sound well...not sure.  

Audiobooks would be nice for some, but I found it too difficult to find one story within a group, eg. within "American Fairy Tales" when looking for a specific one.  It was also cumbersome to avoid purchasing something.

YALSA Teen Book Finder will be helpful as I'm in the process of compiling book orders for next year.  Our policy requires 2 positive professional reviews for each title purchased and this app gives this type of info.  The book covers were slow in loading for some titles (some didn't load at all), and when I searched by Title, results said "book not found" even though I could find that title under "search by award."  It appeared that the app could use some upgrading, but offers a nice option to find promising books.

23 Mobile Things: Thing 11

We do not have an app for our library, but we are accessible through the internet so we can still be accessed via mobile devices.  I introduce ELM in my elementary Media Skills classes, especially Britannica School and Kids InfoBits.  We also had an ELM icon "pushed" out to the student iPads by our tech dept. so students have 1-touch access, which we hope will encourage them to use the available databases more.  

Our school library may be accessed via a web-based site that allows me to post notices (such as for parent-teacher conferences, displays, project instructions by grade level, reading information, and more).  We use the web-based Destiny library program through Follett, so searches may be done from anywhere on any device that has internet access.  In addition, we started using the MackinViA eBook app recently and, again, our tech dept. pushed out the icon to student iPads.  One cautionary note about the program:  there is no allowable delete function to "erase" patron info (such as if a student no longer attends our school or we imported an elementary grade into high school by mistake, etc.).  MackinViA says they use the data for "tracking purposes".  Not sure what the need for that would be with individual student info., but I would limit what info I included in hindsight (such as I would not have included email addresses).  We have promoted MackinVIA through posters, student daily announcements, emails, and our school newsletter (which is accessible in print or online).

23 Mobile Things: Thing 9

I was unable to find LINE in the App Store, so downloaded Photo Editor.  I didn't read the tips first and was rather lost.  I wasn't sure about the "shop" it kept sending me to; is there a cost or is that just their terminology?  It was very slow in loading.  I then deleted the app, and downloaded LINE through the 23 Things link.  I spent a lot of time playing with the options (even had it "snowing" on my library display--fitting for today!).  I liked that I could see how my text would look in different fonts before selecting one.  It appeared that some of the stickers had to be purchased, but I'm not sure.  I think with time and practice, I could use this for some cool library display posters and for personal photos.  I use PicCollage with my 4th Grade class now.  They have done some great things with it for their author biography projects.  It is much more basic than LINE, Photo Editor, etc., but I think it's simplicity makes it a good choice for elementary.

23 Mobile Things: Thing 7

I downloaded Pinterest and spent a considerable amount of time browsing around.  Not sure I'm getting the full concept of it, but very little interested me and I do not have the time to "follow" information that isn't crucial.  I did "pin" some quotes as I use these to make display signs on the high school side of the library (motivational, attitude, etc.).  I really don't anticipate using this much although I think this site is promoted by one of the teaching organizations, maybe Education Minnesota?  I had originally thought I could bookmark or pin websites here such as in favorites (like a direct link to Arrowhead Library System), but I'm guessing that's not what it does?  

23 Mobile Things: Thing 6

I was excited to try CloudOn as I use Word and Excel a lot.  I did a short worksheet in Excel.  I tried Word by creating a display poster.  I was disappointed not to find clip art which I use frequently.  The art functions had to be purchased.  I then experimented with Pages which is on our iPads (I believe our tech dept. buys licenses in bulk for a cost savings or it's free; not sure.)  It is similar to Word so fairly easy to use.  It also includes numerous art selections, although not to the extent of clip art, and I couldn't resize images as desired.  The documents may be e-mailed to your PC in Word format for printing.  I have not gone on the PC yet to see if I can modify text or images there, but will hopefully be able to easily print in color or black and white.  This gave me the incentive to try out functions I already had access to, but never used.  Even if I decide to use Word on the PC, it will be helpful to draft out ideas on the iPad, and later tweak them.  

23 Mobile Things: Thing 5

I tried Bamboo Paper and liked that I could write with my finger, use different colors of ink, clear 1 message or all with an eraser or one-click button, and e-mail message to myself or someone else.  I then tried Springpad, but didn't like the sign-up/login (cumbersome if in hurry).  Dragon dictation was great with the voice app.  I commute an hour each way and this would be a great way to record reminders for myself.  The commands such as caps only appear to work with the keyboard.  For example, I recorded "go to Bemidji" and it typed "Caps go to Spinach he"!  Interesting!  😀. We have Notes on our iPads and it's nice for basic notes.  It uses a keyboard, has easy, basic note functions, and messages can be e-mailed, copied, printed, etc.  I'll probably use that for basic notes and Dragon while commuting (if iPad doesn't time out constantly).

23 Mobile Things: Thing 4

I tried Flipboard.  I found it very confusing as I'm not really interested in RSS feeds (don't have time to read constant updates or news, and don't Facebook or Twitter).  The music, travel, and style articles didn't cover much I cared to read more about.  I then downloaded Zinio to see if I liked that better or found it easier to navigate.  It appeared that the magazines required subscriptions.  I went back to Flipboard and discovered "Books".  This looks like a great way to get some ideas for teen books now while I'm compiling next year's order!  I added a bunch of titles to my "magazine" that I can research later through our book vendors to read professional reviews on and decide if they're O.K. to purchase (our policy requires 2 positive professional reviews for each book ordered).  Maybe during the summer I would have more time to browse through more of the offerings for additional "reads".  There may be a lot of potential with this.

Is there a way to get an RSS feed for our blog for this program??

Thing 3: Utilities

I downloaded the iHome Sleep app to explore.  I liked the "Wheel of Fortune" method of setting the alarm time.  In order to wake to music, you had to first have music downloaded (apparently wasn't part of app itself); same with the "calm sounds for sleep" (didn't see any preloaded).  I didn't like the idea of a company collecting data on me; suggest reading the privacy policies.  Also, I experimented with setting an alarm, then closed app, shut down iPad, and plugged it in to charge.  The alarm went off anyway, waking the whole house up at 5:30a.m.!!  Decided to delete that app and use the clock app I already had.  :)

I then downloaded Google Search.  The voice search is awesome!  I also tried the calendar and Google Goggles (the camera search recognized a book by subject/title and author!).  I wasn't sure how to access the weather...?  Is there a direct weather link or just go through search?  I checked out the book link and downloaded Google Play app and a free book.  The book covers of those downloaded show up when you later tap on the "Books" icon--easy way to remember what you have!  I also looked at the "finance" app and noticed it was a bad day for the stock market.  The filters at our school limit access to several of the functions and questionable privacy or data use policies prevented me from trying some.  Overall, I love the voice search (which would be great to use with the lower grades who may have limited spelling/typing abilities as well as with students who have visual impairments).  The books app will increase our eBook selections and/or access.  This is an incredibly useful "utility" to discover.  Thank you for leading us to it!

23 mobile things: Thing 2

I went through the tips videos and discovered a few new things.  However, it appeared to me that some of the info was designed for iPhones vs iPads even though I went under the iPad links.  For example, I thought the weather app was awesome, but couldn't find that exact app for iPad nor is that icon on mine.  Perhaps someone else knows how to get it??  I learned about the notifications function of swiping down.  The video didn't go into detail on how to set up events, which would have been helpful, but did "get us there" so we could figure it out ourselves.  I also found it informative to learn about how to wipe the iPad clean through iTunes and reset factory defaults.  

One video showed a flashlight, but mine doesn't have that.  Maybe it's just for phones?  My camera options are also a bit different, but the info was still helpful.

It was good to review the change in the airplay button position as both the students and I mirror our iPads onto a projection screen during lessons.  I may have been lost for awhile there as I just recently updated to iOS 7.

Overall, it's good to know that the tips exist for future reference as needed!

23 mobile things - thing 1

I downloaded Tumblr 1st, but I thought it looked difficult to navigate so I switched to Blogger.  This is all new to me so please bear with me as I get started.  We just started using iPads in the classroom.  Looking forward to hearing others' experiences and advice!

How do we get a decorative background with Blogger??