That's the end?
It is sad to see another 23 things wind down. I am so glad this training program was brought back. I truly enjoyed it.
My learning curve on this program started at ground zero. I hadn't touch a tablet or tried any apps.
I learned how to use an IPad and discovered I really enjoyed them. I mentioned to my co workers that I think the next time there is an upgrade we will find ourselves working on tablets rather than computer terminals. This was part of the reason I chose to participate.
The App world is astounding. I had no idea there were so many. I always assumed they were geared toward entertainment and games too. I think it is important for us to know apps to better connect our patrons. We link people to information. Information comes in the form of paper or electronic.
I also chose to give myself an additional challenge. There are patrons who have their own technology and then there are those who rely on us for their technology. I decided to rely on the library for my source. I had to come into the library and use our ipad. I also had to think about which apps to download, sign into, and then keep or remove.
This definitely affected my learning curve. Half way through I became very frustrated and considered just buying my own tech or quitting 23 things. I reconsidered and finished. I can understand how difficult it is to rely on an outside source for your information.
Thank you for the opportunity to expand my technology knowledge.
Good luck to everyone and I hope to see you all at the finish line!!!!!!!
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Thing 22 & 21
Okay I decided to jump to Thing 22 so I could do Thing 21.
I am using an Ipad so I do see the free apps offered by Apple. I usually glide thru them to see if there is anything interesting that I might like to try. It's a quick, easy, convenient way to search for new apps.
For thing 22 I decided to search out new apps, to boldly go where I haven't gone before....
(que star trek music).
I searched "best of 2013, the hottest apps for 2014, best free apps". I reviewed several and these are the apps I liked.
Photoshop Express-it works with Adobe.
Converter Plus-great for travel
GAIN fitness- app is free but you do pay for the exercises
Gmail, Google Drive, Maps & Translate because if you have a google account you have one account sign in.
Wicker-Doesn't keep data.
I also found:
Little Alchemy-mix chemistry & fun together. Good app for STEM.
GoComics-turn scribbles into comics. I know some very creative boys who will like this.
Weebly-Make your own website. Could be a good recommendation for small businesses.
Thing 21
My all time new favorite app is.....
UNTAPPED...Beer is good. This is an app for those who enjoy trying new beers or tap rooms or wish to connect with other beer apprecianatos. I and my husband are such people. Now you know the real me.
I am using an Ipad so I do see the free apps offered by Apple. I usually glide thru them to see if there is anything interesting that I might like to try. It's a quick, easy, convenient way to search for new apps.
For thing 22 I decided to search out new apps, to boldly go where I haven't gone before....
(que star trek music).
I searched "best of 2013, the hottest apps for 2014, best free apps". I reviewed several and these are the apps I liked.
Photoshop Express-it works with Adobe.
Converter Plus-great for travel
GAIN fitness- app is free but you do pay for the exercises
Gmail, Google Drive, Maps & Translate because if you have a google account you have one account sign in.
Wicker-Doesn't keep data.
I also found:
Little Alchemy-mix chemistry & fun together. Good app for STEM.
GoComics-turn scribbles into comics. I know some very creative boys who will like this.
Weebly-Make your own website. Could be a good recommendation for small businesses.
Thing 21
My all time new favorite app is.....
UNTAPPED...Beer is good. This is an app for those who enjoy trying new beers or tap rooms or wish to connect with other beer apprecianatos. I and my husband are such people. Now you know the real me.
Monday, June 2, 2014
Thing 20
Games
"No really I have to play games at work. It's part of my training."
Who ever thought I would get to make that statement. Games are fun and some are very addictive.
I remember when Pacman & Frogger came out. I can even remember Pong. A game you played on the TV. It was like playing tennis. You hit a little round circle back and forth with little rectangles. The circle became faster with every hit. This went on until someone missed. We thought it was a lot of fun and spent hours playing it. Ah, the 70's.
Overall, Believe it or not I am not a gamer. Truthfully all those requests I get to join games are quite irratating. Video games are entertaining and relaxing. I just prefer not to be constantly invited to play them.
But the training was a hoot.
"No really I have to play games at work. It's part of my training."
Who ever thought I would get to make that statement. Games are fun and some are very addictive.
I remember when Pacman & Frogger came out. I can even remember Pong. A game you played on the TV. It was like playing tennis. You hit a little round circle back and forth with little rectangles. The circle became faster with every hit. This went on until someone missed. We thought it was a lot of fun and spent hours playing it. Ah, the 70's.
Overall, Believe it or not I am not a gamer. Truthfully all those requests I get to join games are quite irratating. Video games are entertaining and relaxing. I just prefer not to be constantly invited to play them.
But the training was a hoot.
Friday, May 23, 2014
Thing 14
Videos
In the future everyone will be famous for 15 minutes. I decided to try my hand at making videos. I downloaded Magisto. I uploaded some pics, chose the music and hit "make my movie". A few minutes later... Presto, Chango, a movie.
I am surprised that I enjoyed this app. My first thought was another video, just what I need. But these are short and easy to make. I can download or share them.
I will take my 15 minutes of fame and enjoy.
In the future everyone will be famous for 15 minutes. I decided to try my hand at making videos. I downloaded Magisto. I uploaded some pics, chose the music and hit "make my movie". A few minutes later... Presto, Chango, a movie.
I am surprised that I enjoyed this app. My first thought was another video, just what I need. But these are short and easy to make. I can download or share them.
I will take my 15 minutes of fame and enjoy.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Thing 15
Infographics
I held off on this one because I was overwhelmed with it. There is so much to infographics I knew I needed time to work with it. I have decided I really like the possibilities of using this app. I prefer a pad or tablet because it is easier to see and tap on what I want to use. I liked being able to work on this item on a pad rather than having to be at a computer.
I am going to redo a WORD presentation with infographics to give it more people appeal. I loved viewing other infographic presentations just to see all the creativity. I think this is an app that has indefinite possibilities.
I held off on this one because I was overwhelmed with it. There is so much to infographics I knew I needed time to work with it. I have decided I really like the possibilities of using this app. I prefer a pad or tablet because it is easier to see and tap on what I want to use. I liked being able to work on this item on a pad rather than having to be at a computer.
I am going to redo a WORD presentation with infographics to give it more people appeal. I loved viewing other infographic presentations just to see all the creativity. I think this is an app that has indefinite possibilities.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Thing 16
Audio
I have to admit at first this thing had me flustered. What to do with Audio? How to use it in a library?
I decided to try Audioboo. Mostly because I like saying "Audioboo". I can think of several ways to use it in a library. I would love to record kids reading famous quotes and then place bookmarkers in the books from which came the quote.
Another idea is to record kids reciting "knock knock jokes" or comicbooks to each other. I love joke books and comics. There is always a comic in the bunch. Light fun reading is just as important as novels or the classics. Especially for summer. All reading is fun.
I doubt that you will hear me on Audioboo.
I have to admit at first this thing had me flustered. What to do with Audio? How to use it in a library?
I decided to try Audioboo. Mostly because I like saying "Audioboo". I can think of several ways to use it in a library. I would love to record kids reading famous quotes and then place bookmarkers in the books from which came the quote.
Another idea is to record kids reciting "knock knock jokes" or comicbooks to each other. I love joke books and comics. There is always a comic in the bunch. Light fun reading is just as important as novels or the classics. Especially for summer. All reading is fun.
I doubt that you will hear me on Audioboo.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Thing 18
Education
The apps for this subject are boundless. I looked and used 4 different ones: Science360, MyScript, dictionary/Thesaraus and Wiki.
I very much enjoyed Myscript for math. This is an app I would suggest for junior & senior high students primarily due to the advanced math concepts. I think it may be to much for elementary students. I think it lends itself well to Educreation and any homework tutoring program.
Science 360 is beautiful. I loved the pictures, videos, lessons. I viewed for an ipad and for desktop both were great. I think this would be a great addition to any science display. I[m picturing NASA, Space, Mars rover and Science360.
Wiki has definitely come a long ways since it's beginning. I remember not suggesting it due to lack of credibility. Now it seems to be the first source suggested. An app for quick referencing is very handy for students, teachers and libraries.
I admit using an online dictionary/thesarus is convenient and yes I do use them. I have to admit this is one area where I do prefer a book. When I look a word up in a dictionary I find myself reading more than one word. I find dictionaries and thesarauses facinating. I loose myself in them. All those wonderful words.
I want kids to discover glorious wonderful words.
The apps for this subject are boundless. I looked and used 4 different ones: Science360, MyScript, dictionary/Thesaraus and Wiki.
I very much enjoyed Myscript for math. This is an app I would suggest for junior & senior high students primarily due to the advanced math concepts. I think it may be to much for elementary students. I think it lends itself well to Educreation and any homework tutoring program.
Science 360 is beautiful. I loved the pictures, videos, lessons. I viewed for an ipad and for desktop both were great. I think this would be a great addition to any science display. I[m picturing NASA, Space, Mars rover and Science360.
Wiki has definitely come a long ways since it's beginning. I remember not suggesting it due to lack of credibility. Now it seems to be the first source suggested. An app for quick referencing is very handy for students, teachers and libraries.
I admit using an online dictionary/thesarus is convenient and yes I do use them. I have to admit this is one area where I do prefer a book. When I look a word up in a dictionary I find myself reading more than one word. I find dictionaries and thesarauses facinating. I loose myself in them. All those wonderful words.
I want kids to discover glorious wonderful words.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Thing 17
Connecting to the Community
I decided to try the Marshall Living app. Why? Because I graduated from SMSU in Marshall. Now granted it has been a few years (greater than 5 less than 50 years) but I wanted to check out the town.
I was relieved to see the Wooden Nickel was still open. I suggest you try their "Bahama Mama's".
There are many more activities and festivals within the area. That was one extra bonus for this app.
Smaller communities surrounding Marshall were also listed.
I think apps like this are a great way for communities to connect to people. It provides a quick easy source of information on social media. I'm sure if you are traveling or looking into moving or visiting a college in a community this is great way to search for info on your phone.
The state fair app will very useful in August when I need to find the best corn dog.
I decided to try the Marshall Living app. Why? Because I graduated from SMSU in Marshall. Now granted it has been a few years (greater than 5 less than 50 years) but I wanted to check out the town.
I was relieved to see the Wooden Nickel was still open. I suggest you try their "Bahama Mama's".
There are many more activities and festivals within the area. That was one extra bonus for this app.
Smaller communities surrounding Marshall were also listed.
I think apps like this are a great way for communities to connect to people. It provides a quick easy source of information on social media. I'm sure if you are traveling or looking into moving or visiting a college in a community this is great way to search for info on your phone.
The state fair app will very useful in August when I need to find the best corn dog.
Thing 19
Spring Fever hit me this weekend and I just had to dig in the dirt and plant some flowers.
Lucky for me we have an app that goes along with gardening. "MyGarden.org" is wonderful.
I loved looking up plants, adding them to my garden, looking at other gardeners pictures.
I would love to do a display "Mary, Mary How does your Garden grow?" with this app and redlaser reader on seed packages and farmers markets along with ebooks to read while enjoying the fruits of your summer labor. A virtual garden of information.
Mmmm, this blog is making me hungry for fresh veggies.
Lucky for me we have an app that goes along with gardening. "MyGarden.org" is wonderful.
I loved looking up plants, adding them to my garden, looking at other gardeners pictures.
I would love to do a display "Mary, Mary How does your Garden grow?" with this app and redlaser reader on seed packages and farmers markets along with ebooks to read while enjoying the fruits of your summer labor. A virtual garden of information.
Mmmm, this blog is making me hungry for fresh veggies.
Friday, May 9, 2014
Thing 13
Educreation
This was a wonderful app to work with, especially with an ipad. These presentations available to view were very useful.
I enjoyed combining creativity and learning. I used the different paper backgrounds. Lined paper for writing and graph paper for finger drawing. I think I would like to come up with a STEM or Homework Helper presentation using this app.
This was a wonderful app to work with, especially with an ipad. These presentations available to view were very useful.
I enjoyed combining creativity and learning. I used the different paper backgrounds. Lined paper for writing and graph paper for finger drawing. I think I would like to come up with a STEM or Homework Helper presentation using this app.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Thing 12
Books, books & more books.
I chose to use "Freebooks" for an app. I loved the usability. I liked how I could browse the collection. Add my choices to my bookshelf. And I was impressed with how easy it was to read the book. I chose "Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain. It even remembers my place within the book.
It really was like reading a book.
My second selection was the YALSA app. I selected this app because my biggest weakness in my personal reading genre is Teen. Let's face it nobody wants to relive their teen years not even in a book. I liked the "Hot Pics" and the Award lists. I browsed the choices to find some very interesting reads. I also liked how you could tap on "Find" and the app found a copy within our library.
I do agree that it is our job to connect people with information even when it is online. Thing 12 definitely helped me learn how to work with online books. I feel more comfortable referring customers to online genre.
I personally will keep reading paper books. A book is warm.
I chose to use "Freebooks" for an app. I loved the usability. I liked how I could browse the collection. Add my choices to my bookshelf. And I was impressed with how easy it was to read the book. I chose "Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain. It even remembers my place within the book.
It really was like reading a book.
My second selection was the YALSA app. I selected this app because my biggest weakness in my personal reading genre is Teen. Let's face it nobody wants to relive their teen years not even in a book. I liked the "Hot Pics" and the Award lists. I browsed the choices to find some very interesting reads. I also liked how you could tap on "Find" and the app found a copy within our library.
I do agree that it is our job to connect people with information even when it is online. Thing 12 definitely helped me learn how to work with online books. I feel more comfortable referring customers to online genre.
I personally will keep reading paper books. A book is warm.
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Thing 11
I love our library app. This is great. Library information at your fingertips. I can check my account, renew, pay fees. I can find any genre within our system or another library system. And the Elm4U is so sweet for electronic referencing. I told my kids about it for their school projects.
After training on this app I had the opportunity to share it with a customer. I introduced him to another form of library usage.
I think library apps are the best thing to hit libraries since the bookmark. Lets do it.
After training on this app I had the opportunity to share it with a customer. I introduced him to another form of library usage.
I think library apps are the best thing to hit libraries since the bookmark. Lets do it.
Friday, April 4, 2014
Thing 10
Photo shy
I think Instagram is my prefered app. I do like how you can edit and crop photos. I think with using Instagram I would probably let go of other editing apps. This would definitely depend on my purpose for the pics. Work or personal. I am very careful about what pics I place on the internet or share so you will have to excuse me if I choose not to share.
I think Instagram is my prefered app. I do like how you can edit and crop photos. I think with using Instagram I would probably let go of other editing apps. This would definitely depend on my purpose for the pics. Work or personal. I am very careful about what pics I place on the internet or share so you will have to excuse me if I choose not to share.
Thing 9
With a swish of the hand I can take a picture. I chose to try the CamMe app.
I love all the photo taking and editing options available today. Take a picture, look at it, change it, keep it. My biggest issue is bifocals and the need for a bigger screen to really see what I am changing. The ipad was a little awkard to hold and snap a pic. A phone is easier. I did like the size of the pic on the ipad and flexibility of altering it on the pad.
Big difference than 20 years ago. Anyone remember film and flash, use up the roll and then send it in for developing, hopefully all the pics turn out.
I love the creativity this provides us. The imagination is endless.
I love all the photo taking and editing options available today. Take a picture, look at it, change it, keep it. My biggest issue is bifocals and the need for a bigger screen to really see what I am changing. The ipad was a little awkard to hold and snap a pic. A phone is easier. I did like the size of the pic on the ipad and flexibility of altering it on the pad.
Big difference than 20 years ago. Anyone remember film and flash, use up the roll and then send it in for developing, hopefully all the pics turn out.
I love the creativity this provides us. The imagination is endless.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Thing 8
Do two apps make a right?
This is the question I find myself with on thing 8. Just how social apps does one person need?
I have decided I only need one: Facebook.
I tweeted during the first 23 things. I liked it.
LinkedIn is great for career advancement. I do get annoyed when I receive random requests from people to link.
Foursquare is great if you want people to know where you are. At this point in life I have no desire to be the mayor of any place.
I tried Friendcaster and then removed it. To me Facebook is fairly easy to use on it's own. To use an app to organize an app seems like a lot of extra work.
Onto thing 9-photos.
This is the question I find myself with on thing 8. Just how social apps does one person need?
I have decided I only need one: Facebook.
I tweeted during the first 23 things. I liked it.
LinkedIn is great for career advancement. I do get annoyed when I receive random requests from people to link.
Foursquare is great if you want people to know where you are. At this point in life I have no desire to be the mayor of any place.
I tried Friendcaster and then removed it. To me Facebook is fairly easy to use on it's own. To use an app to organize an app seems like a lot of extra work.
Onto thing 9-photos.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
thing #7
Okay I am totally hooked on Pinterest.
Friends on facebook send me their Pin items and I look it over. But that is all I ever did. I avoided signing up. Basically because I thought there really wouldn't be anything of interest for me to Pin.
Well, I guess I was wrong. Wow, it was like being in a candy shop. It's a good thing it's free. I found beautiful quotes, great craft ideas. And libraries too. Oh Yea, that's what I was searaching.
I was training, now I remember.
I connected it to my facebook so I can share my Pins.
Friends beware!
Friends on facebook send me their Pin items and I look it over. But that is all I ever did. I avoided signing up. Basically because I thought there really wouldn't be anything of interest for me to Pin.
Well, I guess I was wrong. Wow, it was like being in a candy shop. It's a good thing it's free. I found beautiful quotes, great craft ideas. And libraries too. Oh Yea, that's what I was searaching.
I was training, now I remember.
I connected it to my facebook so I can share my Pins.
Friends beware!
Friday, March 7, 2014
Thing #6
Well I decided to download "QuickOffice". Since I have a gmail account I thought this app would be the best choice. I choose Gdrive and emailed myself an excel file, word docx and powerpoint to use.
After I opened Quickoffice I searched for my files in Gdrive. Could not find them.
What I did not know was that I needed to download these items from my email to Gdrive. Then they were available to open and work on. Lesson learned.
Fortunately there was an example excel worksheet to practice on.
I really like this app. Using google docs was just like using Word, excel and powerpoint on my computer. I think it is very useful for everyone.
Definitely a keeper.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Things 4 & 5
Keeping Up and Notetaking
Keeping UP
I downloaded "FLIP". I did not like that it automatically asked to tap into my personal accounts to find out what I like. I connected it to my facebook acct to try to keep some privacy. I deleted it afterwards. The app was easy to use. I did like flipping thru the pages. I would have liked a few different areas to choose from for feeds.
The older I get the less interested I become in keeping up on the news or latest greatest anything. I find my life is less stressful this way. I am very concerned about how information spreads quickly via the internet. It reminds me of the old grapevine game.
Notetaking
I decided to try "DRAGON". My main reason: You could talk to your ipad. I like talking to the ipad. There were some misinterpreted words but easy to correct. And I knew what I meant. I also liked sending these notes via email. When I am busy I really do not have time to type into an app what I need to remember. But saying it, would be useful.
When it comes to keeping myself and family organized a basic electronic calendar works best. At work I use "onenote" which is similar to the other notetaking apps. And I have "notepad" in my yahoo. So I feel that I am pretty organized electronically. One more app isn't going to keep me from forgetting to put gas in the car. I need a "PING" for that.
Keeping UP
I downloaded "FLIP". I did not like that it automatically asked to tap into my personal accounts to find out what I like. I connected it to my facebook acct to try to keep some privacy. I deleted it afterwards. The app was easy to use. I did like flipping thru the pages. I would have liked a few different areas to choose from for feeds.
The older I get the less interested I become in keeping up on the news or latest greatest anything. I find my life is less stressful this way. I am very concerned about how information spreads quickly via the internet. It reminds me of the old grapevine game.
Notetaking
I decided to try "DRAGON". My main reason: You could talk to your ipad. I like talking to the ipad. There were some misinterpreted words but easy to correct. And I knew what I meant. I also liked sending these notes via email. When I am busy I really do not have time to type into an app what I need to remember. But saying it, would be useful.
When it comes to keeping myself and family organized a basic electronic calendar works best. At work I use "onenote" which is similar to the other notetaking apps. And I have "notepad" in my yahoo. So I feel that I am pretty organized electronically. One more app isn't going to keep me from forgetting to put gas in the car. I need a "PING" for that.
Monday, February 17, 2014
Thing 3
I found thing 3 very useful. Especially for libraries.
The QR scanner app helped me find items within our library and other library systems along with Amazon and Barnes & Nobles. I do think it's funny that we can scan an advertisement in a magazine just to pull up same ad on our mobile devise.
I also liked the WIFI finder. There are so many places that offer free WIFI. I did notice that the app only brought up businesses with free WIFI. Perhaps that was just coincidental.
The Stand up app was great. I really liked being able to program different stretching and random exercises with time reminders. I think this app could be a very healthy app to keep.
The QR scanner app helped me find items within our library and other library systems along with Amazon and Barnes & Nobles. I do think it's funny that we can scan an advertisement in a magazine just to pull up same ad on our mobile devise.
I also liked the WIFI finder. There are so many places that offer free WIFI. I did notice that the app only brought up businesses with free WIFI. Perhaps that was just coincidental.
The Stand up app was great. I really liked being able to program different stretching and random exercises with time reminders. I think this app could be a very healthy app to keep.
Friday, February 7, 2014
thing 2 mobile devices
Ok. I will admit that my blog name fits me. I am a total knew bee to tablets and apps. My first lesson was how to turn on the ipad and then sign in.
But WOW.
This is fun. I changed the Wallpaper. Took a picture. I even rotated the camera for a selfie. I checked my email. Looked up the time and the calendar.
I scrolled thru some magazines. There are so many apps. I found the Suri option but didn't feel comfortable talking to ipad. A little too "George Jetson" for me. Maybe next time.
Bring on thing 3!
But WOW.
This is fun. I changed the Wallpaper. Took a picture. I even rotated the camera for a selfie. I checked my email. Looked up the time and the calendar.
I scrolled thru some magazines. There are so many apps. I found the Suri option but didn't feel comfortable talking to ipad. A little too "George Jetson" for me. Maybe next time.
Bring on thing 3!
Thursday, January 23, 2014
23MobileThings #1
Here we go. I completed 23 things, 23 more things and now onto 23 Mobile things. I am so excited to participate in this learning project. I look forward to connecting with my fellow library co workers and experiencing the android world.
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