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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.