Thing 23

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!!!!!!!

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.

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.