Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Thing 23 (finally)-
  • Go back to your thoughts/ideas about mobile devices and apps. Has anything changed as a result of this experience?

  • Hmmm...well, we don't do a whole lot with mobile devices in the library other than help people with downloading books or their wi-fi connection, but I think it is good that I got to try this because we may use mobile devices more and there are a number of tools I can use for presentations,etc..
  • What were your favorite Things and discoveries?
  • I definitely liked the Dragon Naturally Speaking-that I am using at home. I have a presentation for a program and I'm going to see if I can use HaikuDeck or Lensoo or Educreations and I think Magistro or Social Cam may be good for clips of kids participating in activities.
  • How did you connect with others doing the 23 Mobile Things?
  • I didn't connect with others, other than I did tell some people about some of the apps like VidRhythm and Dragon Naturally Speaking. I guess I did talk with some co-workers a bit. Didn't connect with anyone through their blog..was I supposed to do this..?

  • Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?
  • I am pleased with myself that I finished this one! I started the very first one and did a few postings, which you can see on this blog, and then I told myself I had too much to do and I didn't pursue it..you really have to just keep getting it done. I never even tried the 2nd one..I then went back and thought I'd finish the original and 2nd when this 3rd one started and also our library system had a mini learning exercise called Discotechque where you could try different social media and other online doodads..so I have finished the 3rd and the inhouse one and I am feeling somewhat acomplished, enlightened, and that my horizons have expanded...
  • What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or content?
  • Hmm..tricky..sometimes it felt like there were too many things to try and/or not enough time...that is even though you only had to comment on one thing when there were several types to try it felt like I should try several and that got tricky with time. Also sometimes, at least when I do it, I don't master something the first time..I've tried some apps that I think are good, but I'm not getting the results I want and I'm not sure if it's the app, or that I just need to play around with it more...so will have to go back and explore as I can.
  • If we offered a another 23 Things program like this in the future would you participate?
  • I think so.
  • How would you describe your learning experience in one word or in one sentence, so we could use your words to promote 23 Things learning activities to others?
  • Is it to cliche to say that it "expands your horizons and opens your mind to new possibilities. It inspires you to think of new and different ways to approach your work and life."
    Thing 22: Discovering Apps-I have tried Quixey and it seems useful..a little overwhelming when it keeps adding on apps like the search for Whiteboard..who wants to try all those apps, but still after a bit of purusing there are 2 I think I will try.

    I do wonder about when there is more than one version and 1 is free and the other or others has/ve a charge...then you have to look through and see what do I get with this and what with that..and then I feel guilty because I feel like people need to eat so maybe you should pay for an app..it's complicated.

    I haven't downloaded Apps gone free, because I am on-desk and so I don't have the ipad at the desk with me..I guess I could, but it's not de rigeur...(spelling?) so...in any case, it sounds like this could be useful and most of the reviews seem fairly positive. This could be handy in helping people find low cost apps or apps to try..

    websearching seems okay too, but maybe more pokey...
    Thing 21-Free for All: I was looking at my ipad to see what apps I might have that weren't added from this whole endeavor. I already mentioned VidRhythm in the video exercise (Thing 14)..this is really cool..so try it..unless you don't like being silly:

    https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/vidrhythm/id457548851?mt=8

    If you go to: http://sites.mnhs.org/civil-war/ and look in the lower right hand corner there is an icon for MN and the Civil War which is a free app that was publicized when mnhs had the Civil War exhibit. It is an interactive text book with some audio and you can look at exhibit items and hear/read stories and look at some charts and graphs. It's interesting enough that my son has actually browsed on occasion without my asking him too.

    MNHS also links to a website with other educational apps from other museums: http://appsineducation.blogspot.com/2011/10/12-museums-apps-from-around-world.html

    I also have an app I haven't played with much yet that I got for free from the Minneapolis Institute of Arts called History Hero: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/history-hero/id661731419?mt=8