Tuesday, June 10, 2014

23 Mobile Things - Thing 23 : Evaluate

Thing 23 is all about evaluation of this online learning program.

I've participated in all 3 of the "Things" offerings over the years. I think they are great learning experiences and they help to keep me updated with tools/resources that I can use related to work or personal life.

An extra benefit is their cost-- free! Who doesn't like free-99? Especially with tightly squeezed budgets.  

graphic source: http://www.autourdelihssane.fr/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/evaluation.jpg 


A B-I-G thank you to the MN multitype library systems for providing these opportunities! I'll be waiting and watching for the next Things to come! 



Monday, June 9, 2014

23 Mobile Things - Thing 22 : Discovering Apps

Thing 22 is about finding new apps that we might enjoy.

Often times how I discover apps is that a friend or colleague recommends an app. Or I think of something that I figure there might be an app for and I use the iPhone app store search feature. I also see apps mentioned via Twitter, or Facebook, or blogs, or just news articles. And then apps are often suggested by paid-vendors hoping to grab my attention.

I just now did a quick Google search "iphone apps free today only" to see what would pop up. Often times great apps are pricey and this is a way to find a great free-99 deal. A Huffington Post Tech article pointed me to the AppShopper page and I found these free deals. Here's a snip-- note the refinement tools (highlighted) available to use:



Another result offered up iOSnoops with these deals for today, June 9, 2014.  Here's a snip:



I might keep this "app search engine" in mind for the future when I'm app hunting. Quixey. It looks promising & easy to use plus offers options to customize your search. Here's a snip:


Apps. What's life without lots of apps? I tend to have way too many-- many I download because they sound great and I think I'll use them. In reality I don't. So I occasionally go through and delete. Sometimes that's tough to do though because I still think I *might* yet use it. Hmm, this makes me think/wonder-- is there an app to clean up unused apps? Similar to the Windows platform when it informs you of all the unused desktop icons on your PC? Maybe I need to create an app to do this? Or hope somebody else has or will. 

23 Mobile Things - Thing 21 : Free-for-all

Thing 21 is all about sharing our favorite app(s)!

An app that I've been using quite a bit lately is Photofy




I love the quick & easy ways to a make a photo pop with a bit of pizzazz. Lots of features that I've not checked out yet & I might never do so but you don't need to always go to that level-- it's still possible to just add an element or two and get a great looking photo.

Here are a few photos that I've done using Photofy:


^^ This one above I added a border and my own text




^^ These two above I only added borders-- as quick and simple as that!

Another favorite app of mine is SlideShark. I talked about this in this blog post.

And another app that I think I'll like (downloaded a bit ago but have yet to try) is Happify


^^ Happify explained and how to get started.


^^ A few questions so they get to know you = customize your Happify experience.


^^ And a snip of options "tracks" to try. 

So who doesn't want to be happy? Or have a chance to increase your happiness? I hope nobody says no!


Thursday, June 5, 2014

23 Mobile Things - Thing 20 : Games

Thing 20 is all about games! 

Oh, my now do you really think there are any mobile apps for games? Let's guess how many? As many as the stars in the sky? Possibly.

I'm not a huge gamer. Way back when I did love Tetris on Gameboy. Yup, dating myself aren't I? 

Awhile back I tried Words With Friends. I did maybe 3 games? Not for me. But then I never really liked Scrabble either. I like words, just not those types of games.

I prefer games that I play individually. Not that I'm anti-social or that I don't want to go up against anyone I just like a game app that isn't a lot of pressure because I usually play them for leisure.

I played 4 Pics 1 Word for awhile-- I was getting up there in stats and I'd never used a "help" of any kind. Then my grandson played it on my iPhone without asking me and he used up almost all of my helps. So I gave up on that game. I had liked my perfect record. 

My favorite and only game app that I play these days is Dots. I really do like this game. I like the strategy. I play the timed version so it's a bit of a challenge against the clock. But I don't get too dismayed if I screw up or don't have a great score. I bomb sometimes and I do well other times. Mostly it's a game of chance as to how the dots show up. I've not discovered any secret that makes the game give you better odds or chances at connecting more dots. Maybe it does & I'm oblivious? I don't care. I like it as it is.

Here are a few snips of Dots:




23 Mobile Things - Thing 19 : Hobbies

Thing 19 is all about discovering mobile apps for our hobbies. 

Boy, it seems I've probably already covered some of my hobbies/interests in other posts re: these 23 Mobile Things. So I'll just list a few and why:


Pinterest -- This one took me awhile to accept. Yes, I dissed it a bit awhile ago. But I've overcome my dislike and opted to use it in a fashion that works for me-- mainly photo tags of ideas.



Meetup -- A great way to find like-minded people in my area to do stuff with. Almost never at a loss for ideas and people.









Goodreads -- I've recently transitioned to this since they have an app and LibraryThing doesn't. This feeds my need for organization & at my fingertips info. I have kind of a brain-soak memory but I realize that I can't recall everything!







FindAGrave -- Yay, is this a tad morbid? Not so because I do like cemeteries and genealogy.








MapMyHike -- I like to walk! I've gotten out of my grove but I used to walk 4-6 miles per day, every day, all year round. Yup, that included our freezing cold, blustery days of winter! Maybe I am a bit crazy?


Wednesday, June 4, 2014

23 Mobile Things - Thing 18 : Education

Thing 18 suggests we look at educational apps and how they might fit into our personal and work lives. 

Boy for students I sure think that a dictionary and thesaurus would be a great app to have! This one is free and offers over 140,000 entries with more than 1.4 million words! Advanced English Dictionary and Thesaurus By Mobile Systems. Plus it has some fun looking word games-- a plus for downtime or between classes.

Here's a snip:



Khan Academy is a website that I often suggest to students who are looking for a little extra help with subjects. So it makes sense that their app would be the same great resource. I'll have to check into this one a little bit more!

Here are a few snips:



Video too -- score!

Another area where I see that students need help is in scheduling their homework time and knowing what projects/papers/assignments are due and when. This myHomework app looking promising. It's available for a variety of formats. jd+points 


Free options plus pay-- and it won't blow the bank! 



23 Mobile Things - Thing 17 : Connecting to Community

Thing 17 is about using local apps to connect with our communities. 

One app that I use, although admittedly not too often, is for one of our local TV news stations. NNC-Now from our Northlands News Center. It's easy to pop up on my phone when I'm looking for a quick update or a current news story. I do hate that 1st up is an advertisement but I understand it pays their bills.  

Here are a few snips:





Another "local app" that I use  is 511MN from our MN Dept of Transportation. This app provides details on road conditions, road construction/detours, and crashes that might affect traffic movement. I use this often during the winter to check road conditions. I travel about 1/2 hour each way to & from work so this is handy for determining my best route of travel during bad weather. 

Here are some snips:


You can zoom in to view closer details. 


The icons depict various conditions. 


You can click on the icons for more details. 

Another app that I love that isn't a "local app" but you can use to find local restaurants is OpenTable. I simply love this app! Locate, reserve and you're ready to go!

Friday, May 9, 2014

23 Mobile Things - Thing 16 : Audio

Thing 16 is all about using the microphones on our mobile devices to make recordings. But I'm not sure that I have a need for doing this? Other than possibly a talk-to-text option. So instead I checked out the social platform SoundCloud. SoundCloud can be used via iPhone, iPad, Android, or PC. It's social media so you can follow people, share with friends, family & fans, find communities, and upload your own audio content. 

I tried the explore area and selected one of the music genres. It was a mix of unknown artists (to me at least) as well as known artists. I opted to just let it stream through the lineup & overall it was pretty great. Plus I loved the sound quality-- super for just cheap computer speakers (I happened to be on my office PC). 

Here's a snip of a playlist as it was playing. 



Because it is a social platform, you can "like", repost, and share. Other options are to add to your own playlist and some you can download or buy. I did run into one song that really wasn't my style-- wish there was a ratings button or a skip option. 

Here's a song that I enjoyed-- it was the 1st song I listened to on SoundCloud. Andrew Bird's "Three White Horses" 



I'm definitely going to revisit SoundCloud and explore some more-- I think it'll be a great option for in my office when I get tired of the same old stuff & need a refreshing alternative. 

Friday, April 25, 2014

23 Mobile Things - Thing 15 : Infographics

Thing 15 "Infographics are … great for visual people, people who want to see graphics and statistics in more appealing ways than just a paragraph of words."

Not knowing exactly what I'd create an infographic for or why, I searched for some examples of library related infographics and found a few that I could use as inspiration in my library. Here they are and why I liked these:


This one grabbed my attention-- I liked the colors and graphics. The old style "librarian" glasses with what librarians do today make the information interesting. It's kind of comic style so I think this would grab the attention of students especially. 



source: http://yourteacherlibrarian.wikispaces.com/file/view/librarians.jpg 

This was another good example to explain what librarians do-- how we help our patrons/users. I liked the use of the road thinking of it as how to use libraries going down the pathway of life. 


source: http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/8e/71/2b/8e712b58c343440de6b3aea25b52e93a.jpg 


This infographic is a cool use showing book stats. Sometimes just giving a number without anything to compare it to doesn't do the trick. People understand the Grand Canyon is deep so for the stack of books to be double that, well that's a lot of books!



source: http://m1.behance.net/rendition/modules/41964527/disp/ae1b603261c61acc360272f05e9da307.gif 

Here's a good example to explain to younger patrons/users how we found library books before the computer age. It has an old-school feel to it so I think it's appropriate for the content. For older users, who grew up using library card catalogs, I think I'd add to it (or create a similar one on) how to conceptualize that same information in online (OPAC) format. 


source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnpYq7CY_DokeLslwq84qw5a7TduMkcHS34ruDJPJ6tNTdtJ6A75ErKjPocW4PvnwcJG6PWO1K2xgNYk2nMK4b5zUgj6gC6odKPUgrRvfVqsXbuDG9uX26w4r8fbzTP02ZJgHhqF7hm-A/s1600/peabody+visual+aids+1.jpg 

This is a simple infographic that shows the stats and circulation story over a few years. Much easier to look at quickly and see changes (either up or down) in the various library items.



source: http://andymorton.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/bml-stats-graphic.jpg 

This is a nice example of how to research in an easy to follow format-- although I'd make changes to it by adding our library resources such as our OPAC and databases. I could see where younger kids might like this one since it's kind of board game-like in format. 


source: http://langwitches.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/kvl-300x212.png 

We're just now in the process of surveying our library users so I can see using this format (or similar) for sharing our survey results after they're compiled. 


source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMU-SBT6msKRULurKD17Of3rIEfbabd2AlSg2WvkNhjJ6a99Rqe5MGCPrlbZD8UzPPH-r18S5O47M45M4aj99Hp9DfrYmNCk0lhX-OEjXdD3yhM4lSVQAZI_fT16LzbYXfq0WrcALn7sw/s1600/2012+Liberary+Survey+Results.jpg 

Creating infographics--
In creating our own infographics, I think I'd be most apt to check out & try i Visual Info Touch Lite using our iPad. If not mobile, then I might try Piktochart free via PC-- free version since I don't foresee me having numerous ideas or time for creating infographics. 


23 Mobile Things - Thing 14 : Videos

Thing 14 “With mobile devices that have cameras, it’s so easy to record videos and store them on your device or share them with the world, and people are sharing videos at the highest rates in history. YouTube Statistics claims that over 100 hours of video are uploaded every minute. Yes, every minute. And that’s just YouTube.”

I've been making videos in a variety of formats over the years-- via VHS (yes, direct to the big, old VHS tapes & yes, I'm that old), 8mm Sony Handcam, digital camera, and with my iPhone's camera. But I've not tried any of the video apps-- until now. 

Vine
I thought I'd give Vine a try just to see what I could do in 6 seconds. 6 seconds should work and be okay, yes? Well, my 1st attempt (link via graphic below) shows a few things-- my hands shake too much, and I tried to lump too much content into that little time frame (it makes me rather dizzy to watch). I did not include any sound-- not for a 1st try. 

My 1st Vine
But, like many things, this was a learning experience and a chance to think about how this could be used. What I learned? Don't try to string 6-7 things into one 6 second video using the stop/start. Maybe just make it 3 things or use a subject that doesn't require stop/start? Although my mind right now isn't coming up with any great ideas for that. Maybe I'll let our student ambassadors give it a try & see what they can do for the library with only a 6 second video?  




Monday, March 17, 2014

23 Mobile Things - Thing 13 : Presentations

Thing 13 "We've all seen PowerPoint presentations throughout the years, but with mobile devices there are many other types of presentations you can create. … Use at least one of these apps and create a presentation (real or fake doesn't matter, just play with the tool)."

I've been using PowerPoint (PPT) for a long. I used to teach Intro to PPT some years back and I still help students when they run into problems when using it for their coursework presentations.  So for me, looking at yet another "software" or app wasn't really an option. Yet I wanted the mobility that apps offer. But taking PPT mobile? How can I do this? 

I found the answer a number of months back when I searched for an app to use with my Info Lit/Library Intro/BI sessions. I happened upon SlideShark (free version) and it is awesome! I am convinced the stars were aligned that day & it was kismet. 

So I can still do my PPT creating/setup/editing via my PC (usually easier this way I think) yet use my iPad &/or iPhone during my actual presentation-- in live, real-time. 

Here's a snip of my Home with a few PPTs I have downloaded (via my iPhone):


From the 1st snip I had one PPT not yet downloaded so I hit the download option & here it was working on downloading to my iPhone:



This snip is the view of an individual slide. A swipe to the right or tap on the screen advances the slide & a swipe to the left returns you to the previous slide: 



These snips show a menu of options I can use while on an individual slide. I can annotate anything displayed on the slide:




I can also hold my finger on the screen and a red pointer option appears that I can move across the slide to highlight content:



This snip shows other options available including Auto Play and Loop:



This app makes presentations & the presenter mobile. So depending on the configuration of a classroom or lecture hall I can work from a PC, my iPad, or my iPhone-- all via SlideShark. No longer am I tethered to a podium that's in an awkward position with my back to my audience. I can be mobile and free to walk around as I need with only my small iPhone in hand yet in full operation of my presentation. jd+Points overall for SlideShark

Here's their short SlideShark promo video


Friday, March 14, 2014

23 Mobile Things - Thing 12 : Books

Thing 12 “…explore apps that allow you to find books in general and give you access to free ebooks and audiobooks.”

I've had a LibraryThing account for a long time. I tend to use it heavily for awhile, then not so much. Right now I'm in the not so much mode. They don't have an app although they state on their website "We’re developing a full-fledged Librarything app. Until then, we have a simple mobile website." No timeline as to when this statement was posted or when the app might happen. Mobile site I guess is better than nothing but when I pulled up the site on my iPhone it did not automatically redirect to the mobile site. 



Even after I logged on it still didn't redirect to the mobile site. And I don't see an easy, quick link on the main page to go mobile. jd-Points

Since we're dealing mobile and apps here I'll forego further discussion on LibraryThing at this time.

goodreads I learned about after I'd already had time and books invested in LibraryThing so I wasn't sure I'd want to switch or ditch. And did I really have a reason for both? I'd say no. But now I thought I was more open to checking it out-- friends seem to like it and it does have an app so that makes it easy for quick reference on the go. I started off with the website and found that I could import my books from LibraryThing along with the majority of my other book related information. jd+Points. 

The app-- The main app screen has 2 screens worth of options. 


  

Right off the bat I spot the "Scan" option. This will come in handy. I scanned in the barcode of a title that I know I don't have in my library. And here's what it pulled up:


   


Brief info plus more details after selecting the title. From the 1st screen there's the option to "Shelve" it to my library. jd+Points for scanning ability.

Back to the main screen options and there is "Challenge". A way to challenge either yourself or to join in a reading challenge. At times I do tend to get stuck in a rut so a little butt-kicking might be a good thing. 



eBooks is another option. It tells me I've not downloaded any from goodreads so I select the option to see what's available. Here's a shot:




The results are the "Most Downloaded". I didn't go into any details but I'm guessing it offers a way to get the books whether for free or to buy. 

Recommendations are a big thing to me. I'm very often at a loss as to what I want to read next-- even though I have a title list of 200+ "to reads". I often ask others or search out "reads like" options to find my next read. It's usually a matter of wanting something different or not sure what topic I'm interested in at the moment. I need that just right suggestion at the right time. Picky I'd guess you say. 

I ck'd out the goodreads "Recommended" option. Here it offered genres from which to select.



I then select "next" and was asked to rate books in order to receive personalized recommendations. 



I worked through this recommendation process for awhile. If I rated a book (1-5 stars) it then would bring up another 3-5 similar selections to then possibly rate or ignore. This could take awhile. Especially if I need to go through each genre? I assumed so & chose not to finish right now. I'll go back another time when I can spare some time to waste. Note: I do like the "Want to Read" button option right there because there were quite a few titles that sounded good right away. jd+Points 

Lastly I looked at "My Books". At 1st glance I was a bit disappointed because all of my 289 titles were lumped into the "read" category. So that means that it did not transfer forward related details such as "to read", "read", "owned" etc. I guess I should have expected as much but I had hopes. More work to do to get things organized and to have "My Books" be truly informational and usable for me. Now will I do this by memory? Or will I need to have LibraryThing open in one tab with GoodReads open in another tab? 

Here's a shot of "My Books" (read) sorted by the "Author" option. Looks like the sort is in reverse/descending order? 



So a few glitches and some work to do but overall I think the goodreads app has promise for my needs. 

Other eBook apps
I do not have a Nook or a Kindle but I do have the free apps for both on my iPhone and my iPad. I tend not to use the Nook apps-- in fact now that I think of it I might have deleted them awhile back? There's just something about Nook that I don't like-- I think it's the singular, proprietary exclusivity of it-- it doesn't like to share. I have a few Kindle eBooks but I'll admit I'm really not much of an eReader. I'm not quite sure why because I'm a tech-lover but I still prefer to hold a book in my hands. Maybe it stems back to those grad school years reading countless journal articles that did me in? I'd download them and read via my iPad-- which I loved for reading those vs. print. The logic just isn't there.


Free eBooks
There seem to be many options for free eBooks. Here are a few popular ones:
Amazon (for Kindle)
Barnes & Noble (for Nook)
Project Gutenberg (epub & Kindle)

BookBub ("works with all major eBook retailers and devices")
plus as a librarian I'd be amiss not to put in a plug for libraries! Many public and academic libraries have eBooks in their collections-- all for free with your library card-- check it out today!