Thing 5 - Notetaking

When I went to read about this Thing, I was surprised not to see Evernote there. I have to admit that I've only just started using it, but I've seen it on many top App lists. It's definitely more of a true note taking program. But it has nice features such as being able to scan documents, take photos, record, add tags, organize notes, etc. 

The first few Apps listed in this Thing have more organizational features than Evernote. However, in order to consolidate places to find this type of information, my first thought is to use Google Calendar since we are already using Google Apps. However, for those needing a different interface, these may be a good fit, so I would still introduce these tools to users. 

I wanted to specifically try Bamboo Paper because of the sketching/drawing features. But it's not available for the iPhone. One more reason to get that iPad!

Dragon Dictation worked very well. Again, for students with special needs, this could be an excellent tool. I just had my husband use it (a special ed teacher), and he definitely wanted to try it with his students.

Thing 4 - Keeping Up

I know that this Thing mentions Google Reader as a preferred aggregator. Personally I loved iGoogle. I liked the newspaper like format, and that I could quickly scan for new posts (the ones I hadn't read were in bold) and see a bit of what an entry was about. It was a very efficient way of keeping up to date professionally.

I tried Flipboard since I haven't had as much success with sites that choose your news like Zite. There are certain individuals that I find helpful to follow. Again, I liked being able to add and organize iGoogle in this way. 

I will keep an open mind, but Flipboard still didn't fill the void that has been left by iGoogle going away. It seemed like more clicking just to get to the content of the few sites that I set up. I had heard about Flipboard, so it was good to try it out. But I will still continue my search for my iGoogle replacement... :(

Thing 3 - Utilities

After scanning the list of utilities, I had to try the Google Search because it said it included the Google Goggles. I've read about this feature and always thought it was cool. But hadn't taken the time to try it out. 

It took a bit to figure out because you have to tap the search bar when it's blank in order for the camera to show up. This option used to be available from the first screen according to many of the help sites. I tried it on a few museum prints that I have. It got some correct but not others. Still, worth looking into and figuring out how this can be used with students.

I like the idea of the wifi finder as well. This option is always helpful when on the go.

For other browsers, I loaded Puffin. I had heard that this was a good browser option for sites using Flash. I tried it out, and the site containing flash played fine. 

I think I will be saying this a lot, but it was nice to take the time to learn about useful tools that I often come across. 

Thing 2 - Tips

I go back and forth between using Windows and Apple devices. But I do most of my work on PCs. So I was pleasantly surprised to see that I knew many of the tips and tricks for my iPhone. I should add that one of the reasons that I got an iPhone was that it was a practical way for me to prepare for students and staff asking me questions about their own devices. It has proven to be helpful.

I did learn more about the accessibility options. I work with many special education students, so it was nice to see all of the modifications that were available for users with special needs.

I also liked the Mapped Pictures option since this can be used both for education and just plain fun.

Finally, I took the time to read more about the Find My Phone feature. This option is both practical and gives users a way of keeping their personal information safe.

I should add that some of the features that I use constantly are texting of course (so simple yet so effective), Maps (being directionally impaired, this ones a life saver), the Camera plus editing (no need for a separate one any more), Weather, the Calculator (no need for another device as well), listening to audio books, etc. not to mention all the other available Apps.

Thing 1

I participated in the first round of 23 Things, and I found it to be a wonderful learning experience. I was able to share much of what I learned with colleagues. I also confirmed that I really like learning at my own pace. So I'm looking forward to participating in this session of 23 Mobile Things.

http://23mobilethingsmn.org/the-23-things/