Meant to Be
Originally this week I was supposed to take a masters class entitled Middle School Math, but almost a week before the class was supposed to start I received an email notifying me that the class was canceled due to low enrollment. To say the least I was extremely discouraged.
I frantically began looking for another class to take and I ran across a class entitled Mobile Devices and Apps, which took place at Norris High School. I figured this class would work and that I may learn a couple things about my Ipad in the process. To say that I have learned a couple things is an understatement.
The Apps
(I Can't Believe I Didn't Know About)
WARNING! Downloading all of these free apps will change your Ipad Experience Completely
AppShopper, AppMiner, and Honor Roll (Previously Moms with Apps)
To explain these app's I first need to explain my previous app discovering process. Normally I would log into the App Store and type in a keyword like "math". I would swipe and swipe till my heart's content looking for free apps that were age appropriate for my students. After an hour of unsuccessful searching and 12 apps that only require my students add 2 +2, I would put my Ipad asleep discouraged.
All three of these apps allow the user the opportunity to search for apps that fit the desired need of what you are looking for. For Example: If I am looking for a Math App > That deals with Geometry > That includes working with Triangles, I can now find it easily with these searching apps. They are user friendly and the moment you download them you will be a pro.
This app officially changed the way I find and read my news. When you get it set up and tailored to your interests it organizes multiple sites into different headlines, photos, and snip-its. It instantly makes it look like a magazine that allows you to flip pages, click on links, and watch videos. Your standard news paper and magazine (with multiple fragrance adds and adds proclaiming you can loose 30 pounds in 20 minutes) is no longer relevant with the Flipboard. I have also been told that Zite is a good personalized magazine app, but I prefer the layout of Flipboard in comparison.
Side Note: It has also made twitter more exciting to browse. It puts pictures from articles with tweets and allows you to add # categories that you can browse. (I would recommend adding #edchat, #edtech, TCEA, and Apps Gone Free)
Back-story: I have always had a bad habit of reading too many books at once. I am currently reading Mockingjay, Wooden, Resolution for Men, and End of Molasses Classes all at the same time. This bad (maybe good) habit is the same with my websites, videos, and news articles. While I'm web-searching I find myself on a wild goose chase clicking on a article, a video, and picture and never having time to explore all of them.
This app helps me cope with my problems (at least my website overload problems). Pocket is an organizational tool that allows you to download articles, videos, and images (to your pocket page) with just one click to go back and visit them later. I like Pocket because all of the articles and stories you put into pocket are cleaned up to have limited pictures and no adds. This is one of those apps that takes time to realize the true potential, but I love it. You can also access your pocket articles and images at home, or anywhere, without internet connection and without an Ipad. I feel 100 percent more organized because of this handy app.
OnLive Desktop
One of the major adjustments I made switching over to my IPAD was the absence of word processing. OnLive Desktop gives you a PC look and allows you to work with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Reader and Internet Explorer straight from your IPAD. If you are classic PC user and switching over to an IPAD is too scary (or just too overwhelming) this app can help ease your anxiety. Once you get set up and started it's easy, familiar, and user friendly. A wonderful app and even more surprising because it's free.
Talkatone and Google Voice
This app is easy, once you get it set up. You can find various different resources on the internet to walk you through setting up your Talkatone and Google Voice Account. In basic, and short terms, this app allows you to text and make phone calls from your IPAD. After you get it set up your IPAD becomes an Iphone! (I have found that holding the Ipad up to your ear looks kinda goofy, somewhat like the old shoe phone)
Why is Talkatone useful? (Talkatone runs through wi-fi. If you are in a room or place with poor reception, and great internet connection, you can now call with ease) You may also manage your Google Voice account to personalize your voice mails for different people, have all voice mails sent to your email, and check your message history. This app would be more for personal use and not necessarily one you could use too much in the classroom.
Don't go forward without at least trying these apps out, I know I don't regret it!
goo.gl/0sju (App Shopper)
goo.gl/vZYUb (App Miner)
goo.gl/y2RUz (Honor Roll)
goo.gl/aUDY2 (Flipboard)
goo.gl/uv36Y (Pocket App)
getpocket.com/ (Pocket Website)
desktop.onlive.com/ (Onlive Desktop)
goo.gl/o4HyU (Talkatone)
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