Tag Archives: mobile

mLearning

iPadiversity?

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iPad

Watching the updates as they came in, I wondered exactly how the world would take on the new Apple iPad. I have my doubts that it will ‘replace the laptop’, as some suggested (althought it should be noted that Apple never claimed that it would replace a gadget, but create its own niche in the market). I also question whether those interested in reading devices, such as the Kindle, will flock to this instead – sure, it has some additional features, but Apple chose not to apply a more ‘eye-friendly’ viewing surface, instead opting to continue the sharp, glossy look.

I immediately thought of its use in the school environment, especially considering the $499 USD price point for the base model. If textbook publishers jump on this technology, we could see students purchasing their textbooks in digital format, and carrying around one simple device to view all of them. The same device can be used for note taking, presentation development, etc. This could be an amazing tool for students, who may not need the bulk or functionality of a full laptop in the classroom, and who can’t conceive of taking all notes and reading textbooks on an iPhone.

Unlike technologies that require many users using it in ‘real life situations’ before its value can be assessed (like Google Wave), this is a personal device whose value can really best be assessed by the individual. I’m sure many such individuals will be rushing out to purchase this ‘nice-to-have’ device… I just wonder how many will discover that it is, in fact, a ‘need-to-have’ item in the end. I think students might be the ones to tip the scales here.

Just something to ponder.

I’m not the only one thinking about this:

Instructional Technology, mLearning, Personal Technology

Living & Learning with the iPod Touch

Yes, this is my iPod.Welcome to a new system for my Adventures in Technology!!! That probably means that you’ve never seen this blog before, or you managed to find the trail of breadcrumbs left at ye olde site. A giddy ‘Welcome’ to everyone, as we settle into our new home. I still need to paint, rearrange the furniture and maybe buy a new entertainment unit (I broke the old one in the move), but I’m still happy to be here!

With all of the excitement of moving, I’m feeling a little tired and lazy. Instead of coming up with something entirely new, I thought I’d share some info that I found on another blog (one I’ve mentioned before, Kinda Learning Stuff). I recently got an iPod Touch, and am really trying to fit it into my life, for more than just listening to music. Of course, I want to see how it can be used for education as well!!! I came across this article a while back, and keep returning to it to find another task that I can add (I’ve been adding them little by little… don’t want to overwhelm it with apps and features I will never use!!). The format of the blog post on KLS was to introduce the article they read, then add their own thoughts. Sounds good to me… I’m going to do the same!! Maybe someday we can compile a definitive list!!

Articles of Interest:

Some Highlights:

  • Screen-grab – this is my next thing to play with, but sounds like a great tool to have!!
  • Note-taking – I use this feature ALL THE TIME (mostly for groceries). Granted, it’s not the most flexible tool, and I wish I could load pre-made text files from my computer, but it’s handy dandy. Oh, and you can email your notes elsewhere.
  • Synching Calendar & Contacts – this one saved me… I thought I could only access my Gmail, using the available mail option. Little did I know that I could also synch my Google Calendars and stuff using the Microsoft Exchange part.

Some Additions of My Own:

  • Delicious Bookmarks – an app that pulls in your del.icio.us bookmarks and tags. I recently switched ALL of my bookmarking over to del.icio.us and now do not use the internal bookmarking in the browser. Since all of my bookmarks are stored centrally, I can pull them into any browser I like, and yes – even my iPod!
  • WordPress – another great free app, will let you update your WordPress blog using your iPhone/iPod Touch! Yes, you might be able to do this using the browser interface, but the app makes it that much simpler. Pretty handy, if you ask me!
  • WPtouch blog plugin for WordPress – OK, this is not specifically an iPhone app… but it is related to accessing WordPress blogs on an iPhone. I’ve also started testing the WPtouch, which automatically generates an m-version of your blog! While it does strip out the “look & feel” of the site, and is a little wonky when you have large videos embedded in your blog, it’s pretty cool! It works for iPhone/iPod Touch, as well as Android! (sorry, Blackberry)
  • Google Apps (via the browser) – still not 100%, but really improving. I can access (but not edit?) my Google Docs, Picasa Photos, Google Reader, etc. Still painful to use with Google Maps, though.

I’m still exploring, and will hopefully have some learning-specific posts after a little more practise with my new toy.

A Few More Articles: