What about the iPad?

When I first started using the iPad, I was really excited. I could sit on the couch in the living room and work on this tablet in the evening. But what I learned is that I could not easily access assignments in Blackboard, but the Discussion Board posts were visible with no problem. In later updates, the assignments came up as well, but only if opened using the "Needs Grading" window. Although this is a minor issue, I still can't scroll through the entire grade book on the iPad, so I seldom use it for Blackboard access. I am sure that newer Blackboard apps will come out to correct and improve the functionality of grading on this device.

The iPad is great for checking my work and personal email, the bank account, and Facebook. I also have a Brother app so I can print files open on the iPad at home. I can also access Dropbox files with the Dropbox app, which makes life really convenient when needing to access work files even when not sitting at my office computer. The trick here is that I have to save the files to Dropbox and not the Z-drive. I am sure many of you have much to share that would encourage me to use this device for even more work-related purposes. Please share.

One of the best attributes of the iPad is the larger viewing screen for many of my apps such as Kindle, Overdrive, and others. I can make the screen view a full page or turn horizontally to have a split page that looks like a traditional book. I feel that the iPad is a Kindle on steroids, and much more. If you are considering getting a Kindle, don't, unless you really want the smaller screen. I have been very happy reading books on the iPad. The lighting options, ability to increase font size, and so on are great. Even an elderly relative with very poor vision was able to read text on this device.

Also, my husband and I bought a Fisher Price case for the iPad and purchased some really awesome games for our grandsons. We believe a solid case is a must. The iPad has fallen off the back of our couch onto the tile floor more times than we can count--with no damage. If you have preschoolers, please check out Endless Reader, Endless Numbers, the Toca games, Monkey Math, and Monkey Preschool. I am sure actual parents of preschoolers know far more than a grandma.

Honestly, when traveling across country, the iPad was more comfortable to work on than the regular laptop when browsing and reading. When I had to get down to serious grading, however, I did go for the laptop most of the time. A laptop computer has a better work interface because of the stability of the shape and size as well as the traditional keyboard. I am not a fan of using the touch keyboard on tablet computers. Also, using the laptop would nudge me to go sit at the desk, which is better for posture.

One last tip--with an iPad, less is more. What I mean by this is that although many apps are free, managing the updates for all of those free apps can be time consuming. My suggestion is to keep your apps to the minimum of those you really use. Also, keep apps in handy folders. This will make the iPad more user friendly for you and those with whom you share the device.

I hope this brief blog will help educators who are considering what type of tech tool to purchase for home, work, and family purposes. I wish you the best in your decision.

Why I iPhone

Why am I glad that I got an iPhone last year at Thanksgiving? Well, it certainly wasn't so that my bill would increase. But I certainly have experienced many benefits, and so have my students.

1. I can receive all of my personal and work email up to the minute in this device.

2. In addition, the college and personal email are separated, so I can choose to view either one, or ignore either one.

3. Students now hear responses back from me far more quickly because they don't have to wait until I sit down at a computer to respond to them.

4. The iPhone has the ability to become a hot spot, so even when I am in an area where there is no phone signal, I can log in and check email, grade papers, and so on. Yes, it does run up the data plan, but seriously, I do it so seldom, that even on the long trip I took this summer, I never came close to using up the data available.

5. And then there is the all-too-popular Yavapai College app. Okay, so it isn't too popular, but I can still log in and see what the dining opportunities are in Prescott just in case I need to work on the main campus.

6. Navigation with the Maps or Google Maps apps has gotten me many places. All I have to do is type the address of the location I want to go, and these heavy-weight navigation programs get me there at least 90% of the time.

7. "Reminders" is another useful app for teachers. How many times do we think of something when walking back to the classroom only to forget about it on the way? With "Reminders," all we need to do is tap the app, hit the microphone button, and speak the reminder into the device. It will remain their until we delete it. Okay, so we still need to check the reminder.

8. I really appreciate the Calendar app. When I am in a meeting and need to check my schedule, I can see what is already scheduled to see when I am available. I can also add new appointments on the spot rather than waiting until I get back to the office.

9. "Spider," a solitaire game, also comes in handy when my brain is on overload, when I am stuck in the airport waiting for the plane to take me to a conference, or when I need a diversion. I do not suggest using Spider during class or office hours, of course, but I do think that a healthy mind is one that finds moments for relaxation.

10. And last, but certainly not least, is the Dropbox app. I seriously use "Dropbox" for all of my work files these days. I can access all of my files from work, home, and even iPhone whenever needed.

I hope you have found at least one reason to consider using a smart phone to enhance the options available. I know I have found even more ways to use the iPhone than listed in this blog, and I am sure you will find ones I haven't even discovered. Blessings!