Tuesday, 21 May 2013

More Fruit



Topics 
- Learn how to use a new tool, software, or game, and write about your experience 
- Digital materials/resources and emerging technologies.


My mother always said I needed to have more fruit. So I bought an Apple Ipad.

Over Christmas my netbook died and I had wanted an iPad for a long time and my want finally became a need, so I decided to get one.  An important part of buying anything computer related, is ensuring that you have a realistic expectation of what you need the product to do and then look for a product that meets your needs. After a week of reading technical specifications and reviews I knew which iPad I wanted/needed. My favourite places to get trusted reviews are:

  •  PC magazines
  • CNET Australia
  • Gizmodo
  •  Mashable
I also looked in forums to see negative comments and weigh them against product information and positive feedback.

I decided to buy the iPad from an Apple store, which was a fearsome experience in itself. The crowds, noise, confusion, but really helpful staff, which is why I went there. The staff at the store walked me through the set up process, so when I got home I was ready to go.

I experimented, learning how to do things by trial and error because there was no manual. For those who are not technologically inclined or familiar with Apple products this is a massive draw back. With the iPad you have to relearn how to operate computers and programs. I quickly got the hang of swiping with my fingers. I explored the App Store and downloaded Applications (Apps):
  • Plants vs Zombies
  • Scibblenaughts
  • Art Studio
  • Kindle
As well as Apps from the Brisbane City Council:

  •  Borrow box – an App for listing eAudiobooks
  • Overdrive – an App for reading eBooks
  
My first successful picture.



My first photo.


 I learned to take photos with the camera, to draw pictures with my fingers instead of a pen or mouse.






 I set up my email and read a book. However, it was not until I borrowed iPad for Dummies from the Library did the iPad go from a toy to a tool.

Now I take my iPad most places with me. It was incredibly useful when I bought a house. I was able to have all the prospective house details with me, my list of questions, take photos and notes, send emails. At work, I use it to demonstrate how to download the Library ebooks, test the WIFI, help some set up an account, answer references questions while in the shelves and it is also helpful to be able to show clients what an iPad is. I have had quite long discussions with parents at my Library about what Apps are fun and educational for kids between the ages of 2-4. Such as:
  •  The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore
  • Matching Puzzle Cards: Colors
  • Alphabet Animals: A Slide and Seek
  •  More Trucks
I also talk with the teenagers that come into the library, most have either an iPhone or iPad and I have swapped recommendations for games, other interesting Apps and shortcuts.

The only drawback with Apple’s iPad is the compatibly issues and working between the Windows Operating System (OS) and Apples’. However, as Apple’s iPad is becoming more common it is becoming easier to work between OS as App developers create new programs that can handle the different formats.

Before I bought my iPad I felt well connected, but it has opened my eyes to where technology is changing from novelty to necessity.  While I personally believe that physical books will be around for a long time, I now wonder how the Library industry will change in response. Will libraries be reactive or proactive? I don’t know. Maybe I should try creating an App? How hard could it be?

References

AMZN Mobile LLC. (2013). Kindle. Retrieved from https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/kindle/id302584613?mt=8from

Auryn Inc. (2013). Alphabet Animals: a slide-and-peek adventure is an enchanting picture app, kids will love to learn from. This app teaches animal names, alphabets and their shapes to kids. Retrieved from https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/alphabet-animals-slide-peek/id600589482?ls=1&mt=8

Bolinda digital. (2013). BorrowBox Library. Retrieved from https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/borrowbox-library/id562843562?mt=8

CJ Educations. (2013). Matching Puzzle Cards: Colors. Retrieved from https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/matching-puzzle-cards-colors/id577752604?mt=8

Duck Duck Moose. (2013). More Trucks HD. Retrieved from https://itunes.apple.com/app/id609771588

Lucky Clan. (2013). ArtStudio. Retrieved from https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/artstudio-for-ipad-draw-paint/id364017607?mt=8

Moonbot Studios LA, LLC. (2013). The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore. Retrieved from https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/fantastic-flying-books-mr./id438052647?mt=8

Muir, N. C. (2013). iPad All-in-One For Dummies. Hoboken: John Wiley.

OverDrive, Inc. (2013). OverDrive Media Console – Library eBooks and Audiobooks.
Retrieved from https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/overdrive-media-console-library/id366869252?mt=8

PopCap. (2013). Plants vs Zombies. Retrieved from https://ssl.apple.com/search/?q=Plants%20vs%20zombies&section=ipoditunes&geo=us

Warner Bros. (2013). Scribblenauts Remix. Retrieved from https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/scribblenauts-remix/id444844790?mt=8&v0=WWW-NAUS-ITSTOP100-PAIDAPPS&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
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