A Resource for Academic Mobile Learning Initiatives at Northeastern University

I am finding that the basic apps that come with the iPad seem to be sufficient. Though I think that possibly the one thing I am having issue with is an easY AND intuitive server connection that allows me to seamlessly get the images I would need to use in the critiques. I uploaded goodreader, yet it seems to be something that does not work as expected. May need a little help on this to make sense of it.

Today, Seth Merriam–our friend at EdTech–sent out an email with various types of prompts that might help people who are part of the mobile technology program with their blog posts. Some of the questions were based on the process of learning how to use an iPad. These “process questions” got me to thinking about how I typically learn about using new technology. I like to describe myself as an organic tech person–I get a new gadget and, basically through a process that includes a lot of trial and error–learn how to use it. This is how, way back in 2003, I learned how to use my very first ipod, and how, in 2002 (yes so late, I know) I figured out how to use a laptop (which also happened to be my very first computer.

Since the early 2000′s there are a lot more gadgets that integrate various software and user platforms into one big package. Smartphones, for example, have a fairly advanced operating system (at this point), this also combine a cell phone, a PDA, a social networking platform, a GPS device etc. all in one place. The iPad is very much one of these technology-integrating devices, which comes with both its positives and its negatives. For me, the iPad was fairly self-explanatory to set up–plug in the usb, connect to ipad, load it on iTunes (be sure to register it to your personal computer). However, there were a few moments where I realized that perhaps there is more than meets the eye to setting up an iPad. For example, you can only register the iPad on a limited number of computers, so be careful where you hook up your device. Also, you can deactivate certain computers from having your iPad account, which is helpful if you need to switch from one computer to another, or your office computer is being switched out etc.

Another thing that I learned through trial and error is that there are just a ton of apps out there in the world, many of which are free, but some of which are just plain awful. Read the criticisms of the apps first and then decide whether or not there is a free analogue to more costly apps, if there is then try out the free one but don’t be surprised if it just does not work as well as the pay-for apps. Additionally, many free apps have very limited capacities (or a bunch of ads) that you can only change/get rid of by paying extra.

A useful hint that I figured out for searching for apps is to pay attention to the featured app of the day/week and also the apps of the year. Also, if scholars, critics, or celebrities promote an app try to check it out. I found a really cool art app that a New Yorker artist used to create one of the magazine’s covers. It is more costly than other art apps; however, there are tons of videos that explain the process of how to create a similar painting using the software. To me, tutorials on how to make art or create music are perhaps more helpful than saving a few dollars on free software (unless you are playing around and want to see what’s out there in free app land), remember, you can always delete apps that are lackluster!

The specs of the iPad two are amazing; however, it still does not play certain flash videos, which can be a hassle. I would try and not rely too much on flash videos when you want to share a link with students. As for the camera, the color can be pretty tinged with yellow/red, so pay attention to the light in which you snap photos. As for the videos–daylight is the best type of light to film in–and there are a ton of really cool apps out there (free and pay-for) that all for on-the-spot video editing.

Over the past month, these are some of the findings that I have discovered in my trials and errors with the iPad2. I love the device, however, there is still room for improvement (as with most apple products). I truly believe that the apps make the iPad so be sure to take your time and do various types of searches such as top rated, what’s new, free apps, and under various specific categories. Also, be on the lookout for shout-outs to apps in the media.

I think that apple products try to be as intuitive to use; however, I would access some of the tutorials on how to set up the protection for the ipad software, and perhaps also on how to use some of the apple-created apps. This will help you to maximize your use of the device, and also to avoid wasting time learning the ins and outs of an in-depth app such as iMovie. Of course, if you are like me, this is part of the fun of working with new technology, in which case I would advise to have fun and be ready for both a lot of successes and a lot of errors–this is the beauty, in my opinion, of new media!

I am currently precepting 3 pharmacy students on an internal medicine rotation. I am using my iPad extensively throughout the day. I use up about 70 to 75% of my battery because the iPad is always in use. Each day starts with rounds and I or my students use the iPad to access electronic medical records (EMR) to view notes, medications, and lab results. We use the iPad to do various searches for drug information or other questions we get both using databases and web search. In the afternoons we typically meet for teaching and I find the iPad very beneficial for running presentations, demonstrating tools that students can use, and accessing EMR records for patients that my students are presenting.  Recently I have also discovered an app called Explain Everything which I really like as it allows me to record what is on the iPad screen with my voice with the movements of a pointer, which is a great way to capture quick teaching moments and share them with the students as video files.