The New Shiny Toy

I have a confession.
I am not  a technology bandwagon person. In fact, sometimes I willingly watch the whole bandwagon parade from the sidelines and am happy to be a spectator.

It's not that I don't love technology and all the bells, whistles, and cool stuff that makes life easier and more efficient. I do. In fact, a large part of my teaching is in technology. I am a web/graphic designer. And when Adobe comes out with a new, faster, better way to accomplish something that took a while to master, well, that just brings me joy.

So I do like new gadgets but I don't seek out the Newest, Shiniest Toy. The breakneck speed with which these products come out is dizzying. And quite frankly, I can't keep up. Or rather, I am happily part of the crowd that can wait a little while until the dust clears and I am ready to embrace The New Thing.

I know what you are saying…and I know I will LOVE The New Shiny Toy. I know I will. Just sometimes, I need to get to it when I am ready. So when I found out that I was going to get one of the Farmingdale ipads. I was happy. I was. So much so, that I picked it up on Thursday and it is still sitting on my dining room table. It's not that I don't want to play, it's just that I have a lot to do. Annual Report, grading, setting up and prepping for my A session online course and a client website that I promised would be complete by the weekend.  I realize that I am fully versed and completely comfortable in the apple/mac environment being a graphic/web designer since 1995 and teaching these processes and systems since 2001. But the actual idea of having to figure out another device, process, set up, and operating system was just…intimidating? No, Just another chore…and so…there it sits on my dining room table. Mocking me.

Hi All,

I'm posting a day early because I don't expect to be available on the 19th, my scheduled posting day.

There were some technical delays in getting my iPad set up, so I've not had a chance to download most of the apps I would like to tie in to my anthropology courses in the fall, but it's already apparent that I'll have to adjust my plans. I hope to find ways for students to have a more interactive experience in the classroom and will no doubt be in consultation with the tech department in working out the practical applications.

In the meantime, I have no doubt that over the next few weeks I'll enjoy exploring apps from the Smithsonian and other natural history sources.

IPAD

Thank you for the IPAD.  I too have down loaded these items and found them to be very helpful even though the only one I have called is Lorraine but the feature is pretty awesome.

I like the pages app and have created and saved docs on cloudon but had an issue with recipients receiving these documents when I sent them.  Any suggestions?

 I have wanted to use the IPAD for my online angle classes does anyone have suggestions on how I can effectively do this!   I can not actually scroll down to my newer courses, does anyone have any suggestions?

I really like the keynote presentation tool.

Are we suppose to get the cable that will enable us to present with using these iPads?

Thank you

Updates on the iPad....

So tonight I noticed that 2 of my apps need to be updated.  I set up to do the first update and no problem...it asks me for my password.  Then it's time to update "junos pulse"..  When I click to update that one I see that it's asking for someone else's password.  Obviously this one I do not have...so now I sit here with an app to update and no way to update it.  I am sure there is a simple work around but this iOS is new to me so I asked IT.  I wonder if this is being updated because its a security risk or if this is just to improve its look.  I wonder if there a change log to see what's different with my the app.

Let you all know soon

One of the biggest issues with the I-pad is how easy it is to "multi-task"; i.e., how students ignore what we want them to do in class as they quietly watch videos on their I-pads. I want to use my I-pad in the classroom to encourage fluency through specific reading exercises. Maybe this will solve the problem of divided attention. Response?

iPads and the Sponsored Programs Office

As Director of Research and Sponsored Program Development I am part of the pilot program to explore, assess and communicate the use of the iPad in my daily work activities. I am one of 17 recipients of the iPad. I look forward to using the iPad in my daily activities and Thank the CTLT for awarding me one.

With the help of Ken Tax, I have already downloaded the App for Talkatone and set up a Google Voice Phone Number. When I am traveling to different events and only have access to wifi I can now call contacts about grants that are due and upcoming deadlines can be met. This app will allow me to communicate with faculty members regarding edits to their proposals, budgets and submissions of their grants. My personal cell phone service is less than adequate when inside hotels, conference halls, or other locations where I am attending business events.

I look forward to using Google Voice and the Talkatone app in my daily activities.

CTLT iPad Orientation Presentation

Welcome to the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT) iPad pilot program at Farmingdale State College. Farmingdale State College (FSC) awarded a iPads to faculty and staff to be used to enhance teaching, learning and efficiency. This is the blog for the participants Exploration, Assessment, and Communication.

The following is the CTLT Presentation given by Michael Knauth the coordinator of the CTLT for the orientation and training for the iPad pilot program.