Products+(software)

LIST AND ASSESSMENTS OF CURRENT SOFTWARE/OPERATING SYSTEMS (e.g., Android and iOS)

Operating Systems: We should look at the following embedded OSs and evaluate their:
 * 1) Windows Mobile
 * 2) iOS
 * 3) Google Android
 * "app"-ability (strengths and weaknesses, cross-platform apps available)
 * whether the OS allows for single-user/multitasking or is restricted to single-user/single-tasking

Several possible software programs were given to us by Dr. Potnis: They are found on pp. 113, 116-119 of his UN document: []

I have been trying out StudyBoost on my HTC Evo today. I am in love! If I would have known about this when I taught 6th grade I would have used it in a heartbeat. This software, though, can be used anytime, anywhere. It can facilitate learning outside of class time or during class. It is fun! I have been practicing state capitals this afternoon! [|www.studyboost.com]

I am not sure I totally understand this product, but it may just be a key to keeping students from abusing cell phone usage during class. It is called MobiControl and is available through [|www.soti.net] According to one of the articles I read, the software can turn off a camera's phone or Internet service so that it can be used only for wordprocessing. I found out about this in the article "Why Teacher Must Go Mobile" from //District Administation,// January 2009. I have saved the article and bibliographic record on my machine in case we want to explore it further.

[|www.yodio.com] is another software that could be easily used in schools with student cellphones. Students create podcasts by simply calling a number on their phone, logging into their online account, and then matching their recording to a photo.

Article from SLJ that gives us citation support for SMS polling in class (how to and alternatives): Richard Byrne. 2011. "OMG! Texting in Class?" //School Library Journal// (March): 16. I think we've both read this one.

QR Codes!! Use of QR codes to augment learning and to do "sneaky" information exchange. Example: At a high school in Loudoun County, Virginia, school librarians posted large QR codes on the door to come in to the library. Although cell phones were banned in the school, they knew students used them anyway. Clicking on the code revealed an explanation of how QR codes were used and encouraged students to come into the library. I thought this was too clever by half -- the teachers and administrators thought they'd put up a random bar code on the door and the kids were reached "where they live" by two school librarians who understand the concept of meeting students at their technological level -- which is often beyond our own.

QR sample:

http://qrcode.kaywa.com/

__Used these in writing up the QR code information in our paper outline. All accessed on April 24, 2011.__ http://technosavvy.org/2010/09/03/exploring-qr-codes/# http://blog.schoollibraryjournal.com/neverendingsearch/2010/10/28/on-qr-codes-in-the-library-and-in-our-school-newspaper/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_codes

Current App for school library database management: **AccessMyLibrary** (the mobile app for school libraries from Gale Cengage Learning): Existing Gale users just need to call their rep to make sure their databases are connected to AccessMyLibrary. Right now it's only for iOS, but Android app is in development. __Source__: Jeffrey Hastings. 2011. "Test Drive: Mobile database app -- AccessMyLibrary." In //School Library Journal// (January): 15.

This is an older article but it makes REALLY good points about embracing students' interest in cell phones in order to teach them. He lists some specific ideas for how to use the different features of phones. He also talks about how this is already being done in other places, such as Japan. []

DISCUSSION OF COMPATIBILITY BETWEEN PHONES USED BY STUDENTS AND PC/MAC PLATFORMS

Key consideration for us to remember for "best practices" software: the software has to be compatible with the OS being used by the students -- I think that cross-platform will be preferable unless our best practices show us that a single OS has to be mandated for this kind of tool to be effective.

CAN WORK DONE AT SCHOOL ON PHONES BE EASILY TRANSFERRED TO HOME COMPUTERS? WHY/WHY NOT? WHAT COULD BE CHANGED TO MAKE THIS PROCESS EASIER?

WHAT MODES ARE SUPPORTED (Audio, video, text)? WHAT MODES NEED TO BE SUPPORTED FOR EDUC PURPOSES?