Week Two
All About Apps
App Basics
The word App is being used liberally in regards to technology. Apple refers to apps that you can add to your mobile devices. Google refers to apps that can be added to their Android device and the Chrome browser. Even the applications one installs on their computer is now being shortened to the term apps. So, what is an app? By definition, an app is a self-contained program or piece of software designed to fulfill a particular purpose. For example, the camera on your iPad is an app. The main purpose of the camera app is to take photos. You may have noticed that many websites, like your bank, have created apps for smartphones and tablets (including the iPad). Creating an app makes it easier for individuals to maneuver the contents of the website without having to mess with typing in a URL (web address) or setting a bookmark within the browser on their device. Sometimes these apps have the same functionality as the full web-based version and sometimes they have limited functions.
I use the Bank of the West app on my iPhone so I can check the status of my accounts. I am also able to transfer funds from one account to another and view any upcoming transfers. While I can do all the same things through the iPhone app as I can the full web-based version, I have found it doesn't work well for me when I sit down to balance my checkbook. I can only view a limited number of transactions at one time and the screen is a little small for the task I'm trying to complete. However, I like having the app because I don't have to remember the URL or find the bookmark for the website. I've also noticed when I use the browser for accessing my banking information, the page is not designed for use on a small device like a smartphone. As a result, the font is small and while I can enlarge it, I can't see the full page. Companies who create apps for their web-based tools design them specifically for use on mobile devices like the iPad.
As we are focusing on apps designed for mobile devices, like the iPad, I want to clarify one key point. Apps that you obtain for your Chrome browser and your computer are not the same as the apps you get for your iPad or your smartphone. Chrome browser apps are totally different because they are mostly just shortcuts that take you to the website for the application. For instance, I have a Weebly app on my Chrome browser. When I click it, I'm sent to the Weebly website. I don't have to know the URL to get to the site. Essentially, the app serves as a bookmark for me and I don't have to create on myself. Computer applications, on the other hand, contain the entire functionality of the program. Unlike an iPad or smartphone app, this application is too big to be installed on a mobile device. When mobile apps were first making the scene four years ago, computer applications didn't even have mobile apps. The computer applications could only be used on the computer. However, it wasn't long before we started seeing some companies make mobile apps that were similar in functionality to their computer application. One example of this is Comic Life. Comic Life was, and still is, an application that you purchase online, download and install on your computer, and then work on directly on your computer. After mobile apps hit the scene, Comic Life created a mobile app for their application. You received most of the same features with the mobile app as you did the computer application.
In the last couple years, we've started seeing some web-based applications, like Evernote and Wunderlist, create multiple versions of their application that could be used and synced up across multiple devices. With Evernote and Wunderlist, you can use the web-based version of the application, install an app on your computer, get the shortcut app in your Chrome web browser, and install the mobile app on your iPad and/or smartphone. Confused yet? Don't worry if you are because it can get confusing as the world of applications and apps evolves with the new forms of technology. The important things to remember are what is an app, what does an app do, where do I find them or purchase them, and what device do they work on.
I use the Bank of the West app on my iPhone so I can check the status of my accounts. I am also able to transfer funds from one account to another and view any upcoming transfers. While I can do all the same things through the iPhone app as I can the full web-based version, I have found it doesn't work well for me when I sit down to balance my checkbook. I can only view a limited number of transactions at one time and the screen is a little small for the task I'm trying to complete. However, I like having the app because I don't have to remember the URL or find the bookmark for the website. I've also noticed when I use the browser for accessing my banking information, the page is not designed for use on a small device like a smartphone. As a result, the font is small and while I can enlarge it, I can't see the full page. Companies who create apps for their web-based tools design them specifically for use on mobile devices like the iPad.
As we are focusing on apps designed for mobile devices, like the iPad, I want to clarify one key point. Apps that you obtain for your Chrome browser and your computer are not the same as the apps you get for your iPad or your smartphone. Chrome browser apps are totally different because they are mostly just shortcuts that take you to the website for the application. For instance, I have a Weebly app on my Chrome browser. When I click it, I'm sent to the Weebly website. I don't have to know the URL to get to the site. Essentially, the app serves as a bookmark for me and I don't have to create on myself. Computer applications, on the other hand, contain the entire functionality of the program. Unlike an iPad or smartphone app, this application is too big to be installed on a mobile device. When mobile apps were first making the scene four years ago, computer applications didn't even have mobile apps. The computer applications could only be used on the computer. However, it wasn't long before we started seeing some companies make mobile apps that were similar in functionality to their computer application. One example of this is Comic Life. Comic Life was, and still is, an application that you purchase online, download and install on your computer, and then work on directly on your computer. After mobile apps hit the scene, Comic Life created a mobile app for their application. You received most of the same features with the mobile app as you did the computer application.
In the last couple years, we've started seeing some web-based applications, like Evernote and Wunderlist, create multiple versions of their application that could be used and synced up across multiple devices. With Evernote and Wunderlist, you can use the web-based version of the application, install an app on your computer, get the shortcut app in your Chrome web browser, and install the mobile app on your iPad and/or smartphone. Confused yet? Don't worry if you are because it can get confusing as the world of applications and apps evolves with the new forms of technology. The important things to remember are what is an app, what does an app do, where do I find them or purchase them, and what device do they work on.
Purchasing Apps
$iPad apps can be purchased in one of two places. One the iPad, you have an app called App Store. The iPad App Store is a branch of the Apple iTunes Store. It is often confused with the App Store on the Mac computer because the icon for both looks exactly the same. If you want to access the apps available for the iPad and iPhone on the Mac computer, then you need to open the iTunes application and select the iTunes Store. If you go to the App Store on the Mac computer, you will only find applications that can be installed on your computer.
Whenever you obtain an app, whether it is free or costs, it is always referred to as purchasing an app. This can get confusing because when I tell teachers to go purchase an app they think it will cost them. I personally try not to recommend apps that will cost unless it is so phenomenal it's worth the money. With that said, please note that many apps are now free but have In-App Purchases. In the beginning - of apps that is - you could often find a lite version and a full version of the same app. The lite version was always free and basically gave you a sampling of the app, while you usually had to pay for the full version. In the last couple years, app designers have shifted to only creating one version of their app and inserting the In-App Purchases. Another words, you are getting a lite version of the app, but if you want all the features or additional features in the app you must purchase them. In-App Purchases vary in price, but I've seen them run anywhere between $0.99 up to $10.99.
Whenever you obtain an app, whether it is free or costs, it is always referred to as purchasing an app. This can get confusing because when I tell teachers to go purchase an app they think it will cost them. I personally try not to recommend apps that will cost unless it is so phenomenal it's worth the money. With that said, please note that many apps are now free but have In-App Purchases. In the beginning - of apps that is - you could often find a lite version and a full version of the same app. The lite version was always free and basically gave you a sampling of the app, while you usually had to pay for the full version. In the last couple years, app designers have shifted to only creating one version of their app and inserting the In-App Purchases. Another words, you are getting a lite version of the app, but if you want all the features or additional features in the app you must purchase them. In-App Purchases vary in price, but I've seen them run anywhere between $0.99 up to $10.99.
Types of Apps
In an effort to help you locate specific types of apps in the App Store, Apple has sorted them by various categories - Books, Games, Education, News, Productivity, Reference, Social Networking, and more. Whenever I train individuals on apps, I group them by their basic functionality. I use to just refer to consumption apps and creation apps, but in the last couple years I've added a few new groupings. Here is my app grouping list:
Consumption - These are apps that allow you to browse and consume information. Apps that fall into this grouping include, but are not limited to, eReaders (Kindle, Nook, iBooks), Facebook, Pinterest, Feedly, Safari & Chrome browsers, TED, and Atomic Learning.
Creation - These apps allow you to create something using specific information, photos and/or videos. Some apps that fit this grouping are Voice Recorder, Explain Everything, PicCollage, Google Apps (Docs, Slides, Sheets), Keynote, Pages, Book Creator, Puppet Edu, and Adobe Slate.
Entertainment - With these apps, you are entertained. These apps would include games, music (Pandora or Spotify) and videos, like Netflix.
Socializing - This would include any app you use for socializing with other people. For instance, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Hangout, Skype and FaceTime.
Productivity - These are the apps that help you get the job done or stay on top of upcoming events. These include apps like Wunderlist, Calendar, Gmail, and Calculator.
Web Based - This is the newest grouping I've added because more web based applications are designing apps for the iPad and smartphones. Some of the ones I use are Weebly, Canva, Blogger, Study Blue, Remind, and Go Keep.
Consumption - These are apps that allow you to browse and consume information. Apps that fall into this grouping include, but are not limited to, eReaders (Kindle, Nook, iBooks), Facebook, Pinterest, Feedly, Safari & Chrome browsers, TED, and Atomic Learning.
Creation - These apps allow you to create something using specific information, photos and/or videos. Some apps that fit this grouping are Voice Recorder, Explain Everything, PicCollage, Google Apps (Docs, Slides, Sheets), Keynote, Pages, Book Creator, Puppet Edu, and Adobe Slate.
Entertainment - With these apps, you are entertained. These apps would include games, music (Pandora or Spotify) and videos, like Netflix.
Socializing - This would include any app you use for socializing with other people. For instance, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Hangout, Skype and FaceTime.
Productivity - These are the apps that help you get the job done or stay on top of upcoming events. These include apps like Wunderlist, Calendar, Gmail, and Calculator.
Web Based - This is the newest grouping I've added because more web based applications are designing apps for the iPad and smartphones. Some of the ones I use are Weebly, Canva, Blogger, Study Blue, Remind, and Go Keep.
Organizing Apps
Many people use no form of organization with their apps. They just purchase them and allow the device to install new apps in the next available space on their device. The iPad will continue to add pages (or screens) as you continue to add more apps. Each page can hold 20 apps. That's fine unless you have over 100 apps on your device. Once you hit over 100 apps, you are up to six+ pages on your iPad making it more challenging to locate the app you need efficiently. Once they start accumulating a large number of apps, some individuals move similar types of apps onto the same page. If I took this approach, I would have six pages on my iPad for each of the groupings I mentioned above. That would be great until I ended up with more than 20 creation apps. Then I would need to add an additional page for my creation app overflow. This is when the ability to group your apps into folders comes in handy. The iPad is designed in such a way that you can group your apps into specific folders. By dragging an app on top of another app, a folder is created. The iPad will give you a name for the folder based on the type of apps you are grouping together, but you can change the folder name to something that makes sense for you and your organization style. You can create as many folders as you desire. In the past, you were limited to the number of apps you could put in each folder, but now you can add as many as you desire. Where the iPad adds pages once you hit the page limit for the apps, the folders do the same thing. You can have up to nine apps on a page within a folder. Once you hit that limit, a new page is created for you within the folder so you can continue to add more apps.
The iPad Dock
Like the Mac computer, the iPad has a dock at the bottom of the screen. This dock holds six apps that remain the same when you swipe to a different page of apps on your iPad. However, these apps can be changed out for different apps or even folders. So, if you have specific apps you use on a regular basis, you can move those to the dock for quick access from any page. This is just another way to help you stay organized on your iPad and make apps easier for you to find.
Finding Your Apps
While organizing your apps into folders and making good use of the iPad dock can make it easier for you to locate an app when you need it, sometimes you need a little extra help. This is where the search feature on the iPad comes in handy. The search feature allows you to start typing in the what you want to search and it will look for that item on your iPad. In fact, depending on your search settings, your iPad will look through your applications, contacts, music, videos, notes, events, mail, messages and the Internet. You can modify your search results by doing the following:
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By default, all the items are selected for searching, but if you tap an item the checkmark will be removed so that item will not be searched. You can also customize the order in which your iPad will search for you. If you want it to bring back the Bing Web Results first, then put your finger on the three horizontal lines to the right of Bing Web Results and drag it to the top of the list. To access the Spotlight Search on the iPad, put your finger in about the middle of your iPad screen (make sure it's not on an app or folder) and pull down. The Spotlight Search and keyboard will pop up on the screen and you can being your search.
Updating Your Apps
Like computer software and operating systems, apps do get updated by the designer from time to time to add new features, improve glitches within the app or update compatibility for a new operating system. You won't always know when this happens unless you check the App Store on your iPad or in iTunes on your computer and view Updates. On the iPad, you can adjust the App Store setting to automatically update any apps you have on your device. To do this, follow these instructions:
- Tap the Settings app
- Tap iTunes & App Store
- Under the Automatic Downloads section, turn Updates on
This will automatically update any apps you have on your iPad without any other action on your part. To view your most recent updates, go to the App Store app and tap Updates at the bottom of the screen. This will show you which apps were updated each day. Some days there will be no updates and other days you could have 5 or more.
Removing & Deleting Apps
Sometimes I install apps on my iPad because they sound interesting and I want to try them out. I use an app called Apps Gone Free to see apps that are free for the day. When I see something I like, I purchase it. However, some apps are not as great as they claim to be or I was testing the app out for our school and I don't need it myself. At times, I need to remove some of the apps because my iPad is getting too full and I need to make room to test out more apps. I can remove apps from the iPad by holding my finger down on any app until they all start doing the "App Jiggle." The apps start to shake and an X appears in the upper left-hand corner of the app. If I tap the X, I will get a message asking me if I'm sure I want to delete this app. When I tap Delete, the app is removed from my iPad. Of course, I can always cancel this option if it was a mistake. The one potential drawback to removing an app from your iPad is if there is any data connected to the app that you need. For instance, I got a journaling app when I first started exploring my iPad for work. I had been typing in entries so I would get comfortable using the keyboard on the iPad. I got to a point where I didn't want the app any longer, so I deleted it. Without thinking about it, I confirmed the deletion of the app and realized I lost all those journal entries I had created. Luckily I didn't need them, but if I had they would have been lost forever. While most apps have ways to backup or share your work with Google Drive, Dropbox or some other storage solution, some do not. This article, Transfer Files Between Your Computer and Mobile Apps, provides the steps you need to follow for transferring those files from the iPad to the computer and the computer to the iPad.
Removing an app from the iPad does not remove it from your Apple ID account. It's similar to the act of purchasing music from iTunes, but removing it from my computer. I might take it off the computer, but I still own the music and can put it back on my computer anytime I choose. The same is true with apps. I may delete an app from my iPad, but I can reinstall it back on anytime I choose. To reinstall an app, go to the App Store app on your iPad and tap Purchased at the bottom of the screen. At the top, you will have two tabs - All and Not on iPad. You can look at your apps in either location. You will notice that some of them have a cloud with an arrow coming out of it. This means the app is not currently on your iPad, but will be installed once you tap the cloud icon.
Removing an app from the iPad does not remove it from your Apple ID account. It's similar to the act of purchasing music from iTunes, but removing it from my computer. I might take it off the computer, but I still own the music and can put it back on my computer anytime I choose. The same is true with apps. I may delete an app from my iPad, but I can reinstall it back on anytime I choose. To reinstall an app, go to the App Store app on your iPad and tap Purchased at the bottom of the screen. At the top, you will have two tabs - All and Not on iPad. You can look at your apps in either location. You will notice that some of them have a cloud with an arrow coming out of it. This means the app is not currently on your iPad, but will be installed once you tap the cloud icon.
If you've purchased an app that you will never use, you can delete it from your Apple ID account. Here's how:
- Open iTunes on your computer
- Go to Apps
- Choose My Apps (this will show all the apps for your iPad and iPhone)
- Right-click the name of the app you want to delete
- Select Delete
- Confirm you want to delete that app or cancel
CAUTION - Do not delete an app if you paid money for it and might want to use it again in the future. You will not get a refund and you will have to pay for it again if you decide you want it in the future. Once you delete the app from your account, you cannot undo the action.
What apps should I get?
This is a great question to ask, but, to be honest, the answer is different for each person. When you first connect to the App Store on the iPad, they suggest a basic collection of apps that including iBooks, Google Maps, Find My iPhone, and iTunes U. Over the last four years, Apple has put together collections of apps centered around various topics and lifestyles such as Get in Shape, Get Stuff Done, Apps for Parents, Cooking, Home & Garden, and more. These collections are a great place to start because they help you focus on the areas that interest you. A quick Google search will also produce loads of articles with top recommended apps for your various areas of interest. I have included some list suggestions that I have referenced myself over the past few years. Feel free to explore them.
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While you may have received you iPad to use at work, the best way to become friends with your iPad is to do things on it that interest you first. If you like to play games to relax, then find a couple game apps that peak your interest and install them on the iPad. If you enjoy reading, drawing, or just browsing through Pinterest, then find an app or two that you can try out. Use your new app(s) at least 15 minutes each day until you feel more comfortable using and maneuvering around your iPad. Then start looking at how you might use your iPad at work.
I started with the tools you use regularly on the job such as gmail, Keynote, and Pages. (The Google Apps weren't out then or I would have started with them instead.) Whenever I wanted to check my email or compose a new message, I made myself do it on the iPad. Notice I had to make myself use the iPad rather than going back to my comfort zone of using the computer. By just using these few apps, I become more comfortable with the iPad and willing to explore other apps. The key with apps is to start small, just like trying out new online tools. Here's my method - I choose one app and explore it for a few days. As I work with the app, I work to answer the following questions:
We don't all like to read the same books or watch the same movies. Likewise, we won't all enjoy using the same apps. Find what works for you and use it. If you try to make yourself use an app because someone told you how great it is, but it doesn't work for you, then stop using it. Having too many apps on your iPad can become just as detrimental to your iPad use as not feeling comfortable using your iPad. Too many apps can lead to frustration in knowing which app you should use for the task you are trying to complete as well as making it more difficult to organize and locate specific apps.
I started with the tools you use regularly on the job such as gmail, Keynote, and Pages. (The Google Apps weren't out then or I would have started with them instead.) Whenever I wanted to check my email or compose a new message, I made myself do it on the iPad. Notice I had to make myself use the iPad rather than going back to my comfort zone of using the computer. By just using these few apps, I become more comfortable with the iPad and willing to explore other apps. The key with apps is to start small, just like trying out new online tools. Here's my method - I choose one app and explore it for a few days. As I work with the app, I work to answer the following questions:
- What does it do? What's the purpose of the app?
- Do I have another app that already does this? If so, is the new app better than the one I have?
- Is this app easy to figure out, use and navigate?
- If it is a creation app, how can share my finished product with other people?
- Is this an app I would share with teachers? If so, who? Would it be for teacher use only or for both teachers and students?
We don't all like to read the same books or watch the same movies. Likewise, we won't all enjoy using the same apps. Find what works for you and use it. If you try to make yourself use an app because someone told you how great it is, but it doesn't work for you, then stop using it. Having too many apps on your iPad can become just as detrimental to your iPad use as not feeling comfortable using your iPad. Too many apps can lead to frustration in knowing which app you should use for the task you are trying to complete as well as making it more difficult to organize and locate specific apps.
Additional Resources
7 Creative Ways to Organize Your Mobile Apps - This article provides seven ways you could organize the apps on your iPad including color coding and verb-based folders.
How Can I Beat My App Addiction - This article provides some practical tips and advice for pairing down the abundance of apps on your mobile device.
A List of All the Best iPad Apps Teachers Need - This list by Education Technology and Mobile Learning presents the recommended apps by education centered topics like Digital Storytelling, Mind Mapping Apps, Presentation Apps, and more.
Teachers with Apps - This is an educational app review and resource website. Apps are organized by categories providing reviews and information on how teachers are using them in the classroom.
iPad Apps for School - Richard Byrne, creator of Free Technology for Teachers, posts regular blog articles showcasing a specific app or small collection of apps. He provides a general overview of what the app does along with tips and suggestions for classroom use.
AppCrawlr - This is an app discovery search engine. You can filter by age, price, device, category, topics, and more.
How Can I Beat My App Addiction - This article provides some practical tips and advice for pairing down the abundance of apps on your mobile device.
A List of All the Best iPad Apps Teachers Need - This list by Education Technology and Mobile Learning presents the recommended apps by education centered topics like Digital Storytelling, Mind Mapping Apps, Presentation Apps, and more.
Teachers with Apps - This is an educational app review and resource website. Apps are organized by categories providing reviews and information on how teachers are using them in the classroom.
iPad Apps for School - Richard Byrne, creator of Free Technology for Teachers, posts regular blog articles showcasing a specific app or small collection of apps. He provides a general overview of what the app does along with tips and suggestions for classroom use.
AppCrawlr - This is an app discovery search engine. You can filter by age, price, device, category, topics, and more.
Your Turn
Now that we've grasped an understanding of the apps - their purpose, how to purchase them, organize them, and choose which ones to use - it's your turn to start doing some organizing and exploring. This week I want you to find one or two apps that you are going to start using daily on your iPad, even if it is only for 15 minutes each day. I also want you to start organizing your apps on your iPad. I don't care what method of organization you use, but find a system that works for you and take some time to organize your iPad. Remember, organizing might also include removing some apps. Finally, find at least one app that you want to explore more during this week. As you explore this new app, answer the following questions:
When you have completed the above tasks, go to the USD 495 Tech Challenges Facebook group and respond to the following:
Now that we've grasped an understanding of the apps - their purpose, how to purchase them, organize them, and choose which ones to use - it's your turn to start doing some organizing and exploring. This week I want you to find one or two apps that you are going to start using daily on your iPad, even if it is only for 15 minutes each day. I also want you to start organizing your apps on your iPad. I don't care what method of organization you use, but find a system that works for you and take some time to organize your iPad. Remember, organizing might also include removing some apps. Finally, find at least one app that you want to explore more during this week. As you explore this new app, answer the following questions:
- What does it do? What's the purpose of the app?
- Do I have another app that already does this? If so, is the new app better than the one I have?
- Is this app easy to figure out, use and navigate?
- If it is a creation app, how can share my finished product with other people?
- Is this an app I would share with teachers? If so, who? Would it be for teacher use only or for both teachers and students?
When you have completed the above tasks, go to the USD 495 Tech Challenges Facebook group and respond to the following:
- What one or two apps did you commit to using daily this week? How successful were you using the app(s) each day?
- Describe the method you chose for organizing the apps on your iPad.
- Tell us about the new app you explored this week. Did you keep it or throw it out? Why? Is it something you would recommend to other teachers? Why or why not?
- Respond to one of the following about our lesson on apps this week?
- Something new I learned was...
- I didn't know...
- The most important takeaway for me from today's challenge was...