Since my last iPad reflection, I’ve been exploring more options for diagramming apps. I’ve found a cloud-based one that I like a lot called LucidChart. I’ve previously used draw.io, which is similar but the mobile browser experience is terrible. LucidChart has a native iOS app in addition to their browser version. Since it’s cloud-based you can easily go back and forth between devices and collaborate on diagrams. Also it can be integrated with Google Drive. The free version limits you to 60 items per diagram but this hasn’t been a problem for me yet.
Category Archives: iPad
Week 4 iPad Reflection – Chris W
The was a day this week we here I forgot to pack my laptop in my bag but remembered my iPad. With a little getting used to I was able to do all my tasks that day using only the iPad. Some of these tasks included taking notes for class, studying via ebook, sending and reading emails, and preparing a presentation. Earlier this semester I had mentioned a few qualms I had with the native keyboard and my “need” for an external keyboard. After 4 weeks of occupying the iPad I realize I may have been a bit to hasty to make a judgement. While there are some functions that would definitely improve the native iPad keyboard (arrow keys when working on cell based programs/apps), the native keyboard is functional enough for everyday use. Do not get me wrong. My iPad experience would definitely be better with an external keyboard. Cole shared a link to some third party keyboards for iOS 8. I’ll be checking out a few of them so expect a review in my next post.
iSpy an iPad Frustration
Hello Everyone!
Now that I am about a month into using the iPad, I feel that I need to come forward and admit a few things. I love the iPad in general. The UI is great and quick, and I can’t get over the multi-touch swipe function. However, I feel that I am beginning to plateau in the iPad’s functionality. Granted, this plateau is probably representative of the tiredness that I am feeling in the rest of my work. So maybe I should also call it a lacking of patience.
In the first couple weeks, I was still getting used to the iPad; now, I feel fairly comfortable in my abilities. I am beginning to notice a speed curve. I feel that I can type fairly fast considering I am using an on-screen keyboard; however, some things just refuse to work with iOS properly. This website, for instance, is nearly impossible to deal with. I usually give up and go to a computer for my blog posts. I have to swap back and forth between the “text” and “visual” options just to get these simple paragraphs entered. I know that Stony Brook is working on getting support from the WordPress and/or Edublogs app though.
I also was surprised a few days ago to realize that I had to download a separate app in order to play .wav files…that’s a fairly generic file format that I hope that I am just completely iOS incompetent and that Apple did not not support! More than just being a music major, I appreciate high quality audio, and iTunes isn’t really gonna get it for me.
For now, I am also experimenting around with different productivity apps, and in particular, apps for note-taking and writing. I have to read a lot for my field, and I love getting to highlight and whatnot in a book. So as a positive note, let’s see what the iPad can do since I keep finding things it cant!
Technically Yours,
R.
iPad reflexion – Week 4 – Shady
On the positive side, I’m really enjoying just bringing the iPad to class. All the content is there, it’s easy to use, it helps me collaborate with my team-mates, I can get up to do a presentation without having to carry anything else other than the iPad.
On the negative side, because i’m not too familiar with it, I feel it slows me down when I’m trying to move fast through Google Drive. I find it cumbersome to name, sort, and share documents.
The most surprising thing so far is the fact that I have been doing really well without a keyboard. I was set that I would need one when I first got the iPad, but so far, I have been working really well with the native iPad keyboard.
Keyboards
I’ve been looking at the survey results and I am amazed at how different the responses have been WRT external keyboards. The first week everyone felt the device needed one … the second time through fewer. I am wondering if we should try the device with a couple different external keyboards or just keep pushing the device as it is out of the box?
TabletProductive
I know you are all busy dropping your weekly posts on the blog, but I thought I would pass along a resource I recently discovered that focuses on being productive on a tablet … TabletProductive.
This Just In: 'iPad Swipes for Success'
For the last week or so I have completely stopped bringing a notepad to class. I only use the iPad for notes (Google Docs and occasionally Microsoft Word). One thing to point out, however, is that most of my classes this semester are technology-based courses, so most of the work is done virtually. I had the opportunity to attend the SBU Graduate Music Symposium over the weekend and I had my iPad there, but still took notes by hand vs. making sound pounding out on the on-screen keyboard.
Below is an updated list of what apps I have installed. To view the original list, please visit my post “Flying Life via iPad Air.”
I must say, that my favorite thing about the iPad so far is the multi-finger swipe function. I can quickly go in between apps or open up the task manager without double pressing the main button. I still want a “back” button, but I am making do for now!
Technically Yours,
R.
iPad Reflection Week 3 Chris
I’ve been substituting the iPad where ever I can for all my classes. At first it was a bit difficult because there are some things that pen and paper do better than the iPad.
The majority of my classes this semester focus a lot on group work so using the iPad in conjunction with Google Docs has been extremely helpful. Editing documents on Google Drive is as easy as 1-2-3 but when it comes to entering data for my psychology lab class, tasks can be a bit difficult. For this data entry assignment my group members had to input responses from surveys into a Google Sheet using the app Sheets. Sheets is a great app but I do not understand why Google split up its applications. The group members in our group with laptops finished input all their data 4 minutes before the rest of us using tablets. Something. That might fix this minor annoyance would be arrow keys when using Sheets or any excel- esque app.
Overall the iPad has been a great addition to my backpack.
iPad in the classroom – SWOT Analysis – Team Right Shark
Strengths
An iPad in the classroom will help students tremendously. The device is intuitive enough where students will not need to be taught how to use it. It will provide students with access to the internet, social networking, and an infinity of learning apps and tools that will enhance the classroom experience. Students will no longer need to carry a bundle of books, notebooks, pens, laptops, cameras, etc. They will be substituted by ebooks, e-pens, e-notes, etc.
Using an iPad in the classroom makes it more interactive, engaging, and embodies a culture of creativity.
Weaknesses
iPads are unable to perform some functions that desktop or laptop computers can perform. For students in certain majors this means much of their coursework couldn’t be completed using the iPad, somewhat making it a redundant device.
Studio Art and Digital Art students frequently make use of the Adobe suite.
Music and Music Technology students use DAWs like Ableton Live and Logic
Computer Science and Information Systems students especially would need a computer for the following tasks:
Running an IDE like Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA, or Netbeans
The Java JDK and JRE
Access to the filesystem for reading, writing, and executing files
Being able to install platforms or languages like ruby, python, node.js
Counterargument
Digital art and music software is available in Staller Center SINC sites, and after hours access is provided for students enrolled in these courses (although many students do still choose to use their own computers for working at home).
If comp sci students are then the exception, it makes sense that they would be the ones that require additional computing hardware.
Opportunities
The opportunities that would be made possible with a student body that functions primarily on iPads have the ability to affect the University on a physical level. Space currently occupied by the bookstore could be repurposed and the amount of space devoted to books could be reduced. Instead, the library could focus on ebooks and resource sharing that could reach beyond the campus. More space could be designated to meetings spaces that foster an interactive learning environment. It could also have a recharging center.
Threats
With every major decision made there are bound to be some threats. Some threats that we as a team foresee associated with providing iPad Airs to all students stem from current partnerships with companies who heavily rely on paper. If these paper reliant companies do not make the choice to go more digital we could see their monetary support decreasing substantially. Assuming we can cope with the loss of our dead tree partnerships, the next hurdle we as a university must overcome would be the redesigning of existing spaces that are not equipped to handle the influx of this quantity of tech. Pushing this new tech on our current infrastructure will be detrimental since many problems arise now with less devices connected. This will cost quite a bit. Assuming redesigning goes well, we now have to worry about push back from faculty, staff, and students. The reasons for their resistance can be as numerous as the amount of students but a bit of good public relations should change most minds. With the entire student body equipped with iPad Airs the university must look at redefining academic dishonesty at include the new tech. After all is said and done if Apple ever tanks as a company we as a university are in grave danger.
These threats, although numerous and very real, do NOT outweigh the benefits of providing iPad Airs to all the students to enhance their college experience. The potential for creativity and innovation will put this university in a light to which no other learning environment has ever seen.
Ken's iPad Reflection, Week 3
Since my first iPad Reflection, I’ve been using the iPad for doing the assigned readings. I like how Safari can open a PDF file in the browser (I don’t believe Chrome for Android does this) and also that it gives you to the choice to open it in iBook. It’s been a nice change to read on the iPad. Certainly it’s easier on the eyes than using my desktop monitor. I’m not sure how a Retina display monitor would compare though.
I’ve also started looking for other alternatives to Lekh Diagram, the diagramming app I’ve been using. One thing I like about iOS is that I feel safer just downloading a half dozen apps that look interesting and trying them out. I previously did the same thing while looking for an image editing app for my Weekly Create. On Android I’d do a bit more research like reading the app reviews to make sure I’m not downloading something malicious.