Thing 23 of the 23 mobile things

Evaluation

Go back to your thoughts/ideas about mobile devices and apps. Has anything changed as a result of this experience?

I have always been happy with the selection of apps that I have on my devices and have added a few things as I need them or as someone recommends them. This project has shown me how much more is available that I have never taken advantage of. I hope that I will continue to search for new apps and to discover more efficient uses of the devices I have.

What were your favorite Things and discoveries?

I liked the games and education things because they were fun discoveries, but I think I will get the most use out of note taking, sharing photos and audio. Many of the apps that I have tried will be discards once the project is done but I will be keeping more than I thought and look forward to spending more time with a few new favorites.

How did you connect with others doing the 23 Mobile Things?

I found that I really only discussed the project with co-workers in person. I never really connected with other participants which was a little disappointing. Most of my co-workers gave up after the first few things and I ended up loosing the ability to share the experience.

Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?

I was surprised by the limits of the devices I was using. I never realized how much more an iPad has to offer in apps that other formats. It was a challenge to find alternatives for my Kindle and even sometimes for my Android phone. I feel like I developed better skills in searching for apps that fill my needs, but I think I also realized how little I need to do on my device other that check email, read, participate in common social media and stream video. While I don't think the Kindle has as much to offer as a stand alone tablet device as other platforms, for me what I can access is plenty.

What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or content?

I was satisfied with what the program offered with the exception of the lack of a social element. I never felt like there was a place to go to discuss what we discovered or a way to talk through challenges with other participants.

If we offered a another 23 Things program like this in the future would you participate?

Definitely. I like the chance to learn something new and to challenge myself to plow through the tough "things" where I couldn't easily explore the suggested apps. I also really appreciated the preview of the apps and tips on how to get started.

How would you describe your learning experience in one word or in one sentence, so we could use your words to promote 23 Things learning activities to others?

Discovery

Like

Thing 22 of the 23 mobile things

Amazon App store, Quixey

As a Kindle user I do most of my searches through the Amazon app store. I have discovered several I have really enjoyed on their free app of the day. It's pretty simple to find enough to keep me busy by looking at recommendations based on other apps I've purchased. If Amazon is known for one thing, either for good or evil, it is guessing what you want next even if you don't know yourself. I am learning that to discover apps beyond what Amazon thinks I want I really have to dig. I'm getting better.


Quixey was easy to use and I was pleased to see several familiar titles as well as less well known options for my areas of interest. There seems to be a good selection which is compatible with Kindle even if I can't always download directly from the Quixey site. The interface is clean and easy to navigate and I felt that the search options were easy to use. I liked being able to browse topics and to sort by trending. I will make a point of using this site to research apps I am considering purchasing.

Thing 21 of the 23 mobile things

my pick (Goodreads)

I used to record every book I read in a excel document on my computer. This document was complete with date read, genre and a star rating. In an obvious rookie mistake, about a year ago I fried the hard drive on my computer Among the list of things I lost was this reading list with over three years of titles. Shame on me for not backing up. Finding Goodreads about a year before I lost my list has eased some of my regret and now I use the app regularly to keep track of my reading. I have shelves for a few things, ebook, audio, 5 stars and to remind me which titles in a series I have read, but I don't tag beyond that. It is really easy to add titles by scanning the ISBN barcode on a book so I've installed the app on my phone and Kindle as well as access the site from my laptop. Though I do value the reviews other readers contribute I rarely go beyond adding a star rating and the date completed. Other that the group created by the staff at my library for sharing staff picks I avoid groups and my list of friends is comfortably small. I enjoy seeing what others are reading and exploring titles or authors I'm curious about, but for me just storing the titles I've read is the most valuable element of this app. Clearly I can't be trusted to do it on my own.

Thing 20 of the 23 mobile things

Candy Crush Saga, Bubble Mania, Take Ten

I have a rule with these and all gaming apps. I DON'T PAY. Sorry Zynga and King but I will work my way up the levels rather than spend my money on pretend candy, farms or kittens and when you make me pay, I'm done. That rant over, I will say I have spent more than my share of time on the games for this thing and many others.

I had to know what the big deal was with Candy Crush Saga, so a few months ago I gave in and got this app. Now I get it. It is so mindless, addictive, frustrating and triumphant. I have spent weeks on a single level convinced I'll never get it then surprise, I finally break through to the next level and it is just as challenging. I'm 168 levels in, have it installed on all of my devices and play at least every few days. Bravo to King for creating this monster, you have us hooked.


Although not an addictive as Candy Crush, Bubble Mania hits all the right notes. My kid took to it quickly and it is simple enough that we can work on it together. Watching the cat throwing bubbles is pretty darn cute, he looks so sad when you fail to advance to the next level than you want to keep playing just to see him dance with the tiny rescued kittens.



When I first installed Take Ten I wasn't sure I would care for it. It sounds very simple but it took awhile to get the hang of it. I did find it pretty addictive and played it quite a bit the first few days. I'm likely to come back to this when I need something to do with my hands while watching TV, but more than that I can see it being helpful in learning addition and number recognition.

Thing 19 of the 23 mobile things

Spotify, All recipes

This has been a very entertaining app to play with. I think I could spend a lot of time revisiting old artists and putting together the "mixed tapes" of my youth.To try out the app I created a playlist of songs I would like my kid to listen to when she gets a little older and doubts how awesome she is,  I was surprised to find all of the artistes I had mentally been jotting down for the last few months. I also searched for the original version of a song I've only ever heard the cover of and followed a few playlists I would like to have playing in the background while I do other things. This feels like a really simple way to discover new artists and to share your personal favorites with your friends. It feels much more interactive than Pandora which has been a favorite of mine so I am quite excited to have discovered this app.



The All Recipes app has been a lifesaver. I have used it so many times for really specific, traditional dishes that I don't have in any cookbook at home. I love the user feedback and the tweaks to the original recipes that people add. I also have great luck entering ingredients that I have at home to find recommendations for something to make. Although the app isn't as complete as the full site I have been very happy with the selection they do have and have noticed an increase in the quantity of recipes since I've started using it.