Smart+Phones+-+There's+an+App+for+That!

=@http://smartphoned.weebly.com=

Hey guys, I'd figure we'd get technologically motivated and put our group info on here, as well. This is directly from the email that Mike sent!


 * **Title:** || **Name:** ||
 * Group Moderator || Mike ||
 * Publisher || Tyler ||
 * Thematic Finder || Laura ||
 * Citation Guru || Ashley ||
 * Editor || Liz ||

Here are our position descriptions, just so we can easily find it:


 * Group moderator – pose questions, ask for clarification, keep the conversation going and focused
 * Thematic finder – look for themes in the discussion, publish the themes, refine the themes
 * Citation guru – seek clarification, ask for proof, decide where citations are needed, help locate sources when necessary
 * Editor – establish a timeline for completion of the “group artifact”, use themes to develop a writing/creation plan, communicate and execute a direction/vision for the “group artifact”
 * Publisher – Use your tech skills to manage the production of the artifact.

**Question #1: When are we able to meet as a group to discuss our project thus far?** //In place of class on 9/14. We will also meet for 10-15 minutes after class on 9/21. Further communication will take place on this wiki page.//


 * INSTRUCTIONS FOR NOW (as of 9/14):**
 * By Sunday (9/18), everyone must post two apps that they feel would be beneficial to teachers and/or students.
 * These apps must have brief descriptions, and links to the developer or app purchase page.
 * Don't post something with the same general function as an app that has already been posted.
 * By Wednesday (9/21), everyone will have commented on the others' postings so we can begin to narrow down what we will use in the presentation.
 * Start thinking about ideas for content that we can discuss / teach about in our lesson, and post them on the wiki!

>
 * APPS FOR TEACHERS/STUDENTS:**
 * **(Liz) Teacher+** - Teacher+ is a mobile app for iPhone (it may be on other smartphones, but I'm using my iPhone/app store) that is a combination task manager, a classroom manager, homework manager, and much more. It utilizes school calendars and allows you to put in student information and then place students in "classes" that you create. []
 * **(Liz) Student Life Organizer -** The Student life organizer app is, as stated above, available for iPhone purchase, and works like a regular student organizer, but is easy to use of the students smartphone. It breaks down the subjects and days for fast entry and has a reminder capability. []
 * **(Mike) Today in History Lite-** For teachers and students who enjoy learning about what happened this day in history, this app for the iPhone gives famous events, births, deaths, and holidays at the touch of your screen! []
 * **(Mike) Constitution for iPhone or iPod Touch:** Constitution for the iPhone allows quick and easy reference to any section of the historical document including the Preamble, Articles, Amendments, and Biographies on the Signers when teaching your students about contents of the document. []


 * **(Tyler) Free Books *iPad ** * - Any educators with a need for a FREE, quick reference to 23,469 books (and counting!) should absolutely download this amazing resource.It provide access to classic novels, but autobiographies, letters, speeches, and other writings by significant historical figures and recognized geniuses! []
 * **(Tyler) Flashcards ** - Flashcards allows you to search for and study Quizlet.com flashcards. It also allows you to make personalized flashcards. And, it's FREE! []


 * **(Laura) StudyDroid Flashcards 2.0 *Droid *** - Students can create flashcards on the computer or through the app. Use the app to review the flashcards. The paid version removes the ads. Great for all subject areas because flashcards are created by the user. []
 * **(Laura) Homework *Droid *** - Students can keep track of their homework. There is a paid Homework+ version that has more capabilities. With the free version students can enter their homework and exams into the calendar and see which assignments are not finished. []
 * **(Laura) Attendance *Droid*** - Teachers can easily take attendance on their phone using this app. Mark the students late, absent, or present. It saves each day and then compiles all of the data into a google spreadsheet. Free app. []


 * **(Ashley) Mind Snacks** - The first one would apply to students learning a second language. It makes learning vocabulary more fun than using only the book. It's made through a program called "Mind Snacks." My app is in French and you unlock levels as you master the sets of words. It is free for the first few levels and it takes a while to get through each level (you accumulate points for each game completed.) Mine is in french but they have it in other languages too. []
 * **(Ashley) My Net Diary** - The second app that I think would be beneficial in the classroom is called "My Net Diary" I have it on my phone and I think it could be beneficial in a wellness/health class. Basically it counts your calories of the exact foods you eat. Along with calories it give you a breakdown of exactly what you are taking in (protein, dietary fiber, carbs, calcium, etc.) []

__//IN THE PRESENTATION, APPS TO BE DEMOED ON TYLER'S iPAD://__


 * **Mike:** History/Soc. Studies App
 * **Tyler:** English App - //Free Books//
 * **Laura:** Interdisciplinary - //Flashcards (iPhone one)//
 * **Liz:** Science - //Speed Bones Lite//
 * **Ashley:** Foreign Langauge - //Mind Snacks//

__**Discussion of Apps:**__

 * Liz**: I like the concept of using one iPhone/iPad app and one Droid app (or something for a student and something for a teacher...not sure?). That generally reaches most users of smartphones and is efficient. Plus, the apps are similar for both devices meaning we could say for Droid (or for iPhone is similar) and vice versa. Out of all of our apps, I like all of the listed "diary" apps, basically a homework keeper for kids. All of the platforms have an option, so it makes it pretty universal. Another of my favorite apps are the listed "flashcard" resources! How fabulous! I think that's one of the best ones for any platform. Good work group!!


 * Tyler:** The more I think about the apps that we've looked up and listed here, the more I start to think if we shouldn't focus more on what we can do with apps and not so much specific apps that we like. For example, rather than highlight a certain flashcard app, perhaps we can discuss flashcard apps in general. Thoughts?


 * Laura:** I think we should mention a few of the apps and have them listed on the website (artifact) but the majority of our presentation should focus on //how// apps can be integrated into the classroom and the pros and cons of using apps. And we should define what an app is and how to use/find them just in case somebody in the class doesn't know.


 * Liz**: I think that's a good idea - but Tyler, since you're making the "artifact" I just want to make sure you aren't drawing yourself into an overabundance of work. Also, Laura, do we have a "theme"?

[]
 * Ashley:** found this for examples of i pad use in classrooms, seems like something someone can use... I am having a difficult time finding CONS for iPad usage so I don't know exactly how much information I'm going to have.

>>
 * IDEAS FOR CONTENT (use credible sources!):**
 * The uses, benefits and down-sides of iPod touches in the classroom.
 * http://k12onlineconference.org/?p=464
 * The pros and cons of iPad in the classroom:
 * http://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethwoyke/2011/01/21/pros-and-cons-of-ipads-in-the-classroom/


 * Some statistics about app use by the Pew Internet Project
 * []

>> //__THEMES TO BE DISCUSSED__://
 * Statistics from the International Telecommunication Union and other sources - there is a mountain of data on this website about cell phones and apps
 * []
 * Safety concerns with smartphone apps
 * Uses of phones and tablets (iPads) in the classroom
 * Resistance to smartphones/phones/tablets secondary ed.

App Definition: A small specialized program downloaded onto mobile devices. Websites with info about mobile safety:
 * Safety Concerns and Issues When Dealing with Apps in the Classroom**
 * []
 * []
 * []
 * []
 * []

__Safety Discussion Topics__ >> **Application (App) Scams:** There seems to be an application that will do just about any task these days. However, some of these apps are developed by criminals who are hoping users will download and install the application, which will then allow them access to the Smartphone’s system, as well as possible user information, such as a credit card number or social security number, or account numbers and passwords stored on the Smartphone. >> **Metadata:** Metadata is data that describes a data file. For instance, when a digital picture is taken with a digital camera or Smartphone, there is the information contained in the picture file that recreates the image for others to view. However, in the same image file there is also information about that image, such as where the picture was taken (GPS location), when it was taken and information on the device which took it. Criminals can use this information to track consumers. You can go to your phone's Settings to turn off this feature. >> **Insecure Applications (Apps):** Recent studies show that even legitimate applications can allow sensitive information to be exposed to criminals looking for such information. Some of these applications include banking institutions and major retailers >> The best way to protect your information is not to store it on your phone. >> **Antivirus software:** Consider using mobile security antivirus software. There are Smartphone apps designed to monitor and protect your device against malware and spyware. >> **Software updates**: Updating your Smartphone’s operating software is another step towards a secured device. Software updates are designed to fix problems in the device’s operating program, which may include fixing security vulnerabilities or other bugs that may diminish your Smartphone’s performance. Therefore, stay up-to-date on any software updates and make sure to install the latest version. After all, we are concerned with performance and usability – something a software update can improve. >> **Install a “phone finder” app**. These apps are designed to help you find your phone if it becomes lost or stolen. >> **Enroll in a backup / wiping program**. You can enroll in a program that will back up the information on your Smartphone to your home computer. Many of these services are also able to “wipe” your phone if it is lost or stolen so that no data remains on the device itself. These services are available through your Smartphone’s manufacturer or through your wireless provider. iPhones have a built-in “wipe” feature that can be turned on that will wipe the phone after 10 failed log-on attempts. >> **Limit your activities while using public Wi-Fi**. Try not to purchase things or access email while using a public Wi-Fi zone. Public Wi-Fi hotspots are targeted by hackers since they can give the hacker direct access to your mobile device. Using your 3G network provider connection is much more secure than using a public Wi-Fi connection. >>
 * 1) Loss and Theft
 * Loss is the biggest threat to the information on your mobile device.
 * According to mobilelifetoday.com, 1 in 3 Americans have had a cell phone lost or stolen. It costs an average of $125.30 to resolve the situation when a phone goes missing.
 * 1) Malware and App Scams
 * **Malware:** Malware is software that is intended to do a malicious act. It could damage or disable computers and computer systems, but is often used nowadays to retrieve information from an infected system. A Smartphone is much like a mini-computer so it makes sense that the risk of malware to computers is present on Smartphones as well. Malware can take many forms including Trojans, viruses, worms and others. This software may install things such as key logging software, spyware, botnets and other nasty things. These programs are often used to obtain personal information which can then be used for the financial gain of the criminals who have installed them, sometimes with a significant cost to the person affected.
 * 1) Protecting information
 * **Passcode:** A passcode is a simple step to take to protect your smartphone if it is stolen with all of your personal information. This simple step may be the difference between success and regret if your Smartphone is lost or stolen.
 * **Be aware** of what you are doing on your phone. The same precautions you would take while on your home computer apply to your Smartphone. Double check URLs for accuracy, don’t open suspicious links, and make sure a site is secure (https) before giving any billing or personal information. This means it is a secured site.
 * **Read the small print w**hen installing an app on any Smartphone. Evaluate the information the app requires access to, and consider if this information is necessary for the app to run successfully. If you cannot see a reason for the app to have access to the information, you should reconsider installing the app.

__Discussion Questions__
 * 1) There is an app for the iPhone called Teacher+, which is geared towards teachers to help them manage their everyday tasks. The features include saving student contact and personal information (student and parent phone numbers, emails, etc.) as well as student location throughout the day. Is this app and similar programs a great help or liability to teachers? Why or why not?
 * 2) Although apps are making many tasks increasingly easier due to the mobility of cell phones, it is also becoming easier to break or lose the phone that this informations holds. What are the greatest risks concerning loss of information due to misplacing or theft of your mobile device? What can you do to protect yourself and your information? Should this information stay on desktop or laptop computers?


 * ARTIFACT INFO - //@http://smartphoned.weebly.com/index.html// :**


 * Although the creation of an iDevice (iPhone, iPod touch, iPad) application is not feasible (for several reasons), Tyler will create a website which has a mobile version for iDevices. The content of this website will be the content of our lesson, along with links to apps that are good for teachers/students.
 * The artifact in itself should be visually stimulating for teachers and students - maybe with different views for each (if possible?). Students will respond more to a "kid friendly" version and vice versa for adults. Tyler, as you're creating it and I (Liz) know nothing about things like this, please let me know what I can do to help you. I would, as the editor, like to be thoroughly involved in its creation and planning.

>>>
 * UPDATE 9/23- The website link is now up.. it is of course a work in-progress! LINK
 * It looks great Tyler!! -Laura
 * Tyler - the website and mobile app look awesome! I'll have my content info up ASAP.
 * UPDATE 9/25: Safety Concerns added, still waiting on 'Classroom Uses' and 'Resistance'.

__**Resistance to Technology in the Classroom**__
 * Not** sure if we want to use this because it's about laptops but I found it interesting I'll let you guys decide

[]
 * Some schools or individual faculty do not permit students to take computers or mobile phones into classrooms because of the problems of distraction and disruption. Some pioneers in laptop programs have even ended their programs. For instance, the Liverpool Central School District of New York, one of the earliest districts to adopt a laptop computer program, decided to phase out its high-school laptop program between 2007 and 2010 after hearing teacher complaints of student abuse and the distractions caused by the laptops in class.2 (

1.Students often forget to turn off their phones in class, and ringing noises or text-message alerts disrupt learning. 2. Even if set to silent, cell phones can still cause distraction, since text messaging has become a high-tech method of passing notes in school. 3. Phones can be used as cheating devices during exams. []
 * A few cons to cell phone usage in the classroom:

Schools across the country are targeting digital media players as a potential cheating device. Devices including [|**iPods**] and [|**Zunes**] can be hidden under clothing, with just an earbud and a wire snaking behind an ear and into a shirt collar to give them away, school officials say.
 * Banning iPods and the like in schools

A teacher at San Gabriel High School in San Gabriel, Calif., confiscated a student's iPod during a class and found the answers to a test, crib notes and a definition list hidden among the teen's music selections. Schools in Seattle have also banned the devices.

[]

>> -"Unless we train teachers effectively, it will fail," Salina notes. "If teachers don't have confidence, it will fail." Even though the classroom implementation is still in its infancy, the teachers admitted they can see more changes coming. >> >> >> Some cons about iPads that will affect teaching: >> 1. The iPad doesn’t support flash! At first you say “So what?”, but then as you start to browse you find out how much flash content is out there! One big example for us was [|Mathletics] which is one of Australia’s leading educational online tools. On this note we have heard that Mathletics is intending on bringing our an “App for That” in the near future. I have to say though that is is very disappointing that Apple and Adobe couldn’t find a middle ground on this one but I guess you will have to make the choice, iPad or Flash simple as that. We, in our online school have many flash screen casts which we are not in the process of converting to quick time as an option for iPad users. >> 2. Currently the iPad cannot do any HTML editing. This means you can’t properly edit Google Docs, Moodle responses can only be done with HTML editing turned off and a large number of other site which have built in editors will not work. I have heard that Apple are trying to amend this issue though. Wait and see I guess. >> 3. There is no USB port or output device for displaying your screen onto a larger monitor. Getting data onto and played off the device is very difficult and is pretty much restricted to “cloud” based storage connections and the iTunes store. This makes displaying things to students a little harder than we would have liked. >> 4.There is not currently any Apple Management software for “class sets” of iPads. The purchasing arrangement of iPads currently makes it really hard to install the same set of Apps onto multiple devices. You have to manually plug each device into THE SAME COMPUTER to sync them all the THE SAME ITUNES ACCOUNT. There is also currently limited functionality when trying to “lock down” iPads for students, in the same way you can a desktop over a network. There are some 3rd party solutions out there. > > [] > (Not sure what you guys think of this source, but I think the information is pretty important)
 * One example of iPad usage had many pros but here are some cons and concerns (Roslyn High School)

Some more cons: []
 * iPad is not a computer, but more like a big iPod/iPhone.
 * iPads cannot be used for state testing.
 * iPad does not have an external keyboard.
 * The iPad, much like the iPhone, is completely locked down, which means that you cannot make changes to hardware configuration without voiding the warranty.
 * Some popular sites for education, such as Starfall use Flash, so students could not access it from an iPad. Companies like Starfall would need to develop apps specifically for the iPad. (Stated in last website source but different examples are used)
 * iPads will not survive a drop of even a few feet. A protective case is essential, and even then an iPad will break if not handled with care.
 * iPad does not multi-task. It can't run background processes.
 * iPad has a maximum storage of 64 GBiPad.
 * iPad does not have a user-removable battery.
 * iPad does not have an HDMI port for easy compatibility with HDTVs iPad is a bit heavy.
 * iPads need adapters. If you want to plug anything into the iPad, such as a digital camera, you need all sorts of adapters, including a USB adapter.

let me know what you guys think!

Smart phones/iPads – Classroom use:
 * Pros: **

__By Teachers __: __By Students __:
 * Certain applications (apps) allow teachers to keep information about a student on their smart phones; although we agree that this could be unsafe depending on the information saved on the phone, minimal information, such as student name and which class they’re in, may be helpful for teachers.
 * Apps can be used to keep track of grades, homework and any other student/classroom information.
 * Can use iTunesU apps combined with composite cables to display videos or apps – therefore integrating smart phones into a classroom without requiring students to own a smart phone themselves.
 * Apps such as homework trackers, recorders and any other information can be used by the student to better keep track of all school related information.
 * Students can use iPads to work collaboratively on projects by using apps like “Dropbox” (file sharing app) and thusly communicate more effectively.

__General Classroom Use: __ =Works Cited = Fryer, W. (2009, December 8). //The iPod Touch in the Classroom//. Retrieved September 20, 2011, from K12 Online Classroom: http://k12onlineconference.org/?p=464 Ritchel, M. a. (2009, February 15). //Industry Makes Pitch That Smartphones Belong in Classroom//. Retrieved September 20, 2011, from New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/16/technology/16phone.html?th&emc=th Woyke, E. (2011, January 21). //Pros and Cons of iPads in the Classroom//. Retrieved September 20, 2011, from Forbes: http://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethwoyke/2011/01/21/pros-and-cons-of-ipads-in-the-classroom/
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Teachers can more effectively manage their students through technology by working with them instead of against them
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">The NY Times reported many cell phone agencies were giving schools cell phones, and allowing remote control (on/off) by teachers so students are focused, but still able to utilize the cell phone as resource.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Cons: **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Many schools have an outright ban on cell phones and e-readers such as kindle, ipad, etc.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Parents often won’t allow students to purchase apps, and many free versions don’t have all of the inclusions of the paid apps.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Certain smart phones can’t “share” information with other phones – i.e. droid v. apple.