Post #23: Evaluating 23 Mobile Things

I didn't know quite what to expect when I began examining all the different "mobile things" that were included in this "learning program," but I really did learn quite a lot by participating.  I don't own a cell phone or any other kind of mobile device (my wife has one she rarely uses), so the program helped me see the value of the apps and the devices themselves.  A mobile device doesn't immediately seem to be a useful learning tool or something that would assist patrons in a library, but actually there are many uses.  The fact that so many people today use mobile devices and apps on a daily basis means that library staff need to be aware of how the devices can be used in a library setting.  Patrons, whether they be students or adults, will be expecting that libraries use the next generation of cutting edge technology to make their visits easier and more productive, so libraries must incorporate these technologies for survival, as well as to fulfill their role as centers of learning, information and community service.

My personal favorite "things" were those that were useful for the classroom or school library, as well as the apps that related to my interests outside of work.  Dragon Dictation, the Hennepin County Library App, Free Books, the Bill Nye the Science Guy app and several others could all be used to enhance the classroom and make learning easier for students (and teachers) and provide an engaging learning environment.  Apps are, at times, very user specific, but I felt like there were many uses for these apps in the school or library setting.  MyGarden was especially cool for me because I love gardening and I could easily see myself using the site, or even the app, in the future.  I would say that all of the apps have their uses, but these were some of the ones I either thought were the best or helped me see that mobile devices can be used for learning or, more specifically - learning in the library!

It was easy to connect with others and share what I learned because I am taking classes to become a school librarian.  Classmates and I shared information and traded experiences, which was especially helpful as I worked through all 23 "things."  Sharing and reflecting together is an important part of the process because it helps one see things from different points of view.  It certainly helps me see more value in apps I didn't personally like, such as Pinterest.  Several classmates seemed to really enjoy using it.

The thing that surprised me the most about this program was how much it helped me see the usefulness of mobile apps and the extent to which they can be used for reference and learning.  Also, surprising to me was the fact I found some of the apps very fun - Bill Nye was a blast, as was Temple Run and ipadio.  Apps like those may someday convince me to buy my own mobile device, such as an ipad.  Sometimes it was shocking just how many uses the apps have - and how interesting they can be to use.

The program was revelatory for me, so it's difficult for me to comment on what could be done differently.  My only suggestion would be that if another 23 Things is done in the future, it may be useful to put together a completely library-specific program that leaves out some of the games and social networking apps; or perhaps do a 23 Things for school libraries.  All-in-all, I thought the suggestions for different apps were appropriate and provided users with ideas for the future.  There isn't much I would change, actually.

I would participate in another program like this one to help continue my learning about mobile devices and apps, especially if, as mentioned previously, it would directly apply to library studies or school libraries.  I think a 23 Things for school libraries would be a great idea because many schools are eliminating school library positions due to administrations not seeing the value of having a school librarian or media specialist.  Providing school librarians with an opportunity to discover new skills and new ways to integrate technology into the classroom would help them keep school libraries vibrant as centers of learning within school buildings.

Describing my learning in one sentence: Before doing 23 Mobile Things, I had no idea a person could do so much with an ipad!