Menasha District Library Newsletter - January 2014 The Technology Issue

January 2014
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What apps should I load on my device?

Recommended Apps  Overdrive Media Console is a free app that connects you to our school and public library Overdrive accounts.  Check out free eBooks and audiobooks.  Available for Android, iOs (apple devices), Kindle Fire, and Nook Tablets. Google Drive is a free app that connects you to all of your files in your google drive.  It's the best way to access Google Drive from a mobile device.  It available for Android and iOs. Gmail - If you want to a fast way to read your work email from your device you will want to download this app.  Available on Android and iOs. Smart Voice Recorder - great way to record students or leave your yourself voice memos.  For Android QuickVoice voice recorder - great way to record students or leave your yourself voice memos.  For iOs

Technology Workshop Offered January 16th

We'll be offering a workshop on getting the most out of your new technology.  No pre-set agenda, just come with your technology and questions.  Even if your technology isn't new you can join us! Staff, parents, students, and community members are welcome.  Please share with everyone!  Sign up can be found here: http://goo.gl/IwhBf3  (we will not fix or repair during this session, just show you how to get the most out of your technology)

Looking to buy technology?  Questions to ask yourself before hitting the stores

1. What do I want to do with the technology?

• Do you just want to check email and surf the web?  Then you do not need a computer with all the bells and whistles.  For simple web surfing you can buy a basic laptop or desktop, Chromebook, or tablet.
• If you want to be able to create videos or play computer games (and we are not talking Candy Crush here) you will need to spend a little more money to buy a laptop or desktop with good graphics and more memory.

2. Where do you want to use the technology?

• If you want to be able to use your technology at school, home, and anywhere else a tablet, laptop, or Chromebook will be the answer.
• If you simply want to use it at home a desktop or laptop is probably the solution.

3. What do I know how to use already?

• Consider what you already know how to use, to minimize the learning curve.  For example, if you have an Android phone you may want to consider an Android tablet.  If you have an iPhone and are looking at tablets, the iPad will probably be the way to go.  Android and Apple products work much the same, so there is not that much of a learning curve between them depending on your technology savvy.

4. How much are you willing to spend?

• Unless you are a tech geek and know how to use all the latest software and gadgets, you don't need to go out and buy the newest and coolest devices on the market.