Zotero Software and the Mobile Devices - Updated

Martha sent me a link from the Chronicle that discussed a way to use Zotero on the iPad.  Good information but the save process in the original article was flawed. Adam's comment for this blog post provided the updated article URL at http://chronicle.com/blogs/profhacker/the-zotero-bookmarklet-for-the-ipad-and-iphone/44490

The corrected process worked!  I dragged the "Save to Zotero" button to Safari bookmarklets. When I clicked the bookmarklet, the webpage was saved to Zotero.  It even picked up the fact that the webpage was a blog!  See the screenshot below:

Note:  Zotero is now a standalone app for Mac and Microsoft Windows computers.

The good news is that the process provided the opportunity to explore citation software and iPad integration. The not so good news is that development is not a one-click solution as of yet.   The resources I found are:

• ZotPad ($9.99) - allows access to Zotero libraries from a mobile device.  It is available from the Apple app store at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/zotpad/id497260579?mt=8 
• BibUp (free) - has a barcode reader to scan in the name and author(s) of books.  Afterwards, you have to use other steps to get the rest of the citation data. It is available from the Apple app store at https://itunes.apple.com/app/bibup-universite-de-fribourg/id418304170?mt=8  Interesting - that I could not find it using the app store search tool, but had to search on the Internet and follow the cookie trail into the back door of the app store.

For additional information about Zotero and mobile devices, go to http://www.zotero.org/support/mobile

eBook Progress

I have been writing an eBook, Introduction to Data Analysis for Healthcare Professionals: Spreadsheet and Database Applications, for several weeks. As noted previously, the plan is to have the book in the Apple iBooks store at no charge.  I plan to use iBooks Author, so for the moment, am writing the book using MS Word.  To prepare the text for iBooks Author, I will save the text as a text file (.txt).  Once the final draft is completed, I will copy the text into iBooks Author.  The next steps will be to add the graphics and video files. I will design the videos as the last.The videos will be created using ScreenFlow.

I am considering publishing a version in the Amazon bookstore as an ePub file.  I will copy the text from MS Word into Apple iWork Pages and save the file in the ePub format. Of course the ePub book will not have the interactive features that are possible with iBooks Author. 

I have chapters about spreadsheets and databases in a good working draft form.  I have started a chapter on using FileMaker Pro tutorials.  I will be covering the following:

• Spreadsheet software
• Microsoft (MS) Excel
• Apple iWork Numbers
• Google Drive Spreadsheets
• Free spreadsheet software (desktop and cloud apps)
•  Database software
• FileMaker Pro (available for  MS Windows and Mac PCs - about, includes history
• FileMaker Go
• MS Access - about, includes history
• Free database software (desktop and cloud apps)
• Spreadsheet tutorials for using
• MS Excel
• Apple iWork Numbers
• Google Drive Spreadsheets
• Database tutorials for using
• FileMaker Pro for the Mac (MS Windows users should be able to find equivalent menus)
• FileMaker Go
• MS Access

I welcome any suggestions for the eBook. 

Google Drive Update - Share Files Up to 10GB in Size

A few weeks ago, I noted that Google Drive, which was released in April 2012, is an app (similar to Dropbox) for desktop (Mac & Microsoft Windows) and mobile devices.  According to a Google blog post yesterday, Google now provides the ability to upload files up to 10 GB in size! That places a whole new facet for sharing.  For more information, read the blog at http://gmailblog.blogspot.com/2012/11/gmail-and-drive-new-way-to-send-files.html

If I am interpreting the information correctly, the recipients would need to have a gmail address.  Notice that Microsoft recently announced changes to SkyDrive.  With resources such as Google Drive, SkyDrive, and Dropbox, it means is that we have more choices for sharing files and syncing  them with the cloud.   Enjoy!

Creating a touchscreen glove to the iPad, iPod, or iPhone

I read a DIY column today about how to sew a few stitches of conductive thread into the finger tip of a glove so that you do not have to remove the glove to use the mobile device.  Actually there are several blog tutorials and YouTube videos on the topic.  One blog is at http://www.geek.com/articles/gadgets/diy-make-any-pair-of-gloves-touchscreen-capable-with-just-a-couple-stitches-of-thread-20091130/ 

From what I read the conductive thread is "hairy" as it is made metal fiber - so the recommendation is to wax the thread before threading a needle and sewing a few stitches in the tip of the glove.  You can purchase small amounts of thread for less than $3.00 (excluding any shipping charges).  One example is  http://www.karlssonrobotics.com/shop/conductive-thread-bobbin-30ft/?gclid=CO7MlJDD8rMCFQu0nQodTxwAtw 

Of course you can search the Internet yourself using the search word "conductive thread."  

Creating Sparklines with Google Drive Spreadsheets

In my spare time over the last few days, I have been working on my eBook about data analysis apps.  I discovered that Google Drive Spreadsheet allow users to create Sparklines!  Sparklines allow us to visualize trends within a single spreadsheet cell.  For example, you could show a trend for hemaglobin A1C, blood sugars, any blood chemistry value, or body temperature changes.  There is a great video on the topic by Google Gooru on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDB_TKcHh_0&feature=player_embeddedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDB_TKcHh_0&feature=player_embedded

Search Techniques for a Mac

Today, it is Thanksgiving here in the United States.  I just finished preparing all of the family favorite foods for a turkey and dressing dinner this evening, so have time post a blog.

Chris Been just posted a great article on how to search using a Mac on MacWorld at http://www.macworld.com/article/2014722/mac-101-seek-and-find.html.  If you are new to the Mac you may have overlooked the magnifying glass, called Spotlight, at the top right corner of the home screen.  Chris goes over some search techniques that many of use may have overlooked.

Did you know that you can search by key word, for example, name, author, kind, and/or date? To search by author, you would type author: Sewell. To search by author and kind, you would type author: Sewell  kind:image.  Furthermore, like on the Windows PC, you can specify where you want to search. 

Apple Numbers Spreadsheet Software Tutorials

I am working on writing my eBook for the ePublishing project.  One of the spreadsheet software discussed in the book will be Apple Numbers from iWork.  It is fascinating to see the differences between Numbers and Excel.  The most significant difference is that Numbers allows the user to have a "canvas" where multiple tables (individual spreadsheets) and charts can be displayed.  The second most notable difference is the ease at which the user can change the display of data.  The third big difference is the number of templates for the user to choose from when opening the program. Excel users will be pleasantly surprised.

There are a number of tutorials for learning Numbers.  The Apple iWork website has a number of short tutorials at https://www.apple.com/iwork/tutorials/#numbers

Of course, YouTube is always a great source for tutorials.  Other tutorials can be located at Lynda.com.  I will be posting some of the Lynda.com tutorials that can be shared on this blog, although they are all probably available on YouTube, too.

The Lynda.com Essentials tutorial is online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Uq_DYR0Vi8
I have embedded that video below.

Call for Papers - 6th Annual Emerging Technologies for Online Learning International Symposium

Dear Readers:

As a track chair for the 6th Annual Emerging Technologies for Online Learning International Symposium (April 9-11, - Planet Hollywood Resort- Las Vegas), I would like to bring to your attention our Call for Presentations and invite you to submit a proposal. The Emerging Technologies for Online Learning International Symposium, a joint Symposium of Sloan Consortium and MERLOT, is designed to bring together individuals interested in the review and evaluation of online teaching and learning technologies. Proposals for presentations must be submitted by December 10, 2012 at http://sloanconsortium.org/conference/2013/et4online/call-for-presentations .

The ET4Online Symposium offers you an opportunity to study best practices, understand applications, discover new technologies, and connect to others who share a love for and belief in the promise of educational technology.  In 2012 the symposium developed a new mission statement designed to emphasize the innovation and invention that is the focus of the conference: A conference devoted to the emerging and innovative uses of technology designed to improve teaching and learning online.  Symposium tracks highlight and demonstrate research, application and effective practices and noteworthy technological tools in the following areas:

·         Learning Spaces and Communities

·         Open and Accessible Learning  

·         Evidence-based Learning  

·         Faculty and Student Development

·         Innovative Media and Tools

Faculty, students, instructional designers, instructional technologists and academic administrators are encouraged to submit proposals which are engaging, informative and interactive. These sessions can be targeted to all attendees or beginners, intermediates, or experts.

If you are interested in submitting a proposal for this conference, plan to join us for our FREE webinar “Five Tips on How to Submit a Successful Conference Proposal”.  The goal of this webinar is to assist you in submitting a successful abstract to the Call for Presentations.

November 29, 2012 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm (Eastern Time)

For today’s educator, selection as a conference presenter is often required in order to attend a conference. For every online learning conference, educators submit and conference committees evaluate hundreds of proposals in order to create a robust program for conference attendees. The number of proposals accepted for a conference depends on program size, topics covered and quality of abstracts submitted. Join this free webinar to learn from experts on the Sloan Consortium and MERLOT Conference Team what they are looking for in proposal submissions. Topics covered will include the importance of topic selection, what reviewers look for in a proposal submission, and tips from track chairs on how final selections are made.  Please login or register to sign up for this webinar.

New Microsoft SkyDrive Sync Feature

Microsoft has updated SkyDrive to allow users to sync files, but the feature is only available for PC users with Windows 7, 8, and Mac OSx.  According to the article below, the feature has some interesting features.  For example you must sync a folder or all loose files.  You cannot select which particular file to sync. I cannot replicate the feature yet, because today I am working on a laptop with Windows XP.  The sync feature would be helpful for those:

• Using a device with limited storage
• Needing to have an iCloud backup

You can read more at http://www.pcworld.com/article/2014283/microsoft-adds-selective-sync-to-skydrive-cloud-storage.html

Interesting, that although I had initially signed up the the (cannot remember - believe it was 25 GB) of storage and then told Microsoft that I wanted to maintain that storage, I am now limited to 7 GB.  When SkyDrive was first offered, it also provided Office web apps.  That feature is not available today on this computer. 

Making the Mac Easier to View

A colleague using a 17" MacBook Pro asked for advice on making the screen easier to view.  Believe that the easiest fix is to change the screen resolution (similar to what is done on a Windows computer).  The percentage of viewers for this blog is up significantly to 40%, so thought that the information might be helpful.

Here is how to change the resolution:

• From the homepage click on the Apple icon
• Click System Preferences
• Click Display
• Click Scaled Resolution
• Click on the icon of your preference

Of course, if you are viewing a webpage, you can make it larger or smaller by clicking the Command key plus either the Plus or Minus key to alter the view.  On a windows computer, click the CTRL and Plus or Minus to alter the view.

iBooks Author - Another Video Tutorial from Kinetic-Media

Now that iBooks Author has been available for a few months, there are additional resources for learning how to use it.  Jeff Batt from Kinetic-Media recorded his 1-hour session on using iBooks Author and posted on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7D0tPNeXXro.  I have embedded the presentation below.

If you are considering doing a workshop on how to use iBooks Author - beware of potential bandwidth problems if you want the participants to access the Internet.  When I co-presented on using iBooks Author at the Sloan C/MERLOT conference last July,  bandwidth issues were significant.  Participants were attempting to download the software, but could not.  That is a reason to consider recording your session, like Jeff did.  Of course, if we had anticipated the issue, we could have asked participants to download the software ahead of time.

Note, there is a 2.33 minute advertisement that you can skip to view the video.

iBooks Author - Learning More

At our last ePublishing meeting a couple of weeks ago, JW recommended reviewing Lynda.com for the video tutorials on iBooks Author.  After reviewing about half of the 5+ hour tutorials - I completely agree.  The tutorials provide a visual approach to creating eBooks with iBooks Author.  I clearly see now how to keep the approach simple. Basically, the "easy" approach is to create a folder with all of the files used for the book:

• Chapter titles and subtitles
• Section titles and subtitles
• Chapter pages text
• Photos/screenshots
• Videos
• Other

You can use text from:

• Text files
• Pages word processing files
• Word word processing files

I do not see any advantage of using Pages or Word file types if you have already created chapters using iBooks Author because when you import the documents, they are imported as a chapter and you have to clean the information up.  Of course, you could create all of your chapters in either Pages or Word.  That said, using text (.txt) files is easy because when you slide over or copy/paste the .txt info, iBooks Author defaults to the text file type used for the book.

If you don't have access to Lynda.com or want to purchase access to the video tutorials - there is a free solution.  Learn iBooks Author by DIY Journo  has created many (25 as of this writing) short tutorials. To view a menu of the tutorials, go to http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5F5025728444BBA5&feature=plcp

Remember that iBooks Author is available only for the Mac.  I realize that less than 10% of my readers are Mac users.  If you are a Windows PC user, consider using a word processor to create your eBook.  There are applications available to save the file to an ePub file type where it can be distributed to eBook stores such as Amazon and Apple iBooks.

The book I am writing is entitled Data Analysis for Healthcare Professionals: Spreadsheet and Database Applications. It will address the many types of spreadsheet applications, but focus on Excel.  It will also demonstrate use of FileMaker Pro and Excel, but focus on FileMaker Pro because it works on a Windows PC, the Mac, and the iPad.  I plan to incorporate video tutorials and lots of screenshots. Hopefully, a working draft will be available for a course I am teaching spring semester.  Of course, the final eBook will be free and hopefully available from the Apple iBooks Store.  A couple ePublishing team members are writing eBooks on statistics.  Perhaps my eBook will complement their works.

If readers of this blog have suggestions about content they envision for the eBook - please share! 

iBooks Author - Newest Version Updates

The newest edition of iBooks Author provides access to additional templates.  The first edition provided 6 templates.  In contrast, the current edition offers 9 templates for landscape with portrait viewing and 6 for portrait only viewing.  It is important to remember that everything about each of the templates is editable and the edits can be saved as a new template.  The main differences are the location of text and pictures and the styles of fonts used.  The current edition of iBooks Author provides the following templates for landscape and portrait view:

• Basic
• Contemporary
• Modern Type
• Classic
• Editorial
• Craft
• Photo Book
• Antique
• Cookbook

The following templates are available for portrait only viewing:

• Classic Text
• Photo Book
• Modern Basic
• Gazette
• Biography
• Charcoal

The two templates that interest me from a personal perspective are the 2 Photo Book templates and the Cookbook template.  Perhaps Apple will develop a Genealogy Template for me, although the Classic template may be perfect for adaptation.  Hopefully, one day we will have the opportunity to travel to Montana and Finland where I can incorporate photos and genealogy database information into an eBook.

Years ago, when Wayne and I traveled to France, I created a paper scrapbook for the trip memories.  An eBook would be a better solution because of the ability to share it with others.  Will keep creating an eBook in mind when we travel to Italy in a few weeks.

Use of Mobile Apps for Health Information on the Increase

In the Informatics and Nursing textbook, we have mentioned PEW reports on the use of technology several times.  A new 2012 report provides insight on the use of mobile apps for health information.  You can review the summary of the report or download the entire report at http://pewinternet.org/Reports/2012/Mobile-Health.aspx

In brief - 3,014 English and Spanish speaking people in the United States participated in the study. Interviews were conducted using cell phones and land line phones. Of the participants, 85% owned a cell phone and 53% of the cell phones were smart phones.  Health information was accessed by 53% of smartphone owners and 5% of non-smartphone owners. 

Those statistics are amazing!  It means that cell phones are empowering healthcare consumers.  The challenge that remains is to assist healthcare consumers to scrutinize the validity of websites that they are accessing. 

Genealogy

Interesting - one of my hobbies, other than cooking, writing, research, (used to be sewing) and teaching (that could also be noted as my profession :-), is genealogy.  The challenging point for me is my grandmother's Finnish/Swedish family members on my mother's side of the family.  I have made good progress tracing the family using Google translate of Finnish and Swedish websites back to the 1600's.  I do not have verification of all of the family relationships, but have some confidence with the data.  I am very fortunate to have contact with a Finnish cousin who speaks and reads four languages, thanks to the Internet.  Google Chrome has been very helpful identifying websites written in other languages and offering to help translate them. Hopefully, Wayne and I will have an opportunity to visit Finland and meet some our my Finnish cousins.  I am very fortunate to have had a grandmother who sparked the genealogy quest with the help of one of her cousins in the 1960's. In contrast, my father said the no one talked about ancestors for his family.  As a result, I have dead ends at about 1800 with that research.

Understanding the Mac - Menus

Chris Been has written two new columns about the Mac menus.  The first is "Diving into Menus, Part 1" at http://www.macworld.com/article/2013353/mac-101-diving-into-menus-part-1.html

The second is "Diving into Menus, Part 2" at http://www.macworld.com/article/2013626/mac-101-diving-into-menus-part-2.html

Even experienced Mac users can learn something from these two fundamentals articles. In the first article learn about Force Quit (equivalent to CTRL ALT Delete in Windows to force an application to quit). Learn about Smart Folders and Burn Folders. 

The Mac does things that Windows computers still are unable to do. 

Understanding the Mac - Input Devices

The iPad has opened up new doors to users considering a switch to the Mac.  The Mac is discussed in the 4th edition of the Nursing and Informatics textbook, but not with any kind of depth.  Prior to the 4th edition, hospitals and healthcare provider offices were strictly Windows computer users.  That aspect is changing.  The Mac and iPad are being used increasingly more in healthcar

If you are using a Windows Computer, you may have some initial confusion until you realize the differences.  The most important thing is to realize that the Command key on the Mac is used instead of the Control key on Windows devices.  Chris Bean writes a wonderful Mac 101 column for MacWorld.  Last week he wrote an article about Mac input devices and discussed information like the keyboard.

The keyboard on the Mac and iPad do some things that are very helpful.  For example, allowing users to easily type special characters.  One of my hobbies is genealogy and part of my ancestry is Finnish.  When typing the name Soderman, I need it to be spelled correctly as Söderman.  It is easy on the Mac and iPod because you simply hold the "o" key down to get a display of the different options for the letter o.  The same works for other vowels.

To learn more about Mac input devices, read Chris Bean's column at http://www.macworld.com/article/2013002/mac-101-your-input-devices.html 

Text to Speech App - Voice Dream Reader

Yesterday, our ePublishing Learning Committee had a fantastic meeting where we shared our progress creating eBook as well as new software and mobile apps.  We left the meeting exhilerated and relaxed. One of the apps discussed was Voice Dream Reader at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/voice-dream-reader-text-to/id496177674?mt=8

It is compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation) and iPad. Requires iOS 5.0 or later. This app is optimized for iPhone 5.  It is available in 20 different languages and 55 voices.  The full version of the app costs $9.99 although there is a lite version that reads 300 characters at a time and has to be restarted.

This app would be fantastic for anyone who is visually impaired.  It would also be great if you needed to read a document but couldn't because you were traveling or any other setting where reading is difficult.  When LG was talking about the app, we all LOL because he said it "READS EVERYTHING" on the document including headers.

A YouTube video on the app is noted below.

Learning from Mistakes - iTunes Match

When I got my new iPhone, iPad, and MacBook Pro - I was not thinking ahead!  I turned in the old MacBook Pro without saving all of the MANY copies of music CD's (like 500 songs).  OMG - not a good thing.  I attempted to make a backup of my music library, but ran into problems because the file would not synch.  Am working on correcting the problem without having to copy all of my music CD's by using iMatch.  Yes, it costs money, but in the short term, it should be worth it if it works.