Have You ifttt Yet?

I heard about this web tool awhile ago but really did not do anything with it until this spring break.  ifttt is short for "If this, then that."  Click HERE for direct access to the website.  The concept is very simple.  In fact, the slogan on the main page of ifttt is "Put the internet to work for you!"  Basically, there are about 2 dozen 'channels' or accounts that you can choose from to connect to one another.  Such channels are Twitter, Blogger, Gmail, Evernote, Dropbox, Linkin, Google Reader, etc.  There are thousands of 'recipes' that you choose from to connect accounts together.  For instance, lets say anytime you have favorited a tweet from your Twitter account, you can have ifttt send that favorited tweet directly to your Evernote account for you to access at another time. (If I favorite a tweet, then send to Evernote). Another example would be, If I add a blog post to my blogger account, then tweet it out from my Twitter account automatically. Another one could be, if it will rain tomorrow, then send me an email. The possibilities are endless.  This application most definitely can do all of the work for you to make your life easier.  I HIGHLY recommend you check out this tool if you have not done so already. It really is awesome.

Did I Say That YOU Can Make Your Own APP?

This website came to my attention this week by Deb Rodd, a coworker of mine in the Bedford School District.  With this website, you are able to create a FREE web app that can be downloaded to any smart phone.  Thus, you will not find the apps that I created on the Apps store or the Android Market.  (That is not to say that I could not take it to the next level and pay money to make it an app.)  The best part?...A person does not need to have the iPhone or the Droid.  This app will work on any smart phone, iPod touch, iPad, or browser.  No one is left out!

HOW IT WORKS:

• You create a FREE account through mobile conduit.
• You determine the look and components of the app to share the necessary information you want to provide.
• You publish the App and provide the website for people to access the App.
• People determine how they want to view the App.
• They can Scan the QR code
• They can provide an email to download the App.
• They can add the App as a browser app.

Two apps have been created thus far.  We have the official BHS App as well as the BHS Tech Integration App.  To view and download these apps, click on the links below.

BHS App

This app provides users access to:

• Hagen's Blog
• Twitter Feeds (Bedford High School as well as BHSUnleashed)
• Bedford High School Facebook Page
• Daily Announcements
• School Information (as well as link to website)
• School Calendar
• BHS YouTube Channel

BHS Tech Integration App

This app provides BHS teachers access to:

• Sheil's twitter feed (public twitter feed used for instructional purposes)
• Tech Happenings Blog
• BHS Tech Website
• (And more to come)

This possibilities are endless with this COOL tool.  You can link Twitter and Facebook accounts, YouTube channel, Calendars, RSS feeds, as well as create custom pages.  Anyone who has the app can view the Twitter or Facebook feeds regardless if they have accounts on either platform.

This application can be used for multiple purposes.  Teachers could create their own app to provide students a quick way of finding necessary information for their class.  If a teacher were to take this approach, he/she would have to keep in mind the importance of not linking personal accounts to the App.

To get started, visit the website.  Beware however, as it will take an entire evening of your time!

If you have any questions regarding this cool tool, you know where to find me.  A possible training will be in the near future for anyone interested.