Apps of Interest

The number of available apps is enormous and growing every day! Here are some noteworthy products (many of which have been used in NOVA classes) recommended by faculty, staff, and administrators, as well as students.

ELI Mobile App

Coming soon! ELI is currently developing a mobile app designed specifically for distance learning students.  Students enrolled in ELI’s online courses will have access to valuable information and resources available from any mobile device. Here are just some of the features we are working on: > Direct link to Blackboard to navigate course content > Quick reference list of the critical dates for all ELI sessions within     a semester > Direct access to chat with ELI staff > List of all ELI courses and degree programs available > Up-to-date testing information and testing center schedules > Link to schedule online proctoring services > Access to online tutoring services for ELI students > ELI staff directory quick reference list > Access to ELI’s Virtual Student Union and ELIfe Blog > Connect to ELI’s social media sites including Facebook, Twitter     and LinkedIn > Links to NOVA course resources, videos and podcasts ELI will launch the @ELI App in spring and we want to hear from you.  Email us at elilearn@nvcc.edu and tell us what features you would like to see included on a mobile app designed specifically for online students.

Course Resources

	Blackboard Mobile Learn—Access Bb courses from anywhere
	RK-83 Graphing Calculator (.99) – All of the functions of the TI-83 graphing calculator used in many math courses right on your iphone
	Medical Anatomy Pronunciations—Listen to accurate pronunciations of important anatomy terms
	Grammar App—Tutorials, exercises, and references for grammar usage, word selection, and vocabulary
	Newseum—lets you use a map to connect to the front page and website of newspapers all over the country
	Cram (3.99) – Create flash cards and exam review materials to use anytime, anywhere
	Audionote – Record a lecture while taking notes, and later sync material
	aNote (Awesome Note)—Taking notes to a whole new level
	iBrainstorm—Multi-device collaboration tool

Productivity

	Yasp!–Android student planner
	NoteRec--Record a lecture while taking notes on your Android device
	Edmodo--Send notes, post replies, and check messages
	Prezi Viewer–View “Prezi” presentations on your mobile device
	CloudOn–Use Microsoft Office on your device (an Android version is coming)
	Genius Scan–Turn your iPhone/iPad camera into a scanner (of sorts) that will convert the photos to a PDF document
	Dragon Dictation—Voice recognition application with which you can speak and instantly see your text or email messages
	Book Creator for iPad (4.99)–Create and publish you own works from an iPad
	jabberPad–Collaborative whiteboard to draw and share information
	Educreations Interactive Whiteboard–Create and share lessions and material right on your Apple device

Research/Edcuational

	TED–View riveting lectures from TED Talks
	Fine Art - The Great Masters – View great works of art in the palm of your hand

Communication

	Skype—Call, video call and instant message anyone else on Skype for free
	Webex—Take your web meetings anywhere
	Google+--Share and keep up with people no matter where you are
	MightyMeeting—Present at the right place and the right time, locally or remotely

eBook Readers

	iBooks – eBook reader for iOS
	Kindle—Read Kindle books, newspapers, magazines, textbooks and PDFs and sync you last page read, bookmarks, and more
	Nook—Read NOOK books, magazines and newspapers, with thousands of free books and sample books
	Overdrive Media Console--For borrowing eBooks from many public libraries

Online (Cloud) Storage

	SkyDrive—Store your files here and access them from virtually any device
	Dropbox–Cloud based file storage

Other Helpful/Fun Utilities

	Gas Buddy—Lets you use a map to find the cheapest gas
	AroundMe—Quickly find nearby banks, gas stations, hospitals, restaurants, and much more
	Google Goggles--use your device's camera to find out information about anything you can photograph

Security Tips for using your Mobile Device

If you have a smart phone, Android phone, iPhone or iPad, you should have created a Passcode that acts as a password to allow access to your phone (and is required if you link to college email).  On a iPhone or iPad, it is just a four digit number.  You set it up under the Settings icon.  You can even set up how quickly it comes on to protect your phone when the phone is inactive.  You would be amazed at how much personal information is on your phone that would put you at risk if the phone is lost or stolen.  A Passcode helps protect you.

For iPhone and iPad users, you should also set up the Find my iPhone/iPad feature.  It is a free app and would help you find your phone if it gets lost/stolen or wipe all the data if necessary.  You can go to any computer and find out where the device is located.  If you have not done this, I strongly recommend it!  Here is a link to more information (you will also have to set up a free iCloud App) http://www.apple.com/icloud/features/find-my.html  and http://support.apple.com/kb/PH2697 .  You can always use google to find more help in setting it up if you need more.

Also, if you use DropBox, iCloud or other similar general storage that lets you easily move things between devices, be careful about storing sensitive or private information.  You may use to move things around, but be sure to delete anything sensitive and not use them as a permanent secure storage site (like student grades or tax returns).

Finally, please please remember that you never ever send your login and password to anyone.  No legitimate source will ever ask for them—no matter how official or how scary an email might look.  Even if you get an email from what looks like our Help Desk telling you your email will be cut off, or from the FBI, or from your Bank—if they ask for you to send a login and password it is ALWAYS a FRAUD!!

Where can I get more information?

• iPad stuff--Try the App Store
• Android stuff--Try the Google Play Store

 

Want to recommend an app? Let us know: eliitsupport@nvcc.edu