I was a bit of a smartphone holdout. Due to the fact that I live in an area where my only national options are Verizon, Alltel (now AT&T), and Cellular One, I had limited options. Cellular One had ripped me off when I left Alaska and I promised them they'd never get another dime of mine! I probably would have jumped on the iPhone bandwagon, since I had an iPod Touch and liked it, but two years ago that wasn't an option. So I pressed on with my old flip phone for years after the iPhone came out, since I never could quite understand the appeal of Blackberrys.
Eventually, however, the Android operating system developed to the point of being usable. I got myself a Droid X and I've been pleased with it overall. The app selection is just fine. I like the face that I can configure everything and download all sorts of apps from both the Google Market and the free app of the day from the Amazon App Store. I love having the built in GPS, synchronized contacts with my Gmail, and it's a decent phone as well.
Since I've gotten my phone, I've noticed more others with smartphones. I've been wondering if smartphones have passed a tipping point as I've noticed more and more people using them. I'm curious what percentage of us youth-worker-type-folk carry smart phones. I'm curious if we can design an app for the ELCA Youth Gathering and assume that people will have smartphones to use it. Or am I only noticing them because I have one?
So I'd love some feedback in the comments. Do you have a smartphone? Do you still use a standard phone? Do you install lots of apps? What's your favorite app? Would you use a Gathering app? Is it too busy at the Gathering to even bother? What features would you like in such an app? Comment below or send me a note at techgeek@elcaymnet.org.
Eventually, however, the Android operating system developed to the point of being usable. I got myself a Droid X and I've been pleased with it overall. The app selection is just fine. I like the face that I can configure everything and download all sorts of apps from both the Google Market and the free app of the day from the Amazon App Store. I love having the built in GPS, synchronized contacts with my Gmail, and it's a decent phone as well.
Since I've gotten my phone, I've noticed more others with smartphones. I've been wondering if smartphones have passed a tipping point as I've noticed more and more people using them. I'm curious what percentage of us youth-worker-type-folk carry smart phones. I'm curious if we can design an app for the ELCA Youth Gathering and assume that people will have smartphones to use it. Or am I only noticing them because I have one?
So I'd love some feedback in the comments. Do you have a smartphone? Do you still use a standard phone? Do you install lots of apps? What's your favorite app? Would you use a Gathering app? Is it too busy at the Gathering to even bother? What features would you like in such an app? Comment below or send me a note at techgeek@elcaymnet.org.
Comments
app, unless it had some real utility to it. In other words, would it make the extravaganza a better/more effective experience? If yes, then I would use it.
States they put all most of their info, including nightly devos online -- with the idea folks would read things on their phone. While nice to have on the phone and certainly a paper saver -- most of my youth weren't able to access the info. Two of eight had
internet on their phones. One didn't even have a cell phone. I have trouble reading off of the screen as my eyes age -- yes I can make it bigger, but then I'm scrolling every few words which is tough if the signal is weak. I'd be concerned about having a Gathering
app if it meant that there would be things not available somewhere else on paper. It would create a have/have not situation -- and imply that having a smart phone was something everyone should have. I'm not sure this is a good signal for our youth. For us
with the technology it'd be fun, but I'm not sure it would be necessary.
they have many other benefits and features I would like. I do anticipate that I may jump on the bandwagon in February when I am able to upgrade. As for a Gathering app...I think it is a mixed bag. I am greatly opposed to youth using phones when away on mission
trips and gatherings as it distracts and takes away from the full experience, but being in a big city with lots of people I will allow them to come on a need to use basis. That being said, a gathering could connect and entice some youth who are tech savvy
and like that sort of thing. Maybe such things as attendance statistics updates or check ins etc. Sort of like Disney's Mousewait for the Theme Parks. I am curious to see other responses!
to be focused and marketed to ADULTS at the Gathering as a info and update app. My youth are not allowed cell phones, laptops, iPads, etc on trips so an app would be useless for them, but if the focus was made to inform adults of changes, cancellations, updates
I think it could be invaluable.
specific service projects that pop up when they are in certain areas. Seems like many of the publishing houses that produce our curriculum don't include some kind of app that incorporates the material so it can be viewed throughout the day.
pretty impossible to hit the limit. I like my phone because I can organize my tasks and calendar easier; I can facebook, email, text, etc. on the go; and I have a GPS and camera with me at all times. Unfortunately, I've become quite addicted to games such
as Angry Birds...which isn't worth $30 more a month. I agree that youth only answer texts. It's very hard to get a hold of them, even with facebook. I think an app for would be helpful for the adults for the Gathering to get helpful information. If there was
an app for youth, I think it'd be awesome to have a blog that's open to all who attend, so they can post their experiences as they're happening. I've started a blog for my youth which I will have them take turns posting on while we're in New Orleans. When
you get home from an amazing trip and people ask "How was it?", you usually just say "Good," 'cuz you can't explain it. But if we had youth write (or even record themselves) telling their stories right when they happen, we could powerfully share their experiences
to parents and other adults/youth across the country who aren't there. Or, it allows youth to process the experience together. Also, I recommend that those who have smartphones check out the app Dropbox. It allows you to sync word documents and pictures between
your computer and phone, so you always have your work with you. Overall, I probably don't use my smartphone's capability to the point where it's worth the extra $30/mo. but I'm learning what I can do with it...
tell you the number of times I have had to use my Google Maps to get us from point A to point B. It works for walking/driving/public transportation. That eliminates the maps I need to carry around. Not to mention the ability to record memories as they happen
with twitter/facebook and picture and video capabilities with that. That way we can help keep our congregation/parents in the loop, and automatically have a journal of our experiences. Also, I can input my youth's emergency contact info as well as any info
I need to have at the time of an emergency on a Google Doc and have it at a moment's notice...the phone is a great back up. You could also potentially just scan in copies of release forms and have the info for when you are at the emergency room, and can create
a folder on your home screen. Plus then each adult gets a copy, either paper or electronic. That's my sales pitch for a smartphone... As far as an App for the Gathering. I think for adults, it's great. I know the expectation for the students I work with, is
to engage in face to face conversations, and not to use their phones (which they already are non-stop attached to). But the Gathering App could be very helpful for adults, because ideally they would have the discipline to know appropriate times to use it.
It's helpful for students to have their phones--should they become separated from the group (which in the masses of 2009, we had happen), but phones also become a crutch for students to not fully engage in the here and now, because "Susie broke up with Johnny
back home", and now that's student's attention is back home instead of with our group. So basically, I don't want my students to have "an excuse" to be on their phones--so they can fully engage in the group's experience. That's my two cents, for what it's
worth.