As we partner with Apple, it is a partnership. Unlike our Window vendors, we are getting more than just computers delivered to our door step. Apple supports our school with training and professional development for teachers and for the IT staff. The IT support includes on-site support for our students and staff as well.
Professional development for teachers has several different avenues to impact teachers in the classroom. Some involve attending conferences with other educators. Other options include having educators that specialize in effective technology integration visit our campus and work with teachers. I have attended Apple Professional Development (APD) training sessions and the facilitators are quality educators that can demonstrate classroom uses. Actually, these trainers are required to also be in the classroom at least part of the time with their full-time job assignments. By utilizing Apple training opportunities, we are able to screen out professional development opportunities and participate in high quality, strategic sessions that move our school forward. These training events do more than just focus on Apple applications. Training includes the use of many Web 2.0 tools that can be used with either platform.
In addition to specific professional development, we are connected with other Apple schools that are implementing similar 1:1 laptop programs. The connections to other schools is a powerful way to network with similar schools and build from each other. We are already connected through associations with Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and the East Asia Regional Council of Overseas Schools (EARCOS). Although Apple is not a specific association, the network and facilitation of Apple to share ideas between schools acts in similar ways. As a result of our exploration of Apple, we have already begun to build partnerships in other areas like IB with 2 others schools running similar programs.
If apple is so easy to use then why do teachers need to be supported by training. I have never heard anywhere that microsoft products need training. This post shows that you are blindly in love with Mac and your lack of awareness.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome to your opinion. However, I would suggest you do some further research on standard practices, and best practices, in quality K-12 schools before you draw final conclusions. Schools spend a lot of time, energy and resources to make teachers as effective as possible. Research shows this is the most powerful way to improve learning for students. We have done significant training and professional development for teachers while on the Windows platform and will continue to do so with the Mac OS. Our training is more than just computer skills--it is about using computer skills to improve learning. It focuses on best teaching practices.
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