2.0 Apple Vanguard: Day 1
11:44:00 AM
We are excited to be having an Apple Vanguard program again this year. This program consists of 24 hours of training over the course of the school year. These trainings will be delivered by the district's own Apple Foundations Trainers, the Instructional Technology Coaches.
Apple, like the district, believes technology should be invisible in the classroom. Technology is not curriculum itself separate from the rest of the curriculum, but just a tool used to deliver it. Just as your smartphone has been woven into your daily life for the purpose of getting tasks done throughout the day in an efficient or previously unavailable manner, technology in the classroom should serve the same purpose.
Day 1~October 2016
During our first day of the program we observed great collaboration, sharing and new ideas. Teachers were taking risks and realized trying something new was energizing and impactful. We tried to foster and create an experience that helps teachers immerse their students in more opportunities filled with creativity and discovery. In this personalized learning experience, favorite snacks were on hand, favorite tunes were playing, flexible spaces to work were created and "flipped" stations were designed to foster opportunities for self-paced learning. Various creative tools shared included applications such as iMovie, Photo Slideshow, Pages, PicCollage, InstaQuote and more. 
However, the day was not all about tools, it was a day that focused on how to create a culture of learning in their classroom. In order to create this culture, a foundation of the ISTE student standards was built in connection with the SAMR model & instructional opportunities in our classrooms.
An engaging discussion happened in all three sessions about the Apple Learning Verbs and how to create more opportunities for more of these actions in their classrooms.
A book study began using George Couros' book "The Innovator's Mindset" which led to great discussion and reflection. Here are a few of the quotes that were chosen as highlights from the section 1 jigsaw.
In December, we will be visiting Berwyn 100 which is an Apple Distinguished School District. We are looking forward to experiencing and observing new possibilities to bring back innovative practices to our students and staff. As we know, a true change in culture means immersing ourselves in new learning opportunities. As George Couros states, “We rarely create something different until we experience something different.”
If you are curious who your Apple Vanguard teachers are at your building, look for a similar sign in their classroom or on their door. We know they would love to share a tip or two with you!
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