Explore our Professional Learning Opportunities below. Each 3-hour session accommodates up to 25 staff members and includes space rental, expert instruction, and all necessary supplies for a flat rate of $2,275. You may schedule up to two sessions per day--one in the morning block and one in the afternoon block.
Project Based Learning in a Design Sprint Model
Description: Ignite student passion and develop critical thinking skills through the dynamic combination of Project Based Learning (PBL) and the fast-paced Design Sprint methodology. This workshop will guide teachers through the process of designing and implementing engaging PBL units structured around a Design Sprint framework. Participants will learn how to:
- Frame Compelling Driving Questions: Develop real-world problems and questions that spark student curiosity and drive inquiry.
- Apply the Design Sprint Phases: Understand and adapt the key phases of a Design Sprint (Understand, Diverge, Decide, Prototype, Test) for educational projects.
- Integrate iOS Devices into PBL: Explore how iPads can be powerful tools for research, collaboration, prototyping, and showcasing student work within a PBL framework.
- Facilitate Student-Led Inquiry: Develop strategies for guiding student investigations and fostering independent learning.
- Assess Learning in a PBL Context: Explore authentic assessment methods that align with the goals of PBL and the Design Sprint process.
Teachers will leave this workshop with a clear understanding of how to structure engaging and impactful PBL experiences using a Design Sprint model, fostering innovation and problem-solving skills in their students.
Increasing Student Engagement with iPads and Design Thinking
Description: Reinvigorate your classroom and captivate your students by harnessing the power of iPads and the creative problem-solving process of Design Thinking. This interactive workshop will equip teachers with practical strategies to boost student engagement through:
- Leveraging iPad Interactivity: Exploring engaging apps and features that promote active learning, participation, and creativity.
- Introducing the Design Thinking Framework: Understanding the core principles of Design Thinking (Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test) and how to apply them in the classroom.
- Designing Engaging Learning Activities: Developing lessons and projects that incorporate Design Thinking principles and utilize the unique capabilities of iPads for research, ideation, and prototyping.
- Fostering Student Voice and Choice: Creating opportunities for students to take ownership of their learning through personalized pathways and creative expression using their iPads.
- Building a Culture of Innovation: Cultivating a classroom environment that encourages experimentation, risk-taking, and creative problem-solving.
Participants will gain practical techniques and inspiration for transforming their lessons into engaging and student-centered experiences by effectively integrating iPads and Design Thinking methodologies.
Specific Content Knowledge: Swift Mobile App Development (Introductory)
Description: Empower your students with valuable 21st-century skills by introducing them to the fundamentals of mobile app development using Swift, Apple's powerful and intuitive programming language. This introductory workshop is designed for teachers with little to no prior coding experience and will cover:
- Introduction to Swift and Xcode: Navigating the development environment and understanding basic Swift syntax.
- Core Programming Concepts: Exploring fundamental programming concepts such as variables, data types, control flow, and functions in a beginner-friendly manner.
- Basic UI Design Principles: Learning the basics of designing user interfaces for mobile apps.
- Creating Simple Interactive Apps: Hands-on activities focused on building basic, functional iOS applications.
- Integrating App Development into Curriculum: Exploring potential connections between mobile app development and various subject areas (e.g., creating interactive quizzes for math, storytelling apps for language arts, data visualization tools for science).
While this is an introductory workshop, teachers will gain a foundational understanding of Swift and iOS app development, enabling them to explore ways to introduce these valuable skills to their students and potentially foster the next generation of innovators.
Technology Integration Skills for Teachers (Beyond the Basics)
Description: Take your technology integration skills to the next level! This workshop is designed for teachers who are already comfortable using iPads in the classroom and are looking to deepen their expertise and explore more advanced strategies. Participants will delve into:
- Advanced App Workflows: Mastering more complex features and integrations within key educational apps.
- Creating Interactive Digital Resources: Learning to design engaging and interactive learning materials using various iPad tools and platforms.
- Utilizing Automation and Efficiency Tools: Discovering ways to streamline administrative tasks and enhance productivity through iPad features and apps.
- Exploring Augmented and Virtual Reality in Education: Gaining an understanding of AR/VR technologies and their potential applications for immersive learning experiences on iOS devices including the Apple Air Vision Pro.
- Developing a School-Wide Vision for Technology Integration: Engaging in discussions and activities focused on strategic technology planning and implementation at the school level.
This workshop will empower experienced iPad users to become leaders in technology integration within their schools, enabling them to effectively leverage iOS devices for deeper learning and innovation.
Practical Technology Integration for Students using iOS Devices
Description: Ready to move beyond basic iPad use in the classroom? This hands-on workshop will immerse teachers in practical strategies and workflows for seamlessly integrating iOS devices into their existing curriculum. Participants will explore a variety of high-impact applications and techniques for tasks such as:
- Content Creation: Empowering students to create dynamic presentations, engaging videos, interactive eBooks, and more directly on their iPads.
- Collaboration and Communication: Utilizing collaborative apps and features to foster teamwork, peer feedback, and effective communication both inside and outside the classroom.
- Organization and Productivity: Streamlining workflows for both teachers and students through effective file management, note-taking strategies, and the use of organizational tools.
- Accessing and Curating Resources: Discovering and utilizing high-quality educational apps and online resources to enhance learning experiences.
- Real-World Applications: Exploring case studies and examples of successful iOS integration across various subject areas.
By the end of this workshop, teachers will leave with a toolkit of practical ideas and strategies they can immediately implement to enhance student learning through purposeful and effective use of iOS devices.
Differentiation and Inclusive Practices with Technology
Description: Ensure all your students have equitable access to learning through the power of technology. This workshop will focus on leveraging the accessibility features and versatile applications available on iOS devices to differentiate instruction and create inclusive learning environments. Participants will explore:
- Utilizing Accessibility Features: Deep dive into built-in iOS accessibility tools such as Voice-over, Zoom, closed captions, dictation, and switch control to support diverse learning needs.
- Personalized Learning Pathways: Discovering apps and strategies that allow students to engage with content and demonstrate their understanding in varied ways, catering to different learning styles and paces.
- Supporting Students with Learning Differences: Exploring specific applications and techniques that can assist students with dyslexia, ADHD, visual impairments, and other learning challenges.
- Creating Accessible Content: Learning best practices for designing digital materials that are accessible to all learners.
- Fostering Inclusive Collaboration: Utilizing technology to facilitate collaborative projects where all students can contribute meaningfully, regardless of their individual needs.
This workshop will empower teachers with practical technology-based strategies to create a more inclusive and equitable learning experience for every student in their classroom.
