Apple Teacher Institute – Why should every teacher go?!
Posted by Sandra Pinto Pires | Filed under Apple, E Learning, Events, Mobile learning, Podcasts, Software, Video
This was my first ATI (Apple Teacher Institute).
My main objective was to learn how to use a large number of Mac/Apple Apps to enhance teaching and learning.
I must say, at this point, that it went beyond my goals, it did more, it inspired me and I brought lots of great ideas back to the college.
What is ATI?
It is a four-day event planned to get educators thinking about using Apple’s creative technologies in the classroom. These intensive days are packed with numerous workshops on different areas, such as animation, mobile learning, podcasting, video editing, iPhone/iPad app development etc.
Where?
When?
Who?
Teachers, teaching assistants, technicians and technophobes! – Everyone should go and enjoy the well-delivered workshops, be inspired by examples of good practice and have several hands on opportunities to create digital teaching and learning resources using the skills learned.
Everyone participated with huge enthusiasm and some excellent resources were produced including iPad Apps, animated movies, eBooks, movies and podcasts.
What was on the programme?
• Animation
• Using iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch in the classroom
• Using iWeb
• Introduction to GarageBand
• Making Music with GarageBand without music skills
• Creating multi media resources for mobile learning
• Podcasting/wikis and blogs
• Creating content using digital video cameras and editing software
• Green screen techniques
• Creating simple applications for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch
• Creating an eBook
• Exploring the use of still images, music and animation in multimedia projects
• Methods for sharing digital projects on DVD and the Web
• Sharing of experiences, action planning and portfolio development
• Development of skills in subject/age group relevant project
What did I do?
There was a lot to choose from. It was like being in a candy shop – I didn’t know where to start and which workshop to go. After putting some thought on it, I picked the iPad Developmemt, producing an enhanced podcast and creating an eBook.
In the iPad development workshop – we learned how to make a web app using Dashcode, Freeway and XCode. I must say that using XCode was quite challenging for me, as I have no coding background.
The podcasting with GarageBand was great fun. It was a slow-paced, step-by-step workshop and we ended up creating our own 2 minutes enhanced podcast.
I’m so glad I signed up for the Creating an ePub – It was so easy to create my very first eBook using Pages. I have now lots of ideas to carry out.
What have I gained?
The opportunity of being inspired and creative, to work with like-minded colleagues in a friendly environment, receive a thorough background in digital media delivered by Apple Distinguished Educators with so much talent, knowledge and enthusiasm.
Increasing the awareness that media can also be student generated. Making students stepping into the role of the teacher and making them create their own content will engage learning and help them to master concepts.
Should you stay or should you go?
It was a unique CPD experience where I learnt new skills and met people from all over the country with a diversity of interesting skills and experiences to share. I, definitely, recommend the ATI to anyone in education.
The ATI refined some of my existing skills and helped me to take a thorough look at how to apply them in a pedagogical scenario. It was refreshing to see how the ADE’s used technology creatively and how they inspired us to adopt these innovative measures.
I really want to go next year again. There’s always so much to learn and share.
And there’s time for party as well!
Click here to listen to the 1 minute Podcast we produced in the Garageband workshop
The podcast is an excellent example for language teachers.
Video we created for the final project. It’s so funny!!!
Tags: Apple
