Learning Environment

This Apple Education podcast features University of Maine leaders discussing present objectives, solutions, and results of their required-buy 1-1 notebook program for preservice teachers, which will allow them to “learn the skills they will need to become innovative, successful education professionals.” Twenty-one percent of all Maine schoolteachers graduate from this program. Technology shapes the way students interact with the world and Apple makes it easy to teach them with the tools and media they're already using. The flexibility of Apple software encourages classroom innovation while allowing future teachers to develop proficiency with technologies used by students.

This Apple Education podcast features the College of Education at University of Texas, Austin, which has implemented a required-buy notebook program, entitled Laptop Initiative for Future Educators (LIFE) for preservice educators. The program focuses on 21st century learning skills, and includes a component where students repair nonfunctioning machines. Curriculum is being transformed by technology. Use of digital authoring enhances teaching experiences and assessments.

This Apple Education podcast features how adoption of Apple’s dual boot iMac at Weber State University has led to dramatic campus savings. Virtually all of the campus’ PCs have been replaced with Intel-powered iMac computers that run both Mac OS X and Windows. This has freed up lab space with the removal of bulky tower PCs. Additionally, the IT support team can now use Apple Remote Desktop for seamless monitoring, updating, and coordination of campus computing. As a result, a campus culture has grown where student purchases of Macs have increased.

Kent Kingston, Director of Technology and Media at Westside Community Schools in Nebraska, describes how they funded their 24/7 Apple digital learning environment. He discusses the various means they have used to sustain their program and offers detailed program results and examples of implementation strategies.

Matt Federoff, Chief Information Officer at Vail School District in Arizona, describes how MacBook computers are used in their textbook-free high school. He discusses the cost savings and the benefits of implementing technology for teaching and learning.

Keith Ryskoski, Superintendent of Stillwater Area Public Schools in Minnesota, explains how they funded their Apple digital learning environment without requiring substantial parental financial support. He discusses insurance, program cost analysis, and cost saving measures that were used to implement and sustain their Apple Digital Learning Environment.

Julene Reed, Director of Academic Technology at St. George’s Independent School in Tennessee, explains how their educators are using social media tools to engage and prepare students with 21st century skills.

Interviews with administrators, school board members, teachers, parents, and student in the Greene County Schools in North Carolina on the transformation and college-going rate increases they have seen since implementing a 24/7 Apple digital learning environment.

Glen Suppes, Superintendent of Smoky Valley Public Schools in Kansas, describes their TIP (Technology Integrated Program). He explains how putting Macbook computers in the hands of teachers (before their students) increased their aptitude about the technology and created a seamless transition when rolling out the 21st century learning environment to their students.

Interviews with Maine Department of Education, administrators, teachers, students, and parents on the changes in teaching and learning that has occurred since the State of Maine implemented a 24/7 digital learning environment in all 7th-8th grades.

Interviews with administrators, teachers, parents, and students in Washington about the exciting authentic learning that is happening in elementary and middle schools since implementing a 24/7 digital learning environment. The educators discuss how they integrated technology into their lessons, the value of IT support, the importance of teacher professional development, and greater parent communication.

Marcia Zegar, Speech and Language Pathologist at Salem-Keizer School District in Oregon, describes the various ways she uses the MacBook with hearing impaired students.

Al Hart, Director of Technology at Reed Union School District in California, explains why they chose Apple Professional Development for their teacher development. He explains how the district found the Apple consultants and workshop content to be a valuable investment that has fostered a long-term relationship between the Apple consultant and the teachers. Their teachers now feel empowered and excited about integrating technology into their curriculum.

Al Hart, Director of Technology at Reed Union School District in California, explains how Apple’s leasing program assisted the district in funding technology. He discusses the advantages of the Apple Financial Services and how leasing gives the district the ability to continually refresh with new technology.

Colleen Glaude, Technology Coordinator, and Michelle Bourgeois, Faculty Professional Growth Specialist at Pensacola Catholic High School in Florida, explain the learning management system used in the school’s digital learning environment.