Supportive iPad Professional Learning
According to Gulamhussein (2013) to create an effective professional learning plan, it should include the follow features:
1. Extend duration for allowing for learning new strategies and implementation
2. Support for implementation stage to address specific challenges
3. Active learning with varied approaches
4. Model the skills to be learned for further understanding of new practice
5. Specific presentation to each subject being taught by each teacher
The following is my plan to incorporate the Apple Teacher program in my district with those features used. The duration of this course will be over an 18 week period. With the initial meeting being held for about 50 minutes and the other sessions being follow-ups lasting about 20 minutes. These final sessions will focus on each of the Apple Teacher iBooks.
Supportive iPad Professional Learning Introductory Slides - click here to view slide deck and speaker notes.
The general plan for this implementation can be found here
Supportive iPad Professional Learning Plan
The course is developed around both the Understanding by Design Template and a 3 Column Table. The iTunes U course is open to enroll in here, and the Google Plus group is free to join as well. I am encouraging anyone interested in joining both of these, as we become better as we learn and share together.
As stated in the professional learning plan a year (or more) after this course is over, I want teachers to understand how the integration of iPads or any personal technology devices can accent student learning. For teachers to understand that the use of technology, the iPad in particular, supports all learning styles and can allow students to show their understanding at a deeper, more complete manner.
It is my sincere hope that the incorporation of the Apple Teacher program will help transform and bring new opportunities to both the educators in the classroom and the students they are learning with.
References:
Gulamhussein, A. (2013). Teaching the teachers: Effective professional development in an era of high stakes accountability (Rep.). Center for Public Education. Retrieved February 23, 2017, from http://www.centerforpubliceducation.org/teachingtheteachers
