If you are using iPads in a classroom setting then you may find the free online Apple Teacher professional learning programme provides you with support for making more effective use of more features of iPads for learning and teaching.

What is it?

Apple Teacher is a free, self-paced professional learning programme that offers unlimited access to learning materials and content for using technology in the classroom. For Falkirk teachers looking to get to grips with their new device, it is the perfect starting point for practical, professional learning that will help you integrate the use of your Connected Falkirk device into lessons to enhance learning experiences for young people.

The programme covers the basics of many of the core apps already built into your iPad. You complete badges for different apps, once you have completed all eight badges for iPad you will earn Apple Teacher status.

The programme also offers badges for Mac and, for those with an interest in coding, Swift. Completing the Swift badges will earn you the additional recognition of Apple Teacher Swift Playgrounds.

As well as this formal recognition of your achievements, you will join a welcoming and friendly community of Apple Teachers from all over the globe through Twitter via #AppleEDUchat. You can also keep up to date with new resources and ideas through the Apple Teacher Learning Centre.

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How do I get started?

To get started sign up here. It is important to note that you cannot use your managed Connected Falkirk Apple ID to complete Apple Teacher. While this is slightly annoying it is easy and quick to set up your own personal Apple ID if you don’t already have one. This personal Apple ID can then be used to complete Apple Teacher through any device that has a browser.

Once you are signed in you then have access to all of the interactive Apple Teacher Starter Guides which aim to guide you through various features of using an iPad in an educational setting. So whether you are looking for support in using iMovie, GarageBand, Keynote, Pages and Numbers, or simply basic features of iPad settings, further productivity settings, tools and features or ways to develop creativity with an iPad, all of which which you may find helpful in the classroom, these materials support you to become more confident and productive to use an iPad to support learning and teaching.

Apple Teacher has given me the skills and confidence to effectively utilise a whole new set of tools in my practice to provide pupils with meaningful and worthwhile digital learning experiences.

– Dr Eilidh Wilkie, Teacher of Chemistry, Apple Teacher, Falkirk Council

How do I gain Apple Teacher recognition?

Each module within the Apple Teacher programme includes an associated interactive assessment quiz – as you pass each quiz you earn a badge to chart your progress. When you have completed all assessment quizzes your achievement is recognised with you being awarded the designation of Apple Teacher, conferring on you the right to use the official Apple Teacher logo that you can share with the world!

From there you can go further and gain your additional Swift Playgrounds recognition or work on your Apple Teacher Portfolio which is a new recognition badge that educators can earn. Portfolio helps educators make the most of Apple technology through each phase of their lesson planning to help students activate prior knowledge, explore a topic more deeply, and apply understanding. With 21 templates and lesson ideas inspired by the Everyone Can Create project guides, educators can enhance their work with engaging everyday lessons for students, using apps like Keynote, GarageBand, and iMovie.

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If you use Twitter, or other social media platforms, you can follow the hashtag #AppleTeacher to share in the uses of iPads by colleagues worldwide.