Apple Challenges Faculty to “Think Different”

The Department of Innovative Educational Technology and Physical Education invited educators to hear from three Apple representatives on integrating technology into a challenge based learning curriculum. The event combined lecture and hands-on learning with Apple iPods and laptops.

After an introduction to challenge based learning and student-generated content, and an overview of how the iPad is becoming an important educational tool, participants were given two things: an iPod and a challenge to create a two-minute video describing one aspect of APU.

Forty-five minutes later, participants returned to the classroom for a tutorial on using iMovie to capture, edit, and export films.

“It's so important to get technology into the hands of new users so that they can begin to see the possibilities for integrating new learning strategies into their classes,” said Joanne Gilbreath, Ed.D., program director, M.A. in Educational Technology and Learning, and >M.A.Ed. in Digital Teaching and Learning.

“The Apple model of hands-on learning accomplishes many goals that we in education technology strive for: learning new tools in a comfortable and fun environment, working in teams, and building community."

“I can think of many ways to apply what was shared to enhance my service-learning courses," said Robert Duke, PhD, assistant professor of Biblical studies. “Having students share video testimonials and reflections on how working in the community deepens their understanding of course material will be great."

The seminar concluded with a "film festival" showcasing each group’s two minute video.

“The Apple model of hands-on learning accomplishes many goals that we in education technology strive for: learning new tools in a comfortable and fun environment, working in teams, and building community,” said Gilbreath.