Kia ora
How are you supporting new teachers in your school, institute or centre to become confident users of their new MacBook, iMac or other Apple device??
Many would say that ?Apple's OS are among the easiest systems to learn but as we all know, anything new can cause cognitive overload for already busy educators.
In this newsletter we take a look at two great resources for those who are new to Apple technology, a great deal on some iPad stylus, remind you of our upcoming Highlight's Live webinar and the latest on the new MacBook Air M4!?
Make sure to scroll to the end of the newsletter for a great Mac or iPad tip that's a must for teachers (and an amusing story from my teaching days).?
Have a great week and please share this newsletter with your colleagues.?
??? New to Mac? Try sharing the Tips app
If you or your colleagues who are new to using Apple tech, you’ll know that it can take some time to get used to all the features. Gestures, file management, split-view, and multiple desktops are just a few of the things I often show people when helping them feel more confident with their new device.
One of the best ways to learn is to explore the tools on your own. Take a look at some of my favourite learning links below.?
1. MacOS and iPadOS Tips app
The Tips app is pre-installed on every Mac and iPad, and it’s an great way to learn about all the features, from the basics to the advanced. It has lots of interactive sections where you can try things out and get feedback.?
I really like the ‘What’s New’ section because it’s always got the latest updates to explore. One feature I enjoy is that when you are signed into your Mac with the same Apple Account as your other Apple devices, it’ll show you links to the Tips for those devices too. It’s like having all your Apple knowledge in one place!
2. Education Community Foundations
Have you checked out the iPad and Mac Foundations section of the Apple Education Centre? It’s a great resource that can help you learn new skills and earn your Apple Teacher Badges.?
I recommend starting with the Mac or iPad section first to get the basics down. Then, you can move on to the content for Pages, Keynote, and other apps.
Just like the Tips app, this resource has a series of easy-to-use PDFs, slides, and videos that build your confidence and give you the chance to earn badges along the way.
Make sure to share these resources with your team! Whether they’re new to Mac and iPad or experienced with these tools, they’re sure to learn something new.
?????? Cyclone's Apple Education Highlights Live
Have you signed up for our upcoming webinar for NZ educators? It’s happening this Thursday, March 20th, at 3:30 p.m. We’ve got some amazing teachers and leaders from Auckland, Rotorua, and Winton joining us.?
You’ll get to see how they’re using Apple technology to engage and empower their students. And don’t forget to send in your questions through the chat! It’s a great opportunity to get inspired and learn from others.
Click below to register and we’ll see you on the call!
?????? Introducing the new MacBook Air M4!
Apple just dropped the new MacBook with the M4 chip, finishing off the Mac lineup with this super-fast engine. It’s said to be twice as fast as the M1 chip, which is already lightning-fast!?
Some of the cool new features include the new Sky Blue colour, up to 18 hours of battery life (teachers, you can finally leave your charger at home!), the 12MP Center Stage camera and the ability to use two screens when open.?
Have a look at this news release from Apple and this great review by MKBHD where he describes the new MacBook Air as, "the most powerful, capable version yet"
?? Logitech Crayon Stylus Deal
Anyone who knows my passion for Apple Pencil knows that I'm a big advocate for schools engaging students with a Pencil for handwriting, letter formation, writing engagement, formulating maths equations and drawing.
We have got a great deal running with the Logitech Crayon for iPad, just $59.95 (ex GST).?
With a charge that lasts for 7 hours, has an on/off button, battery indicator and with a writing experience '...that's as good as using a pen with paper.'?
Have a closer look at these on our online store here or contact me if you'd like to order. Stock is limited.?
???????Mac / iPad Tip for Notifications
I once ran a parent night when I was a teacher, explaining how we were using technology for learning. I explained the ways we connected the digital tool with the student's learning goals and how our approach was blended, using the right tool for the right job (see our last newletter for Parent Night resources).
The night was going really well! Then I answered a question about games in class. "No," I explained. "Games are definitely not allowed during school time, unless directly linked to learning." It was at that exact moment that a notification popped up on the big screen TV that I was Airplaying to and you guessed it, it was one for 'Clash of Clans' a popular game at the time.
To avoid this kind of thing happening, you can always start a Focus Mode that blocks all notifications. A more foolproof approach that doesn’t rely on you remembering before you share your screen is to turn off the notifications when mirroring or sharing the display. This is found in System Settings / Notifications / 'Allow notifications when mirroring or sharing the display.' ?Phew - problem solved.
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ONE LAST THING!
That’s all for this Apple Education Newsletter edition. ?If you'd like to contact us about anything we've shared from above or anything we can do to support you with your Apple Learning Technologies, let us know with the links below.
Thank you again for your support