Power of the Apple Learning Lab

During my work to become an Apple Learning Coach, I heard an idea that I wanted to try called an Apple Learning Lab. The premise was just intentional time for adult educators to intentionally get together to tink with apps, gain confidence, and imagine ways to use that application in the classroom. I learned from a coworker that I would create a class through my district's professional learning platform which allowed attendees to get CEUs for attending. I was very happy to offer that.

We had our first session a few weeks ago and I felt prepared but anxious to fill the time with how-to's and what nots about Keynote because is an app that I use in my own classroom and was therefore, easy for me to yammer on about it's features. About halfway through our time, I decided to stop talking and embrace the wait time. My room was quiet, I had soft lighting and background music playing and a group of 4 adults just say and played around with the iPads. After a few minutes like this, one teacher spoke up and said "I genuinely appreciate starting my day like this."

This single comment melted away all of my anxiety about planning for our next meeting because allowing us all time just to tinker and share ideas is more valuable than I realized. I am looking forward to our next meeting!