Apple Professional Development (APD) Training was held on October 14-15, 2014 for the Morgan Academic Support Center for Student-Athletes, Compliance and Student-Athlete Services, and Intercollegiate Athletic staff. The objective of this two-day training was to teach staff how to utilize iPads so we can enhance our student-athlete’s academic and athletic experience at Penn State. APD trainer, Brittney Rowlett, provided high quality, hands-on workshops and resources including the following topics:
- iPad Essentials including, but not limited to, streamlining content, internet tools, transferring files from the cloud and other devices, airdropping, discovering and downloading apps, and many other user-friendly basics.
- Productivity such as the use of built-in mail, notes, reminders and calendar apps to enhance time management, connecting to projectors and other audio/video devices, using Pages for templates, and other methods of organizing data.
- Presentation Skills like Keynote, adding video and voiceover to presentations, animation tools, wireless connectivity to mirror screens, and other media assets.
- iTunesU as a repository for uploading, organizing and distributing content to individuals or group rosters, efficiently updating existing content, using iTunesU for learning opportunities through the sharing of materials/information as well as methods of note taking and annotation tools.
These two-days were invaluable to staff and ultimately will have a positive impact on our student-athletes. For example, the knowledge of how to use the iPad to improve communication, present information, and incorporate technology into our job responsibilities will provide a more efficient means for students to receive up-to-date information. Additionally, the iPad tools and knowledge gained provide the foundation for how to integrate technology into our day-to-day interactions with student-athletes. Overall, this training made a huge impact in attaining our mission of enriching the teaching and learning that occurs throughout our student-athlete’s entire intercollegiate athletic experience.