Apple today announced the launch of Apple Teacher Portfolio, a new “professional learning recognition badge that educators can earn through the Apple Teacher Learning Center.” The company also has updates for the Everyone Can Create, Schoolwork, and Classroom apps.
Apple describes the new Apple Teacher Portfolio as a "badge of recognition" that educators can learn through the Apple Teacher Learning Center. The process is self-directed and is designed to help teachers implement several strategies:
Apple Teacher Portfolio is a new recognition badge that educators can earn through Apple Teacher Learning Center, the self-paced professional learning platform. The free offering helps educators make the most of Apple technology at every stage 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 Everyone Can Create project guides, educators can enhance their work with engaging, everyday lessons for students using apps like Keynote, GarageBand, and iMovie.
Apple expands functionality of Classroom app
The Everyone Can Create updates add support for the latest features on iPad and apps like iMovie, Clips, and GarageBand. These include new features for drawing assistance, Photos app integration, and deeper integration with GarageBand for podcasting. Finally, both Schoolwork and Classroom have been updated with new remote learning-friendly features. Schoolwork has added the ability to easily share projects with colleagues by exporting and importing them, and there are also navigation improvements for faster access to assignments. The Classroom app now allows teachers to connect with students remotely:
For the first time, the Classroom app supports learning beyond the walls of a school. Classroom has always connected students in the same room with their teachers, and soon teachers will be able to invite remote students to join a Classroom session. While connected, teachers can use the same Classroom features they're familiar with to direct students to specific apps, view their screen, and see a summary of their engagement.
Apple Teacher Portfolio is available today
Classroom for Mac has also been redesigned with Mac Catalyst and brings the iPad experience to the Mac.
A redesigned design and improved Smart Groups give teachers an at-a-glance view of student status, such as whether they're online, whether they're attending locally or remotely, whether they're using an iPad or Mac, or if a device has a dead battery. All of this information is easy to access and read, helping teachers maximize learning time.
Apple says the Apple Teacher Portfolio is available starting today through the Apple Teacher Learning Center. The Everyone Can Create guides are available as a free download from Apple Books and new versions of Schoolwork and Classroom are now available in beta through AppleSeed for IT. (Image: Apple)
