When I first entered the program, I was under the impression that I would be learning strictly about coding in Swift and Xcode. Developing apps was my focus and learning as much as I could about Apple, iPad, iPhone and MacBook. Interesting, I thought. And my first venture into the program and coding confirmed that I would be learning just that. But, I soon found out that it was going to be much more than that. Setting up my profile and website were next tasks. Then thinking about what is the "Growth Mindset" was next. My mind then took on a whole new perspective. That concluded the week at HCC during the summer with Lamar, Apple and all of the wonderful teachers I met.
I then went to my campus and let the games begin. First it took for what seemed like forever to get just 1 MacBook to teach my class. Granted, I had the MacBook Air my district had loaned me but that soon came to a screeching halt when they requested that I give it up to be repurposed somewhere else in the district. I, of course, was thoroughly aggravated. How was I to teach the class? How was I to implement some of the ideas that had been taught to me? I was totally overwhelmed. So I went to Apple and bought my own MacBook Pro and installed all of the necessary programs to it. My problems were temporarily solved. But then came the issue of actually getting the students to experience the software for themselves. I had no equipment except my own MacBook. I petitioned my district again and they finally relented and gave me 6 MacBook Airs. Mind you, I have 11 students. I'll take what I can get at that point. Issues with connectivity and with the software working within my district's network were a problem for a minute but eventually they were worked out and a work around was developed. Things were looking up. Then I discovered that Apple had sent over to my campus a cart full of MacBook Pros and a cart full of iPads. I was ecstatic to learn that and was very eager to get them into the hands of my kiddos. But, as fate would have it, delay after delay kept happening until I finally just about had it. The MacBooks arrived first, but the iPads were still missing. They were on campus but not in the kids' hands. Again, I'll take what I can get at this moment. By this time, I had my trip to Phoenix paid for by Apple and the 4-5 days spent at the resort there with everything Apple. The trip and the people were amazing. Each learning session that I attended was very helpful and informative. I then thought that, "I can do this conference every year. A great deal of learning happens here." I had such a great time that one day, I hope to be in attendance there not only as an attendee but also an instructor. Upon return from Phoenix, I had a renewed spirit with my class. Things began to look great and I could see the course taking shape. The students especially were eager and took to the instruction and software great. Then finally, the iPads arrived in my classroom. I immediately began using them in my beginning computer science course and had the same eagerness with those students. With all of that going on, I was meeting weekly with Lamar and the cohort for high school. The schedule alternated bi-weekly. Ideas were bounced off everyone's head and I thought that I was the only one with issues. I soon found out that I wasn't the only one. Everyone else had the same type of issue. Being part of this program was an eye opener. Not only was I teaching a course designed for Apple coding, I was learning what was necessary to have a successful class for online instruction. I didn't realize that until well into the program. Then the shutdown due to COVID-19 happened and the entire world was thrusted into an online environment. I have to say that I was so far ahead of my colleagues. My problem was that I had 7 preps and had to prepare for every one of them. I got it done and getting everything for the program done. It has been a task but a rewarding one to say the least, As I conclude, I will say that my mind has definitely been changed to one that is based on the Growth Mindset. It was already kinda leaning that way but that was coming slowly. Also, my classes have been set up to also have that growth mindset. It has some of the old school learning model but mostly a growth mindset is the basis. I really enjoyed this past year learning and growing.
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May 2020
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