When Apple released Swift Playgrounds last year they were announcing to everyone that they wanted to have a hand in training the next generation of coders, app developers, and creative problem solvers. They have since expanded that effort dramatically with their Everyone Can Code initiative that provides tools and a curriculum for computer science instruction for the youngest learners all the way up to professionals seeking training. Swift Playgrounds can now be used to program robots, drones, and make music. The curriculum works with students in apps and offline to develop the problem-solving skills they will need in all other areas of their education as well.
Professional Development
Apple has a few in-person opportunities for educators in New York to bring coding to their classroom and some online opportunities for educators across the globe.
Live Training in NYC
Everyone Can Code Workshop (free)
Date: Friday, September 29, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: 100 5th Avenue – 6th Floor, New York, NY 10011
Grades: Middle School & High School
Even if you and your students have never coded before you can start simply developing the creativity and critical thinking that are essential for future innovators. You will leave the training with access to curriculum materials, the Swift Playgrounds Teacher Guide, and a new understanding of what is behind the technology tools you use every day
Swift App Development Workshop (free)
Date: Monday, October 2, 2017 & Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: 100 5th Avenue – 6th Floor, New York, NY 10011
Grades: High School
Credit-bearing high school computer science classes can now use Apple tools, Xcode, and app development as their guide. Even if the students don’t aspire to create the next hit app they will still develop the 21st-century skills necessary for success. Teachers will learn about Swift, explore the app development course, and get access to the tools to make it happen.
New York Conference Featuring Apple Teacher ($199 – $249)
Date: Saturday, October 7, 2017
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Manhattan International High School – 317 E 67th St, New York, NY 10065
Grades: All grades
This full-day conference covers a wide array of Apple training from basic teaching with Mac and iPad to iMovie with green screens, digital storytelling, and coding.
Ongoing Learning
- Apple Teacher – Learn the basics of how to use Apple’s products with students including Swift Playgrounds and become a certified Apple Teacher.
- Apple Distinguished Educators – When you’re ready to take your apple teaching skills to the next level you can apply to be an ADE.
- Teacher Tuesday – You can learn how to use Apple tools to create while collaborating with other teachers.
- Today@Apple –Apple stores have open training sessions. in the world. New programming includes Teacher sessions, Studio Hours and more.
Resources
Check out some of the tools Apple provides for teachers to begin learning computer science and the easier-to-learn Swift coding language.
Apps
- iBooks – enhanced digital books that give you access to the curriculum resources
- codeSpark – simple coding puzzles for grades PK-3
- Tynker Coding App – simple game-based block and movement programming for K-5 students
- Swift Playgrounds – Apple’s app to teach middle school students coding from beginner to advanced levels
- XCode – the app used by both professional developers and high school coding students
Curriculum & Guides
Some of the resources below are available in multiple languages.
Getting Started with Code Curriculum Guide
Swift Playgrounds Curriculum Guide
Teacher Guides
- Get Started With Code 1 Teacher Guide – K-2 visual programming with codeSpark and Tynker
- Get Started With Code 2 Teacher Guide – 3-5 grade coding that expands to solve real-world coding errors with Tynker
- Learn to Code 1 & 2 Teacher Guide – students begin to use Swift Playgrounds to master the concepts and language of coding
- Learn to Code 3 Teacher Guide – students grow and begin their progression towards genuine app development
- Intro to App Development with Swift – a semester-long course to introduce high school and college students to Swift and Xcode
- App Development with Swift – full-year course for advanced high-school or college computer science students
Student Guides
- Intro to App Development with Swift – a semester-long course to introduce high school and college students to Swift and Xcode
- App Development with Swift – full-year course for advanced high-school or college computer science students
For extra help check out Apple’s Educator Forums, Apple Support App, or the iTunes Educator page.
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