9.12.2017 – 1 PM EST
Apple’s cult-like following eagerly awaits the Apple Keynote scheduled for September 12th. Why? Because Apple mastered the art of secrecy, suspense, quality, and intricate design, all brilliantly engineered to offer an unparalleled user experience. Yes, I’ve been sipping the kool-aid and proudly subscribe to the iPhone Forever Plan, own a MacBook Air and an iPad Pro. I’m officially deeply entrenched in the Apple ecosystem, but even if I weren’t, I still feel there’s value in allowing students to watch the Apple Keynote, bandwidth willing.
10 Reasons Why Students Should Watch Apple’s Keynote
- Architecture – the Steve Jobs Theater and Apple Complex. Apple’s Keynote will be held in the Steve Jobs Theater with the majority of its theater being underground; it is a marvel in and of itself. Why did Apple choose such a unique design?
- Secrets Unveiled – exercises in probability. In preparation for the Keynote, there are many lessons on probability gained by reading spoiler alerts based on supplier purchasing and consumer trends. What will Tim Cook really unveil on the 12th?
- Lessons in Public Speaking – Observe the keynote and the ease in which Tim addresses the cult following in such a way that doesn’t disappoint. Compare his public speaking style to Steve’s. Do you see death by PowerPoint, or, eh eh, Keynote?
- The Golden Circle – Simon Sinek discusses the Golden Circle and beginning with why. Apple is one of his primary examples. Does the trend continue? Why would you begin with ‘why?’ What is Apple’s why?
- Innovation – Where’s the world heading? Has Apple pushed the limits of what’s possible? What will WE now be able to do as a result of the new technology? Brainstorm the possibilities.
- Competitive Analysis – Apple, Google, and Amazon are three of the world’s most innovative companies and have common intersections. What does the HomePod offer that isn’t available from Google Home or Amazon Echo?
- Stock/Economics – Watch the trends for Apple stock relative to keynote addresses. What influences their share price?
- Leadership – Student the differences between Steve Jobs and Tim Cook. Their styles are very different and how have they influenced those that work inside of Apple? How have the product offerings changed as a result of the change of leadership? Watch a Steve Jobs Keynote and then a Tim Cook Keynote. What do Steve and Tim do differently? Similarly?
- Electronics/engineering – What components comprise Apple products? Who are their suppliers? Listen for what differentiates their products and the costs of the components. How do they make their products last? Why do their products rarely break down?
- Patents/Legal – Discover how Apple protects its products and what litigation Apple has chosen to pursue over the past 5-10 years. After the products are discussed see if you can find the patents associated with them.
Students that watch the Keynote have the opportunity to learn from it without a doubt Brainstorm with the students before the keynote of all of the possible learning opportunities that might be present. This will open their minds, their eyes, and their ears to be actively engaged versus passively. Though there are ten reasons listed above, I guarantee our creative young cherubs can think of many more learning opportunities.
What can educators learn from Apple?
Every district knows that students need to be able to innovate to be successful, so studying the most innovative companies can help us question our reality in education. We also produce a product – graduates. Are our spaces conducive to nurturing a quality product? Do our practices and policies provide the necessary freedom for teachers and students to take risks, challenge the status quo, and offer a different experience than that of students educated in the Industrial Age? Are we partnering with our community, higher education, career centers, parents, and businesses to offer the most unique and engaging education for our students? Are they leaving our institutions as or more creative than when they entered?