Olivet Nazarene University’s School of Music has received the Apple Distinguished School designation for 2017 through 2019 for its iLearn@Olivet initiative. This follows the Apple Distinguished Program designation received for 2014 through 2016.
Launched in 2013, iLearn@Olivet utilizes iPad technology for every music major and ensemble, as well as music faculty and staff members. Faculty and students use iTunes U for music courses and delivery of sheet music. Students use iPad camera to record video assignments. The forScore app allows musicians to manage, edit and perform their sheet music from their device.
The Apple Distinguished School designation is reserved for schools that meet criteria for innovation, leadership and educational excellence with a 1:1 Apple product solution, and demonstrate a clear vision of exemplary learning environments.
Mike Szostek ’15 of Olivet’s Office of Information Technology and an adjunct professor in the School of Music has received the Apple Teacher Award for completing Apple’s specialized training curriculum. Apple’s Professional Learning Division presents these awards to acknowledge best practices for using Apple tools in educational settings.
Each weekday, Mike offers iLearn@Lunch tutoring sessions for students, staff and faculty. He is also working on ways to implement the new Apple Pencil. “A major benefit I’ve seen with Olivet’s adopting iPad and MacBook Pro computers is the level of collaboration these devices offer,” he said. “Apple provides revolutionary programs and apps free with their devices. For example, I can draw music notes in Notion for iOS, and those handwritten notes instantly transform into digital sheet music notation.”
“Olivet’s School of Music appreciates the continuing of our designation as an Apple Distinguished School,” said Dr. Neal Woodruff ’91, music professor, as he accepted the certificate of designation on behalf of Dr. Don Reddick ’79, dean. “This recognition is not only for our efforts in technology, but also for the wise stewardship of our gifts and influencing our world for God. We are committed to equipping our students with the tools of the trade they need for their future careers.”
Find out more about iLearn@Olivet and Olivet’s School of Music by contacting admissions@olivet.edu or 800-648-1463.
Published: 6/27/2018
