We are pleased to be recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for 2021-2024 for our use of innovation in learning, teaching, and leading with technology in the classroom.
We believe Apple Distinguished Schools are some of the most innovative schools in the world. They're centers of leadership and educational excellence that demonstrate our vision of exemplary learning environments. They use Apple products to inspire student creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Leadership in our recognized schools cultivate environments in which students are excited about learning, curiosity is fostered, and learning is a personal experience.
(Apple, ADS Program 2019)
Leading the way Forward
In 1998, UTMB School of Nursing pioneered the first online graduate nursing education program in Texas. With that tradition of embracing technology, we are exploring ways of expanding iLead and investigating innovative ideas as we adapt to new ways of learning using the iPad. These include more student collaborations on projects, poster presentations, class assignments, research, and other activities. Through Interprofessional Education (IPE) we have been able to bring in other disciplines to engage with our students that adds value to their experience. We anticipate reaching out to our Health System with student demonstrations and quality improvement projects and adding even more IPE learning activities with the Schools of Medicine and Health Professions.
UTMB successfully launched the iLead program with the Summer 2019 BSN Traditional Undergraduate program's incoming cohort. This cohort was the first to use the iPad as a tool throughout the entirety of their program to ensure an engaging and interactive learning experience.
iLead Today
UTMB School of Nursing has successfully integrated Apple technology into our classrooms within the Department of Undergraduate Studies, and several Graduate programs. Our experience shows that the 1:1 iPad implementation facilitates students' active learning and empowers innovative pedagogy for educating future nurses. The power and immediacy of the iPad technology facilitates students' engagement and encourages critical thinking in a manner equally accessible to novice and tech-savvy students.
To date, 91% of our BSN Faculty and 63% of our Graduate Faculty are Certified Apple Teachers, and 88% of students that have graduated since iLead began have reported that the iPad has been a positive addition to their curriculum.