We attended a free Today At Apple event
Just before the start of the summer holidays last year, Tigger attended a Coding Lab for Kids: Sphero Robot Obstacle Challenge session at our local Apple Chapelfield store. It was an opportunity to get hands-on and explore the different ways in which the Sphero BOLT could be used. From programming navigation around an obstacle course to how to change the colours and designs on the LED Matrix.
It was a free event hosted by Today At Apple, who offer a range of different free sessions. I have kept meaning to check the listings to see what other sessions were available for Tigger and book him in. However, life has gotten in the way and I had forgotten. Until we were in Covent Garden and popped into the Apple Store, which was holding a draw your own emoji event at the time. Something that Tigger would have loved to have gotten involved in.
Upon arriving home I looked to see if they had a session for the draw your own emoji at our local Apple Chapelfield store. Sadly, there wasn’t, however, I did come across a Getting Started with Swift Playgrounds session which had availability for the following weekend.
Getting started with Swift playgrounds
Swift is a powerful programming language created by Apple that’s used to build many popular apps. And Swift Playgrounds is an app for iPad that makes learning how to code interactive and fun. In this 60-minute session, we’ll show you how to get started with coding using the Swift Playgrounds app.
Aimed at children aged 12 years and up. Although I would think that children aged 8 years+ would be able to comprehend the instructions.
Attending the coding skills session
When I booked the session I was aware that they had a suggested age requirement of 12 years+. However, as Tigger is very interested in coding and has previously completed a couple of coding workshops I thought it would be OK to take him along. I did chat with him on the way to the session to say that it was aimed at a higher age bracket and that he shouldn’t worry if he found parts of it difficult.
Arriving a few minutes early, Tigger was able to play a couple of games on the iPads available in store. With him discovering a few new apps that he wanted to download when we got home.
Our host and teacher for the 60-minute session, Chad, welcomed Tigger up to the training area. As it turned out Tigger was the only person booked onto the session so enjoyed a fantastic one-on-one session getting started with Swift Playgrounds.
Our thoughts on the getting started with Swift Playgrounds
Despite my initial worries that Tigger might struggle with some of the instructions and understanding of the Swift Playgrounds app. He excelled himself and even managed to impress Chad. Explaining that Tigger had managed to ger further through the app than other sessions that he has taught. Even having to look up additional details in the teaching notes as Tigger made his way through from commands to functions.
How do I book sessions from Today at Apple?
There are a wide variety of sessions available from Today at Apple. From coding and technology-based sessions for both adults and children. To photography, video and music sessions too. Today at Apple sessions can be booked online by selecting your local store and browsing the sessions available.
No Comments