Yes, that’s right. FREE. Apple is offering summer workshops for kids at their Apple stores. They’re intended for children 8-12, but open to older children, too. Children can choose from a Podcast Workshop, iWeb & iPhoto Workshop, Music Workshop, or a Movie Workshop. We’re PC users, but the process for Movies is similar. So we’ll be driving the 100 minutes to our closest Apple store in the beginning of July for a course on how to make online movies. Of course, they already fool around with Windows Movie Maker, but I know the Macs have a lot more features for budding cinematographers.
If it wasn’t such a long drive, I’d sign them up for the Music Workshop for the following day. Because Paul is a musician, they’re pretty familiar with recording tools, sampling, and mixing, but I think it would be fun to turn them loose. For the music workshop, students will be using their own voices to record and mix, just like in a studio.
The iWeb and iPhoto Workshop will help them to build their very own first website. Mine already have theirs (David’s is here), but for teens who haven’t had a lot of experience with photo editing and web software, this would be a great place to learn.
Finally, there is the Podcast workshop. This is for intermediate to advanced students who already have considerable computer experience. No wonder. These are the kids who are going to be Live365 DJs or broadcast their opinions on their own blogs.
Kudos to Apple to offering these to everyone, not just people with money to burn. Of course, it’s not completely altruistic. They’re smart enough to realize that they’re building their customer base of tomorrow.
Click here to check availability for your state. All workshops are held between July 09 and July 19.