767: Apple in Education with Barrett Mosbacker
Mac Power Users
Deep Dive
Why did Barrett Mosbacker switch from Windows to Mac?
Barrett was initially a Windows power user but was convinced to switch to Mac after an Apple sales representative gave him a MacBook Pro to try for a couple of weeks. After a year of personal use, he found the Mac to be better suited for both personal productivity and educational purposes.
What was Barrett's experience with Apple's educational briefings?
Barrett was invited to Apple's headquarters twice, once on the old campus and once on the new spaceship campus. Apple customized the briefings to address specific questions and issues from his school, showcasing their commitment to education. This personalized approach left a lasting impression on Barrett, making him a fan of Apple's educational efforts.
How does Barrett use the iPad in his daily work?
Barrett primarily uses the iPad for focused writing and reading. He finds the iPad's screen superior to his MacBook Pro's and uses it extensively for writing, reading, and annotating PDFs. He also uses it for taking notes during meetings, preferring the iPad with the Apple Pencil to maintain focus and engagement.
What is Barrett's productivity stack, and why does he prefer it?
Barrett's productivity stack includes iA Writer for writing, MindNode for brainstorming, and Apple Notes for note-taking. He prefers iA Writer for its organizational features and seamless integration with Devonthink. MindNode helps him map out ideas, and Apple Notes provides deep integration with Apple's ecosystem, making it easy to manage and access notes quickly.
How does Barrett handle technology in education to avoid distractions?
Barrett implements strict policies to prevent technology from becoming a distraction. Students are not allowed to use their phones during school hours, and all iPads are locked down to only educational apps. The school owns all hardware, ensuring that students cannot add or delete apps, keeping the focus on education.
What are Barrett's thoughts on Apple's current role in education?
Barrett gives Apple a C+ for their efforts in education, citing cost sensitivity among schools as a major challenge. While Apple's hardware and software are reliable and well-suited for education, the company's pricing makes it difficult for many schools to adopt their products, leading to a preference for cheaper Google solutions.
How does Barrett use AI in his work?
Barrett uses AI tools like NotebookLM and ChatGPT to assist with writing and editing. He finds NotebookLM particularly useful for converting written content into conversational podcasts, which helps him refine his writing style. He also uses AI to generate alliterative phrases and as an editor to critique his work.
What are the key lessons Barrett learned from implementing one-to-one programs in schools?
Barrett emphasizes the importance of starting with the 'why' before implementing technology in education. Schools should align technology with their mission and academic goals, focusing on pedagogy and software before selecting hardware. He also stresses the need to avoid starting with the hardware, as many schools do poorly by focusing on marketing or PR rather than educational outcomes.
- Barrett Mosbacher's background includes roles at General Foods, M&M Mars, and management consulting.
- He transitioned into education after being asked to help start a school.
- His approach to leadership emphasizes efficiency and productivity.
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