I can't be the only one that thinks this is a bad idea.
From the web site:
Take your students on a Field Trip to an Apple Store for an unforgettable learning experience. On their Field Trip, students can create something amazing right on the spot. Or they can bring in a project they’ve already created and turn our store into a theater, sharing their achievements with parents, teachers, and friends. No matter which option you choose, everyone will have a great time
Look I get that marketing and sales are amoral departments. Their singular focus on what.... Oh yea MARKETING AND SALES. But Someone at Apple has to have had a little bell go off in their head that says... ding ding ding ding... ARE you F-Ing NUTS?!
Would you think that field trips to these "Better Mall locations" would be a good idea?
Victoria's Secret (what would they do?)
Wal-Mart (Teach kids how to use an inventory handheld, let them pitch in at no cost)
Look at the upside
Kids love a day out of the school,
Teachers love a day with no teaching? Is that a problem?
FREE well except for the bus, lunch and all that learning you did not do today.
And the Downside
Headline Risk (Imagine if you will... a news story with the upsides listed above in a frontpage article of local news paper. Watch dads head explode about his kid is spending the day at the galleria instead workin on the learnin of the writin You Betcha!)
I pay property taxes for THIS!
A corp program alternative that would carry a much lower risk albeit at higher cost and o yea A POSITIVE RESULT?
Higher, or better yet get volunteers thru local partnerships, graphic artists, musicians, photographers, OR MBA's loaded for bear with Apple gear to give hands on demonstrations of how they use technology to do their special voodo. Go ahead bring the T shirts but leave some gear for the school. (hint: leave a phone number)
