As many of you already know, I have been researching platforms that would allow us to use Adaptive and Intelligent Assessment Systems for our schools. I have found many systems that would do A&I for subjects like math or science, and even a few that would allow us to customize our own courses, but nothing that would work for Limudai Kodesh (Religious Studies) or Hebrew Language – until today…… (special shout out to Rabbi Zach Swigard at Harkahm Hillel for showing this to me!)
Thumbprint (watch video: http://youtu.be/zLVdCpPZFTo) does this and a whole lot more. It is a platform that creates a way to share lessons, videos and collaborate in one place REGARDLESS OF THE OPERATING SYSTEM. Yes,that's right. This system works on iPads, 'Droid Tablets, Microsoft Tablets, Chromebooks, Macs and so on. As Thumbprint explains, it allows for Active and Passive forms of learning to co-exist in one space. (watch video: http://youtu.be/jQUHhmqTo_8)
What I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE (did I say that I love it!!) is the Quiz/Assessment Module. (YOU MUST WATCH THIS VIDEO!! http://youtu.be/yDejkbF686s) The data available from this module is truly a game changer for teachers in the Classroom. Formative assessment (testing for skills/topic mastery as the teacher proceeds through a lesson) is one of the most effective ways to attain student mastery of a subject. Now, I have seen many different quiz programs but this platform is one of the easiest I have ever used. Currently there are only two testing modality types – multiple choice and translate matching. Not to worry though, after spending an hour on the phone with two of the system's creators, they explained that their "road map" of features include: Drag and Match, Short Answers and Worksheets, to name a few. What I find refreshing is that the folks at Thumbprint are working with teachers "in the trenches" to thoughtfully create new quiz/assessment modules that are easy for ALL teachers to use. No need for a degree in CompSci here.
So why is it that I am only coming across this wonderful Sharing/Collaborating/A&I Assessment platform now… well because it is fairly new! While this crew of developers have been working together for 15 years or so, Thumbprint has been testing and refining its product over the last year in live implementations at schools across the county. Next year, the plan is to expand the testing group to 40-50 more schools – that would be 40-50 Jewish Schools - working in English AND HEBREW!!!! TOGETHER! ON THE SAME PAGE! WOW!
(בתי ספר עמי"ת, עשוי להיות מעוניין בזה)
(בתי ספר עמי"ת, עשוי להיות מעוניין בזה)
If you are one of our member schools (or just anyone reading this post), I would suggest that you contact Ralph (ralphalter@rogers.com) right away to get on the list of schools for next year - do it right away!!
As for working in other languages…. Hiroko-san and Sarah-san それも、漢字とかなで動作 (I hope that I just wrote that it works in Kanji and Kana as well!!) as well as Francais, Espanol and so on… (http://thumbprinteducation.org/language/)
To join Thumbprint is free. The reporting module costs – but it is well worth the expense and Ralph will work out the pricing based on your school's specific needs/situation. (It really is a full featured system. They will even come out to your school to set it up and help teachers create curriculum!!)
As always, feel free to share this blog and your comments are very much solicited.
Regards…
Yossie
Yossie Frankel
Director - Consortium for Information and Academic Technologies
Member Schools:
Harkham Hillel Hebrew Academy - yfrankel@hillelhebrew.org
Oakland Hebrew Day School - y.frankel@ohds.org
Shalhevet High School - y.frankel@shalhevet.org
Arete Preparatory Academy -yfrankel@areteprep.org
Yeshivat Yavneh - www.yha.org
Checkout my blog @ technorebbe.blogspot.com
Twitter: @yossiefrankel
YouTube Channel: YossieFrankelChannel
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