One of the many things that I LOVE about working at CIJE (Center for Innovations in Jewish Education www.thecije.org) is connecting with educators all over the US. Just the other day, I was in a Skype call with Rabbi Avremel Kotlarsky from one of our member schools - the Hebrew Academy in New City, NY.
We were discussing the "adventures" I have had trying to manage large numbers of iPads in a school setting and, as I was explaining the way that iPads actually access the Internet and run MDM's (Mobile Device Management Programs), Rabbi Koltarsky asked if I had ever heard of a product called eSpark. I hadn't, so I immediately "googled" it.
Now, those of you have been following my blog for a while know that I am HUGE proponent of Blended Learning and Adaptive Learning Systems. It should be no big surprise to you that when I found out that eSpark not only employed Blended Learning principals, was an Adaptive Learning System and ALSO was an MDM - what can I say... I didn't sleep until I had read every Internet review and video on the product that I could find.
Basically, what eSpark does is create personalized learning plans for every student. After administering a basic entry test, and with the input from the teacher, eSpark will then select carefully vetted iPad apps that balance entertainment with educational vigor and push them out to the student's iPad. As the student proceeds through the individualized program, the teacher can watch the progress on the teacher dashboard.
Rather than hear me talk about it, here is a video from the Elizabeth Forward School District.
OK... what do you think? I know that if I were back in a school division as an Academic Tech Specialist again, I would be piloting this program in seconds!! Do you use - or know a school that does use - this program? I would love to hear from you on the blog site!
Regards...
Yossie
BTW... If you have 5 more minutes, you MUST watch this video on the Elizabeth Forward School District. This is one of the most amazing school districts I have come across!! I wonder if they are hiring?? :-)
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