I get it all the time... "Hey Yossie, can you find an app to use in... (put name of subject here) - I need to have some tech in my class!"
Now, don't get me wrong. I love getting questions on tech! It shows that the teacher, or administrator, is really working on adding 21st Century educational techniques to their classroom!! In this case, though, they may be putting "the cart before the horse." I would suggest that a better approach would be to first assess the class goals and then create a pedagogically sound teaching plan. With that in place, we can determine what needs to done in order to fulfill that teaching plan - sometimes with tech and sometimes with out it. Let me give you an example...
Let's say that I am going prepare for a Judaic Studies class (hey, this is a blog by the Center for Initiatives in JEWISH Education after all!!) on the holiday of Passover. My goal for this lesson is that I want my students to be able name and understand what happens during the different parts of the Passover Seder - the festive Passover meal - to facilitate a deeper understanding of the holiday.
Great! So now I am ready to build my teaching plan! I may want to have a discussion with my students to see what they already know, I may want them to watch a flipped learning lesson so that they are primed to hold a "mock Seder" - any one of a dozen different ways for me to meet the goals of my lesson plan. Some of the modalities use an app and others don't. At least now I have an idea of what the best approach will be for me and my students! In this case, I want to integrate some flipped learning to prepare the students for a class discussion on holding a "mock Seder."
Sounds great but how do I create a meaningful yet creative flipped lesson? Ah, yes... app hunting time - email Yossie!!
Well, now you don't have to email me as I am going to suggest an app that I find more and more amazing every time time I see people use it. I have written on it before (see this post) but they have made so many improvements since then that it warrants another look (and blog post!) So what is this app?...
Ji Tap - from the folks at Jewish Interactive.
Here, just watch the quick video below rather have me ramble on...
Now, you have seen the promo, but how can you get to see the app in action? Well, I DO have an answer for you!
On Sunday, April 30th, at the EMEK School in Los Angeles, CIJE will hosting an Professional Development Day where one of the workshops will be a two hour intensive overview and training on Ji Tap. What is even better is that the PD is FREE!!!
Why are we at CIJE (with some help from our friends at COJDS) holding this event? Well,because it is so difficult to have teachers go to PD days during the week and most weekend events only happen on Saturday - Shabbat, we have created a special SUNDAY learning opportunity! Our STEM/STEAM & 21st Century Ed day is jammed packed with sessions and workshops from nationally and internationally acclaimed presenters on topics ranging from Apple's latest coding products and device management systems through to advanced techniques in pedagogy! Here is a link to the list of sessions. What is really "cool" is that the event is for ALL teachers, IT and academic tech folks and administrators. Now if you are involved with congregational (after schools) education, then you NEED to come to this event and take in the Ji Tap session! It could change the way you reach out and engage your students. Don't believe me, then watch this short video from Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks (to the folks at Jewish Interactive)...
As always, I solicit you comments on the blogsite (and here is PD registration link if you missed it above)
Yossie
