Virtual Israel

1
Virtual Israel

• Using Technology in Teaching Judaic Studies

Jason Stark T2I February 2008
2
Virtual Israel
This project is as a brief overview of an
alternative, contemporary way to teach Judaic
studies in our respective schools. Using
technology can give those who have not yet gone
home access to Israel in a way that traditional
texts cannot. While only a few topics are
covered in this presentation it can be applied to
many different aspects of Hebrew Education.
3
Target Audiences
Technology can be used to reach every audience in
Jewish Education! Here are just some
examples Elementary Aleph-Bet
Animations Middle/High School Video clips of
Holocaust testimony/archival footage College/Adul
t Ed Video discussions and web/email
conferencing with Israeli students.
4
Supplies and Multimedia Tools
This style of instruction requires the teacher to
use several forms of technology.
5
Example 1 The Kotel (Western Wall)
6
Teaching connections The Kotel

• HISTORICAL
• The Western Wall is famous for being the only
  wall left of King Herod's signature building
  project the Second Temple of Jerusalem.
• The Romans destroyed the Temple in 70 C.E.
• CONTEMPORARY
• It is now a pilgrimage site for Jews from all
  over the world who mourn the destruction of the
  Temple.

7
Use of Technology Teachers can use multimedia
to make past and present connections and have
students think about how the physical structure
of the Second Temple has changed over time. The
attempts of the Israeli government to rebuild the
site is also a great current events topic to
use.

• Second Temple Artist Recreation

• Kotel Present Day

8
Additional Kotel Content Roman Influence on
Jerusalem (Architecture)
9
Example 2 Israeli Culture
10
Teaching connectionsIsraeli Culture

• A fabulous and growing trend in education (Jewish
  and Secular) is cultural exchanges between
  students and educators.
• This exchange can encompass various topics
• Student can exchange their ideas about what life
  is like in their respective countries and what it
  may be like to switch roles.
• Teachers can share content ideas and teaching
  practices.

11
Use of Technology Cultural exchanges can be
an amazing way for middle and high school
students (both Israeli and American) to learn
about each others cultures and discuss current
events.

• Video conferencing (if available)

• Email Pen Pal Exchange

12
Photo Exchange Projects
Project Idea Have students take digital photos
of some of their favorite locations to hang out
in the town in which they live. The Israeli
students can do the same. Collages or murals can
be made by printing out the photos students can
them make observations and comparisons to their
cross-global counterparts.
13
Conclusions

• The world our students are living in is changing
  every day.
• While classical teaching remains the basis of
  what educators do, finding new mediums to engage
  our students is key to keeping them engaged.
• Technology Multimedia is becoming increasingly
  accessible and easy to use. Dont feel
  intimidated!

14
Some other trip pictures
Dome of the Rock
The Dead Sea
Ark in Tzfat
Snow in Jerusalem?
15
Pomegranate Juice Mmmm
Sderot Protest _at_ Rabin Square
The Port of Jaffa (Yaffo)
16
Thank you

• Robert Lappin and his foundation for an
  unbelievable and amazing experience.
• Debbie Coltin and Rachel Jacobson for creating a
  T2I experience that made me grow as a Jew and as
  an educator.
• Yariv Ofer and Amitai Itzkovitch for being our
  companions, teachers, and protectors.
• Bambi the bus driver for keeping us traveling
  safely. ?
• My fellow travelers on this amazing journey. I
  love you all!
• And last but not least Momo. I dont have
  enough room on this page to describe what he has
  taught me about Israel and myself.

17
Lehitraot Goodbye!