Big Ideas from the TTF Seminars--Sari Fein

I have taken away three primary ideas about using technology for learning. One, technology is adaptable for almost any age, ability level, and topic. In particular, apps that are used for presentation, such as "Explain Everything," are extremely versatile. Two, there is a wealth of resources provided by other educators, even Jewish educators, who are using technology in the classroom. Through sites such as Pinterest, Diigo, and the "blogosphere," I am easily able to connect to educators from across the world and learn from both their successes and their challenges in using technology. Three, technology makes differentiated and individualized learning easy. Activities can be easily tailored to meet a student's individual learning needs and style, and group work with technology brings out students' various skills in art, language, and technology.

My new insights will change my approach to teaching. I have long been a believer in collaborative, project-based learning. Yet, it is sometimes a struggle to design units and lessons that lend themselves to that type of activity. Project based learning and group work are made much easier by the use of technology. With iPads, students can research, create, and share their work using a variety of apps and other tools. The ability to share is perhaps the most revolutionary aspect of a technology-integrated classroom. Student work can be easily shared with a variety of communities--the class, the synagogue, even the larger Jewish world. Students can easily connect, share ideas, and receive feedback thanks to the power of the internet. 

My main goal for applying what I learned in the Fellowship to my teaching in the future is to more thoroughly and naturally integrate technology into my curriculum. Due to limited resources and knowledge, in the past I have used technology in only certain capacities (for research, word processing, showing videos, and working one-on-one with struggling students). I can now envision a classroom in which technology is an integral part of our learning process. For example, I plan to begin my curriculum next year with a "Discovering the World of the Bible" webquest, which will serve not only to orient my students with the iPads, but also to engage them in the content and bring it to life. This will be the foundation of what I hope will be an exciting and enriching 21st-century classroom.