MOFET Institute Educator Teaches Ed Tech at ORT Jewish Education Seminar
Source: World ORT
Twenty seven South African elementary Jewish day school educators participated in an ORT Jewish Education Seminar at the King David Linksfield Primary School in Johannesburg in mid February. They came to learn how to use modern technology in the teaching of Judaism’s timeless wisdom with practical insights into how they can enhance their lessons. Among the presenters was Dr Elaine Hoter, Head of Information Technology at Talpiot College of Education in Holon, Israel and a member of the MOFET Institute educational team.
As many of the attending teachers were new to the implementation of technology in Jewish education, the seminar focused on teaching basic skills and approaches such as using presentation software and internet resources in creating lessons. Peretz Tabor, ICT coordinator for Jewish Studies at Michael Sobell Sinai School led a number of the sessions.
Dr. Elaine Hoter of Talpiot College and The MOFET Institute for Teacher Education led sessions on podcasting. She introduced the teachers to making audio files, broadcasting them through the Internet and using the technology in the classroom.
Among the highlights of the Seminar was a live link with Sha’ar HaNegev School in Israel where Jewish Studies teacher, Atar Gaibel, demonstrated the use of the Interactive White Board (provided to the school by World ORT through its programmatic arm in Israel, Kadima Mada) in the teaching of the Book of Genesis. Ms Gaibel gave a similar presentation to the de Gunzburg Seminars in Rome and Buenos Aires last year.
ORT hopes to develop an on-line community of teachers from across southern Africa so that they will be able to share resources and provide mutual support and collaboration.