Dear Friend and Educator,
I’ve just ordered new stationery—the real paper kind I use for thank you notes. Am I a Luddite, a techno-phobe?
But I’ve been using an electronic calendar since 1991. I was first in line for a PDA. And in 1981 I wrote my law review article on the one law library computer available for students. Am I a propeller-head, a techno-geek?
Neither. I’m adopting new tools when they’re useful, keeping others that have proven they still work best for a specific job. Just as you’re doing, every day.
That’s why this year is so exciting—we have a brand new array of both technology and print offerings that give you a complete set of flexible tools for the Jewish classroom. After eight years of experience delivering digital Hebrew instruction, we’ve launched a new generation of technology tools with our Online Learning Center and our digital Resource Libraries, to give you an entirely new way to connect with the lifelong learners in your community. At the same time, we’ve created innovative values and identity curricular materials that combine the best in print media with optional online supplements that energize learning. The result? A religious school classroom that is truly a 21st century classroom.
The 21st century Jewish classroom is flexible and adaptive. So yes, we have books—see our online catalog for our newest ones. We’ve paired them with Lesson Plan Manuals, our step-by-step guides for using books with confidence as part of engaging, experiential encounters that make a lasting impression on students. You can also ‘go digital’ and set up a protected online class with a blended learning experience using either a book plus matching online enrichment or a few of the relevant, safe resources you’ll find among the over 1600 multi-media items we have in our new Resource Libraries. Show them in class or have students review at home and comment. And of course, our digital Hebrew, now comes with direct online access (no CDs!) and the tracking and assessment you have come to depend upon.
And don’t worry—we’re with you at every step into the 21st century classroom. We know each community has its own needs, and each of us has a different learning curve. If you are ready now for “cloud-based” Hebrew instruction, we have it. If you are ready to set up online classes to provide a true digital learning experience for students (and impress their parents), we’ll walk you through it. Still need to learn more? We’ll give you a guided tour of the “cloud” at your pace, and provide training webinars, video tutorials, and yes, even print instructions to help.
As always, we’re here to help you, so get in touch and let us know how we can help you. I look forward to exploring 21st century Jewish education with you, using tools both novel and classic.
With best wishes,
David E. Behrman
