What is the Advanced Judaics Lab?

Today the Middle School boys had an assembly where the Advanced Judaics Lab was introduced as one of the courses being offered this year. When announced there was some excitement on some of the students faces, some blank stares and mostly curious expressions. "What is this Advanced Judaics Lab?" was clearly written on many of the faces. Well, for the students assigned to this course, I got a chance to explain it and thought it was worthy of the inaugural post on the course blog.

As a parent of five, I am aware that each child learns differently and is engaged in different ways. However, as the Educational Technology Specialist at the Yeshiva University School Partnership, long time Jewish educator and Doctorate in Psychology, I can tell that we are in the midst of one of the most exciting shifts in education and our children are at its heart. The  explosion of technology, information, and global communication has radically changed the world we, and most importantly, our kids live in.

It takes vision and courage to realize the simple truth that education must change to keep up with today's generation. It is not about the latest or greatest gadget, but it is certainly these latest and greatest gadgets that is driving the shift. Our children are engaged in learning, communicating and creating around the clock using their iPads, iPods, iPhones and iWish I had these amazing tools when I was a kid. However, in many schools around the country we ask them to power down these tools when they come to class. Shouldn't we be asking them to power up and beyond just the social aspects of the tools they are so comfortable with? Well, this year, EMEK is asking a group of 7th and 8th grade boys to do just that.

The Advanced Judaics Lab (AJL) is focused on learning, experiencing and enjoying Judaism. Together we will be exploring all about Jewish life, Hashkafa (philosophy) and Halacha (law). We will also apply what we learn to our world and experiment (hence the "lab") with new concepts and ideas. The "advanced" aspect of the course is that the curriculum was originally designed for High School students and integrated with advanced technology tools for EMEK. Additionally, we will be using advanced and creative methods to learn and grow including hands-on projects, technology and online learning. The focus is not the technology, but the technology will enhance and power up the learning.

The AJL will focus on different Jewish topics throughout the year, which include, but are not limited too, Gemilus Chasdaim, Shabbos, Lashon Harah, Kasrush and Hashem. Each topic will include engaged discussions, critical thinking, collaborative projects, text based exploration and problem solving. The course will integrate what is called a Blended Learning model, which is a combination of face-to-face and online learning. For this course, a custom Learning Management System was created where the students will expand their learning online. If you would like to take a look at the homepage, click here. Additionally, the students will be supported with a digital badge system providing daily feedback on how they are doing in class.

Who can benefit from this type of learning? Funny enough, my students today asked me a few times why they were chosen to be in the class. I responded that I asked for creative students who were willing and wanted to learn through innovative methods, had an interest in technology and were critical thinkers. However, the bottom line is, we hope that this course and many of the tools used, become a model for other courses at EMEK and other Jewish schools around the country. Who can benefit from learning that focuses on creativity, creative thinking, collaboration and communication powered by tools that are second nature to our children? Well, everyone. I am proud to help support this initiative at EMEK and excited to work with this group of amazing students.