No. 2 Vol. 10
www.therandolphnews.com
October 2016
Local Synagogue Opens Up Virtual Classroom To Invite Flexibility Into Program
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ucation that is flexible enough to fit into their lives they are living today,” says Levy. “I think we will see more participants with dual working families. If we can be supportive of these families, then we are serving those people then that is one of our missions.” Getting to Hebrew school on Sundays has not been an issue as much as it has been on Wednesdays for dual working families, says Levy. “How do we best serve their needs?” he questions. “Having an online component was the best way to do this.” Lots of colleges are using the virtual classroom and it is growing in secondary education, why not religious learning? “We’re part of an early group of congregations that would dip their feet,” says Levy, who says its exciting to “be on the cutting edge. This is a very new thing to do.” A cohort of three to four students and a teacher will decide on a day and time for their virtual lesson. The teacher will lead a Hebrew lesson using online technology such as PowerPoint, webinars and Facetime. Students can use desktop computers, laptops, Chromebooks or tablets, adds Levy. Their learning will mirror what the students are learning in the classroom. “Whether in person on Wednesday afternoon or virtual continued on page 4
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By Cheryl Conway etting to Hebrew School during the week can be difficult sometimes for parents who work full time or for students who are active with sports and after school activities. With a new virtual classroom option being offered at Temple Shalom in Succasunna, students can now have more flexibility and tune in to their weekday lessons with less conflict. The reform synagogue is the first in the local area to offer such a convenient program. The Virtual Classroom Option is a platform through ShalomLearning which will allow Hebrew school students in grades three through seven to tune into their Wednesday lesson during a convenient day or time. Classes will still meet Sunday mornings and Wednesday afternoons 5 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. at the synagogue. Students who cannot meet on Wednesdays can opt to sign up for the distance learning option. “Our children are increasingly being pulled in many different directions in things they are doing,” says Rabbi David Levy, religious leader at Temple Shalom. “I want religious education something that fits into their lives, rather than a burden to fit into their lives. I want it to be joyful, enriching.” With more modern means, virtual learning is “something we should try,” says Levy. “Clearly there are people wanting a solid Jewish education,” but they need flexibility or something that fits into their schedules. The “great benefit” with the virtual learning option is “these parents are able to give [children] a solid Jewish ed-
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