Sixty high school freshman at Yeshivah of Flatbush were very excited to go back to school after winter break, because they were given an iPad to take home with them. What was the catch? They had to keep it with them every day and bring it into school.
They were given the iPads because their teachers had been practicing with them for months learning the best programs to use with their students, building websites to share with them, and sharing their insights with colleagues.
The entire high school has wireless Internet access, including the Beit Midrash, auditorium, gym, cafeteria, hallways and lounge.
When everyone arrived in the Beit Midrash, the precious plain brown cartons were given out, and packages of accessories were waiting for each teenager, generously donated by Raymond Saka of Sakar Corporation.
There was a short orientation, and then everyone returned to class, but nothing would be the same. Students began to use the iPads to read e-books, take notes, for doing research, and collaborative activities. They are planning to keep digital portfolios of their work to assist them in applying for college.
Assistant Principal Rabbi Joseph Beyda, who is overseeing the iPad project in the Joel Braverman High School, stated, This is a momentous occasion for the yeshivah, as we believe that using iPads as learning tools will significantly transform the way in which our students learn. Students and teachers will be empowered to learn creatively and collaboratively, in ways not otherwise possible. We expect the level of student engagement in the learning process to increase many times over as they learn and take advantage of the capabilities of these cutting edge devices.
The kids were thrilled. Mark Cohen said, Instead of carrying around a heavy book bag, I have all of my books in one easy to carry device.
Stephanie Zeitouny said, Its great. It helped me understand Halakha and global studies better. Sophia Chabot added, Learning is more fun. Mark Esses said, It gives learning a whole new perspective.
A television reporter from News12 Brooklyn was on hand to film the classes with their iPads, and watch them in action as they learned to use their new study tool and integrate it into daily life. Schools all over the country are considering this transition. Come the fall, the entire JBHS freshman and sophomore classes are expected to be outfitted with iPads too.
Its amazing, and we dont take it lightly, commented Rabbi Beyda. An orientation session was held for the parents of the iPad recipients. Working with the Apple team, and other experts in both technology and education, YOF has also developed an extensive digital citizenship curriculum for its students, teaching what it means to be a responsible, respectable and good Jew, and make safe choices, in an age of ubiquitous technology.
Utilizing the media engages the kids more, expands opportunities for individualized learning and research, and facilitates collaboration and interactive activities.
Many people have been working together to arrive at this moment, including the yeshivahs Information Technology Team, led by Director Ben Rosenberg, the JBHS Director of Technology Rabbi Benjy Kramer and a dedicated technology committee made up members of the YOF lay leadership .
The iPad supports Hebrew, said Rabbi Beyda. You can type Hebrew into most apps. We will be using the iPad in Judaic studies classes as well as in secular studies classes and believe that Hebrew will be more fully supported as iPad use continues to grow.
One-to-one computing is scheduled to expand to YOF elementary school as well. The preschool through 8th grade campus is being set up for wireless access, and faculty members are beginning to familiarize themselves with the technological tools that will enhance their students education. With SmartBoards already in all classrooms and technologically savvy teachers already utilizing web resources and teaching Internet skillsresearch, blogging, videography and moreanticipation is high.
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Diane Chabbott is the publicist for the Yeshivah of Flatbush.
