jlearn2.0

VoiceThread is a digital storytelling tool that allows users to create and share multimedia audio-video presentations. Students, teachers, and families are using this nifty tool to tell their stories and share ideas. Here’s an example of how an Israeli class at Maaganim School at Kibbutz Maagan Michael used VoiceThread to practice Hebrew and English language skills (thanks to Reuven Werber for bringing this to my attention!):

Hebrew/English for Kids

Two more formal Hebrew language learning programs are being offered. Hebrewulpan.com is based on the Jewish Agencys’ Ulpan methods. The other course is an Aleph Bet beginners’ Hebrew class taught by Kat Coronet in Second Life, at the Second Life Synagogue’s Hebrew school. If you are interested in running a Jewish educational course or discussion in Second Life, contact Beth Odets inworld (or drop me a note and I will pass it along to her).

To learn more about Jewish life in Second Life, read the latest issue of 2Life Magazine, “Virtual Reality – the Hanukah Issue - and don’t miss Hanukah candle lighting in Second Life, in addition to lighting in “Real Life.”

If you are interested in Jewish education and virtual environments, see my article, “Jewish Learning on the MUVE: The 3D Web, A New Frontier in the 21st Century Landscape,” over at CAJE’s Jewish Education News (an earlier version of the article was posted on jlearn2.0). Check out the entire issue on The 21st Century Jewish Learner and the 21st Century Jewish Educator, including “Jewish Education in the World of Web 2.0” by Brian Amkraut, who presented a keynote at last summer’s CAJE on the topic.