Quickie wikis…
So this morning I had around 40 people at my Wiki presentation. I’m guessing, from the questions, that at least half of them had never heard of a wiki before but for some reason they decided that they just had to have one. And you know what? By the end of the session everybody walked out with at least one wiki. Most of the participants created a basic wiki to use with their class to share information. I’m so proud of them – many of these teachers were scared of this technology and they came, learned about something new, and jumped right in.
If you’re interested in the class materials, they’re here.
Midnight blogging at CAJE…
Just got back from an amazing four hours of music listening. First we heard Mark Bloom and Stacy Beyer. We’ve been fans of Mark’s since he was a scholar-in-residence at our synagogue and he delivered a solid performance. Stacy was fabulous and just delightful – we hear she’s going to be at our friends’ synagogue in Peoria next February; we may just have to drive down there for that one. Then we traipsed (in the still 90 degree heat) over to hear Peri Smilow and Josh Nelson. 
What a treat that was – Peri’s voice is beautiful as always and Josh just amazed. I was happy (in a really nerdy way) to see Josh using PowerPoint slides with the lyrics to his songs as he was singing. I had taught a PowerPoint session earlier today and would have loved to have a photo of that for the class.
The real surprise tonight, though, was the later-night performance by Steve Dropkin‘s new band. Now, we’ve been fans of Steve’s for quite a while, ever since David brought home his CDs from Hava Nashira many years ago. Well, Steve’s got a brand new band and some exceptional new music. Hey Steve – update your website – I wanted to get some information about your new stuff!
Earlier today I attended a thought-provoking session about Torah Aura‘s new book, What We NOW Know About Jewish Education. This book, edited by Paul Flexner and Roberta Louis Goodman (ahem, she was my sorority sister at NU), is an update with new information about Jewish education and learners and teachers and special ed… and all the stuff that we have to deal with and figure out. Sounds like it’s going to be a good one and I know we’ll be adding it to our library.
And now – it’s 12:33; I’m blogging and David’s off playing guitar with Hava Nashira buds. Of course.
Well – I’m “wiki-ing” bright and early tomorrow (actually, later today) so g’night.
About
Debbie Harris is the director of educational technology at the Sager Solomon Schechter Day School in Northbrook, IL. Involved in Jewish education for over thirty years, she has an education degree from Northwestern University with a concentration in instructional media and a master’s degree in professional Jewish studies from Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership. She is skilled in using and teaching desktop publishing, video editing, presentation and animation software; and consults and presents regularly on integrating technology into Judaic studies. Her students podcast, blog, edit video and create claymations. She co-chaired the technology track for CAJE 33 in Vermont, is a SMART Certified Trainer for SMART Notebook, and a 2011 recipient of the Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Education.
When not learning, teaching or writing about technology, Debbie likes to sketchnote and craft. She likes to knit, do calligraphy, sew, watercolor, paint fabric and just generally play with fun toys like scrapbooking supplies and anything with texture. Debbie travels to California every summer to paint tallitot with high school aged campers. Finally, she is incredibly proud of her two daughters; Lori, who teaches English at a community college; and Allie, who is the director of the URJ’s Camp Newman in California.
Look for her at:
Debbie Does Desktop
Flickr
Twitter
Diigo
YouTube
Ravelry
Email Debbie here
MuseForJews 