Inspiring educators
Okay. I’m pretty convinced that kids are using technology, and that they are well-served by a greater integration of technology into education. I see that there are a lot of educators who are using it, and many fine digital resources for teachers who aren’t using it but would like to.
Here’s where I see the big void: support for the teacher who wants to use it but really needs some hand holding through the process, particularly in the world of Jewish supplemental education.
Even in an area like Chicago’s north shore (where I teach), where there are lots and lots of Jewish educators, it’s hard to locate people who are (a) using technology in religious/Hebrew school or (b) people who want to collaborate/share with others who use it.
There’s no “Jewish educators who use technology in religious school” agency/coalition/group.
How do we share? How do we tap into the collective wisdom? How do we help to move our desiring-but-uneducated colleagues along?
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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
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Diigo
YouTube
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Email Debbie here
MuseForJews 
What a great idea, Deb! There is such a hunger out in the field for this type of networking and sharing. It’s a real challenge!