An example of how Zooburst can be utilized in the Judaic Studies physical and virtual classroom

When mentoring our pre-service and in-service teachers we need to describe and model both research-based and clinically tested best practices, and demonstrate how these best practices can be applied in the real (i.e. physical) and virtual (i.e. online) classroom for both teaching and teacher training. The combination of face to face instruction in a physical setting and online learning is called blended learning. In this section of the blog we will describe how the internet can serve as a supplemental resource for instruction and the mentoring of pre-service and in-service Jewish educators. In this post we will continue our discussion on how  students in a Judaic Studies blended learning classroom can use Zooburst to create their own books or stories. 

Assumption: The teacher or mentor teacher has a interactive white board (i.e. SMART Board, Promethean, etc.), a Tablet PC (also called a Slate or Blade), a computer presenter or computer with internet access attached to an LCD projector in the classroom. It would be ideal if students or mentees had access to their own laptop computers or Ipads. Given parental and school approval, and the development of specific guidelines, smartphones can be used to enhance instruction as well.

Note: Although Zooburst can be applied in the Judaic Studies blended learning classroom, it can be also be used for training pre-service and in-service Jewish educators for professional or staff development. It is our hope that Jewish educators around the globe will form an online community of practice, a CoP, a group of people who share an interest, a craft, and/or a profession, to enhance the delivery of instruction and training of Jewish educators. For example, here is a CoP you might want to join. 

Note: Zooburst can be used in both a physical and virtual Judaic Studies or secular classroom.

What is Zooburst?

Zooburst is a web-based book or story creation internet application.

Where is  Zooburst  located on the web?

http://www.zooburst.com/index.php

An example of how Zooburst can be utilized in the Judaic Studies physical and virtual classroom

Click here and see an example of how Zooburst might be used in a Judaic Studies blended learning classroom

Note: Kindly click on the talk bubbles in this demonstration of Zooburst.

On the next blog post we will share a listing of additional web-based book and story creation tools.