Online/Blended Learning Model: TiLearn

Update (June 2017): Temple Israel of the City of NY, New York, NY

Model Description | Update 2017

Current Status:

TiLearn continues to thrive and to engage learners. There have only been a few small changes, such as a minor technical adjustment of switching to a new web-based videoconference platform.

The following supplementary materials have been updated:

Reflections of the Educator:

The flexibility built into this model is key to its success. For example, TiLearn allows people to have more freedom on their Sundays; they are not tied down to specific drop off and pick up times. In addition, the use of technology lends itself to younger teachers who not only bring innovative and contemporary pedagogies but also serve as wonderful Jewish role models for students. Temple Israel has a centralized curriculum across all three grades, 4th-6th grade. Having a centralized curriculum (through Shalom Learning) has allowed them to integrate the values explored in TiLearn into their entire synagogue community.

The congregation has found that TiLearn has been very successful with students who have social anxiety. The structure of TiLearn gives those students an opportunity to learn in a much safer space for at least half of the learning time.
It is also a good fit for two working parents who may not otherwise be able to help their children access Jewish education.
Sunday is often the most convenient day for learning; many learners have after school activities several days a week.
Another advantage of TiLearn is that a learner can do distance learning and still remain in the program. TiLearn gave a few families who could only commit to the online piece a way to stay involved in the temple and school.

Temple Israel is particularly pleased with the level of commitment that their families give - navigating the technical challenges that may arise as well as their commitment to make sure that their children are up in front of the computer and participating. They are also very proud of their teachers for their flexibility and resourcefulness at solving any technology challenges that come up, and for their ability to implement their own ideas with a set curriculum.

The educator explained that because of the success of TiLearn, Temple Israel formed a focus group around an alternative model of a 1-2-3 program...a Shabbat Centered model for these three grades.

This process of thinking about alternative models and forming a focus group to best learn what parents want exemplifies the culture of innovation and change, and the congregation’s commitment to rethink and rework with the input of parents.

When starting a model like TiLearn, it is recommended that the congregation partner with a provider. The educator noted that when the program first started, Temple Israel staff were responsible for everything from technical support to curriculum development, and the administration was overwhelming. Having since partnered with Shalom Learning, Temple Israel staff are better able to focus their attention on individual student needs and support of both families and teachers. It has also given their educators a chance to develop relations with and learn from the Shalom Learning staff. They have found that the staff of Shalom Learning is very committed, responsive and totally willing to work with them on everything.

For more details on TiLearn, see the informational Powerpoint which begins by explaining: the rationale of TiLearn, why kids like TiLearn, the structure (hours and location of learning), the benefits of TiLearn, and similarities and differences between TiLearn and traditional models.