Exploring the integration of technology into Jewish education: multi-user virtual environments and supplementary school settings.

Permanent URL: http://hdl.handle.net/2047/d20005053
Title:
Exploring the integration of technology into Jewish education : multi-user virtual environments and supplementary school settings
Creator:
Sohn, Johannah Eve (Author)
Contributor:
Medwed, Karen Reiss (Advisor)
Lohmann, Jane (Committee member)
Graff, Gil (Committee member)
Publisher:
Boston, Massachusetts : Northeastern University, 2014
Date Accepted:
February 2014
Date Awarded:
May 2014
Type of resource:
Text
Genre:
Theses
Format:
electronic
Digital origin:
born digital
Abstract/Description:
This descriptive case study explores the implementation of a multi-user virtual environment (MUVE) in a Jewish supplemental school setting. The research was conducted to present the recollections and reflections of three constituent populations of a new technology exploring constructivist education in the context of supplemental and online schooling. Given the desire of the field of Jewish education to innovate and create within the area of supplemental schooling, this case study is presented to consider the possibility of MUVE as an innovative alternative and a framework for future technology integration. Through student focus groups, parent and teacher interviews, and review of program artifacts, this study seeks to present a description of how the implementation of MUVE technology supports a constructivist approach to education in a Jewish supplemental school. The description includes participant understandings of the learning experience as well as their understanding of the added value of using technology in this constructivist approach.

Several important findings emerged from the case study. The stakeholders did experience or observe social constructivism in both the virtual and physical classroom spaces. However, students found the constructivist teaching style to be incredibly frustrating. All parties agreed that MUVE in a supplemental school is exciting and innovative and that the allure of technology and gaming is of great value despite the many technical difficulties. Finally, the students connected to the land of Israel through the MUVE. The findings of the study are significant both for the field of Jewish education as well as for the general community of educators incorporating technology into a constructivist classroom setting. The implications of the descriptions of student experience in particular provide a framework for the best practices for future implementations.
Subjects and keywords:
Blended learning
constructivism
Jewish Supplemental School
MUVE
technology integration
Education
Instructional Media Design
Educational technology
Technology -- Study and teaching
Shared virtual environments
Jewish religious education of children
Technology -- Religious aspects -- Jews
Constructivism (Education)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17760/d20005053
Permanent URL:
http://hdl.handle.net/2047/d20005053
Use and reproduction:
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