One of my most fulfilling moments while teaching Hebrew online was the first time I saw a 4th grade girl and 6th grade boy bonding through the chat. I believe they were talking about school or sports… I can’t quite remember the details. But it was meaningful for me because their conversation was unlikely to occur at their Beit Sefer or even at their secular elementary schools.
In the field of online education, we learn that the apex of online learning is when a student experiences opportunities and engagement that couldn't take place in a face-to-face classroom (either because they are not possible or not as effective in a live setting.) I didn't plan for or anticipate this beautiful student connection, but it is a reality of online learning.
Our online classes are live and in real-time. Everyone can be seen and heard via webcam, and they can chat through an instant messenger service that comes with the virtual meeting platform. Overall, nothing replaces the face-to-face experience. However, for children who would otherwise miss school regularly, learning in a live virtual classroom is a close 2nd. We sometimes don't realize how much we gain from the community aspect of Jewish learning. And in an environment like this, we have the ability to bring together Jewish students who otherwise may never connect.
