"Our Sderot" - "Gateway to Education"
Initiated by Knesset Member Michael Eitan, and adopted by the ILC, "Our Sderot" is an online network that will address educational, psychological, social, financial, as well as other challenges facing the city. The ILC is leading the support for the development and implementation of Gateway to Education, the EDUCATIONAL segment of the project which currently includes three main parts:
• OFEK: one of the most advanced educational programs in Israel, using "Smart Classrooms" (including interactive computer-run boards and projectors) within the formal school system.
• Computer Centers: operated by volunteer college students of
the Sderot area.
• Online Learning Programs: provide the students with high-level personal and educational support.
Smart classrooms
16 Smart Classes were setup within 2 different Sderot elementary schools:
> 8 Smart Vlasses in Ha’roe, and 8 Smart Classes in Madaim Alon elementary school.
> The technology of the Smart Classes provides both the teachers and students with a unique learning method. Instead of the usual black or white boards, the class receives a Smart Board. The teacher receives a computer and projector, and the class is taught with the use of the internet and advanced educational materials.
> Implementation plan: Throughout the following year, the teachers of such Smart Classes will receive special training in this new method of teaching.
> The students receive a great amount of interesting study material through the internet learning system. They have continues online access to class sessions, which allows them to review the study materials at home.
Computer Centers
> 7 communal computer centers have been established. Of the 7 centers, 4 center are already active, with a high attendance of children, teenagers, and adults. The remaining centers will be available for use in the near future.
> The computer centers offer guidance in basic computer and internet skills, professional courses teaching the various ‘Office’ programs, tutoring for homework assignments, and free internet use.
> Volunteer instructors from the Sapir Institute stand available for personal assistance to all center participants.
Online Programs
As part of the “Our Sderot” project, two online learning programs were established at various schools: E-teacher and L-Net.
LNET
> L-Net has developed a new method of teaching to improve the understanding of significant subjects: mathematics and English.
> The new system is in responds to the rising need for advanced learning methods, as shown in Israeli national research studies.
>L-Net is based on an asynchronous learning environment, which includes various online activities, with the goal of further developing the knowledge and achievements of students, and enhancing the teaching process itself.
> L-Net program starts December 2008 in two high schools: Gutvirt and Mekif Dati.
E-Teacher:
> With the help of advanced technology, E-Teacher creates a virtual classroom, including live interactive school sessions.
> E-Teacher offers homework and test preparation assistance in mathematics, Hebrew, and English language for all levels. The program is available for middle-school and high school students. The sessions are available each evening from 6:00pm to 10:00pm, with immediate and personal help from certified teachers.
> E-Teacher program was launched in November 2008 at four elementary schools: Madaim Alon, Ha’roe, Shkamim, and Madaim Dati.
Our Sderot Summary.pdf