About iTaLAM

iTaLAM is a new digital blended learning environment based on the successful TaL AM program, a Hebrew language and Jewish heritage curriculum. The TaL AM curriculum was developed by a dynamic team of writers and teachers in Montreal and Israel, led by Covenant Award recipient Tova Shimon. iTaLAM is re-inventing the world of Hebrew language and Jewish heritage education by transforming the well-established and highly successful TaL AM print program into an engaging, interactive, personalized, and adaptive digital experience.

For more information about iTaLAM: contact@italam.org

Just like TaL AM, iTaLAM is a cross-denominational curriculum, appropriate to be used across a wide spectrum of Jewish approaches, thus meeting the needs of the Reform, Conservative and Orthodox communities all at once. Indeed, one of the missions of iTaLAM is to become a bridge between the various approaches in Jewish education and to create a unified language that makes room for multiple unique voices. iTaLAM is a new digital blended learning environment based on the successful TaL AM program, a Hebrew language and Jewish heritage curriculum.

iTaLAM is committed to enriching the realm of Jewish education in the Hebrew language using the latest educational technologies and modern teaching methods. We seek to inspire future generations of Jewish children to develop their Jewish identity while expressing their own unique voices.

The TaL AM program was developed based on the notion that the best learning environment for children is one in which knowledge is acquired through a variety of activities, using each of the five senses. In addition to studying from textbooks, students learn the Hebrew language through music, games and visual aids, developing a keen understanding of Jewish concepts and values.   The students’ Hebrew and heritage literacy develops in a gradual and spiraled process, building new ideas and concepts on an expanding foundation of knowledge. The program helps foster Jewish identity by allowing children to explore their Jewish roots and traditions in fun and exciting ways. By making the study of Hebrew and Judaism relevant to the children’s everyday lives, the program enables them to develop a true appreciation of their heritage, and understand the need for continued, lifelong Jewish study.

The goal of iTaLAM is expressed in the acronym LYMUD (in Hebrew: learning):

• Lefateach – to develop: Our goal is to develop evolving learners through a gradual process, with a holistic and spiraled curriculum implemented by skilled, creative and sensitive educators.
• Yeladim Yehudiyim – Jewish children: Developing the children’s Jewish identity. We aim to expand their knowledge of and commitment to:
  • Am (as in Am Israel) – Pride in being part of the Jewish People, understanding and accepting responsibility for Tikkun Olam, contributing to the improvement of life on earth.
  • Torah – Commitment to study, respect and transmit the entrusted sources from generation to generation.
  • Israel (as in Eretz Israel) – The land we came from and returned to. Recognizing the centrality of the state of Israel in our lives.
  • Lashon (Language) – Hebrew is our people’s communication, identity and heritage language, and is essential to the authentic study of our sources. Education is learner-centered, focusing on the child and his/her interests and learning styles, by adjusting both content and methods of instruction.  
• Maskilim – Literate: The acquisition of cognitive knowledge of our sources and the development of a Jewish learner.  
• U’Mesurim bechol (and) Committed: Emphasizing the affective exploration of and identification with their Jewishness.  
• Drachehem – Their ways: iTaLAM actively involves all frames of mind in providing each learner with the skills needed to function as a Jew in his/her daily life, integrating and synthesizing Judaism in a meaningful way.

iTaLAM transforms TaL AM into an innovative digital program of blended learning for schools and home education. iTaLAM is committed to Zionist-Jewish learning in Hebrew, and offers Jewish children an opportunity to become acquainted and learn about their heritage, and to develop their Jewish identity in a unifying and distinctive language.

• Songs: The TaL AM songs are presented with animation and illustrative pictures; the lyrics are displayed with the soundtrack and the words are highlighted to help the pupils follow them.
• Books: The guided books and printed library books appear as digital books in a number of formats: books with full animation, riddle books, search-books and books based on the printed books and accompanied by narration and sound effects, together with highlighted text.
• Educational videos: Animated videos that convey content, such as holiday customs, information on a subject or a language skill. Comprehension activities, internationalization and examination: A wide range of closed activities that the system grades, including multiple-choice questions, fill-in-the-blank questions, matching the text to the picture, highlighting and coloring text, finishing pictures, and more. Open activities that the teacher grades, including recording the pupil’s answers and writing an answer on the iTaLAM keyboard.
• Games: Learning games, including content and language skills that enable pupils to review and gain a deeper understanding of the learning material in an experiential and challenging way. This year, ten types of games were developed and launched, and appeared in different content.
• Creative tools: Enabling the pupils to individually record a song or narration of a book, to create greetings based on a book, or to create a personal project summarizing the learning. The work is saved in the pupil’s personal environment, accumulating throughout the year.

The original TaL AM program was developed using a Natural Approach to Hebrew Language Acquisition. The program activates learning in all frames of mind by utilizing a wide range of activities for all modes of communication, integrating Hebrew Language acquisition, the development of Jewish concepts and values, and reading and writing skills. In accordance with these principles, the program creates a visual and auditory Hebrew environment in the classroom which is mirrored in the students’ materials, thus extending their use into the home, enhancing retention and reinforcing the learning process. The curriculum offers a variety of stories, Jewish sources, prayers and blessings, as well as age-appropriate songs, recitations and plays which aim to develop the child and his/her Jewish identity. The program is structured around a Virtual Classroom comprised of diverse students, each demonstrating how s/he learns. These virtual students grow and develop together with the students, serving as models for the construction of a learning community.

Curriculum:

• Concepts & values
• Judaic sources
• Children’s literature
• Language skills
• Thinking & learning skills
• Planning
• Integration
• Connecting home & school
• Considering contemporary influences
• Connecting the grades

Learning:

• Activating multiple intelligences
• Developing learning & thinking skills
• Communication skills:
  • Listening comprehension
  • Oral communication
  • Reading & reading comprehension
  • Functional & creative writing
• Monitoring progress and evaluation

Hebrew:

• Principles of heritage language development
• Communication
• Early childhood literature
• Vocabulary
• Language patterns
• Grammar
• Spelling
• Verbal communication
• Creative writing in Hebrew

Heritage:

• Torah
• Tefilah
• Shabbat
• Holidays
• Jewish laws and customs
• Primary concepts & values
• Sensitivity & respect for the versatile Jewish experience

The iTaLAM Program The iTaLAM program provides an engaging, interactive, and multi-sensory experience for students. This includes online games, songs, interactive stories and fun activities. Students are encouraged to delve into the material and contribute in a creative capacity both in the classroom and at home. Domains of Content The iTaLAM curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, resulting in a rich and comprehensive program. The program is divided into four main domains of content:

• Daily Life & Hebrew
• Holidays
• Torah
• Shabbat Shalom

Learning Management System (LMS) The iTaLAM LMS consists of a set of management tools for teachers and administrators. It enables advanced monitoring and reporting of students’ progress in class and at home, and can adapt activities to each student’s level and achievements. Blended Learning Environment iTaLAM blends proven TaL AM printed materials with new digital components in order to create a unique holistic learning environment. The resulting blended program successfully combines the benefits of both print and digital learning models. Advantages of Authentic Blended Learning

• Engages students in active participation
• Immediate feedback in the process of content mastery and skill development
• Accelerates learning through focused, flipped instruction
• Facilitates personalized instruction and learning adapted to each student’s level and interests
• Enables students to work in groups and utilize social networking for learning
• Teaches children to use technology for learning, in addition to its social and entertainment functions