New Limmud Course

Do you want to:

• break out of the zoom box and create cutting-edge, participatory online learning experiences?
• try out a wide arrays of new tools to make that happen?
• understand the principles of organizing more dynamic, engaging events?
• hear best practice from the education and arts sector?
• learn with Limmud peers from around the world?
• be one of the architects of the next international Limmud event?

In the face of the pandemic most Limmud teams began to create online events, making the international Limmud community of learning much more interconnected and accessible than ever before. So what have we learned in order to create exceptionally engaging and inspiring experiences? How do we make certain that digital tools enable participation – one of Limmud’s core values – rather than curtail it? Under the umbrella of the LEV (Limmud Europe Values) project, Limmud invites you to a training dedicated to these questions.
Throughout this experiential course, you will discover a rich array of collaborative tools and alternatives to Zoom. You will explore the theory behind designing transformative online experiences. You will develop the confidence to use the available tools to curate distance learning spaces or distanced in-person gatherings. Learn how to create intentional online learning spaces, contact-free collaborative lessons, and strengthen your existing skills under the guidance of three experienced educators.
The sessions will incorporate Jewish learning throughout the course. After completing the training, participants will be invited to put learning into practice and co-create the next LEV event: on 6th June, the programme will explore the value of Participation in our new online/hybrid and Limmud reality, with Limmudniks from all over…the world?…Europe?…The known galaxy? REGISTER NOW and let your people PARTICIPATE!

Times and dates
Tuesdays, 7.00-9.00 pm CET (Berlin Time)
13 April, 20 April, 27 April, 4 May
Deadine to registrer is April 11th!

Registration
The course has been tailored for Limmud Teams and we are making it available for free for one delegate per Limmud group. We do expect a commitment to all four sessions and are asking that nominated candidates are technologically-savy for this advanced course. Leading up to a course candidates have a brief interview in order to assess their training needs. For any enquiries contact Magda at magda@limmud.org.

Detailed program
Session 1: Designing Powerful Online Spaces
The first session will examine what changes and what remains the same as we switch to an online venue. We will learn strategies and methods, and will experiment with collaborative technology tools to ensure that the flow of each session maximizes time together, encourages participation (with screens on!) and promotes the fine art of group formation.

Session 2: Third Place Theory and Building Online Communities
This session will include a walk-through of the basis for building online communities by examining the classic sociological concept of Third Place Theory. Coined in 1989, it is a model for explaining why familiar spaces outside of home and work uniquely promote conversation, connection, and belonging. Third Place Theory has become the basis of much research about whether the idea of “community” can transfer to online spaces. Recent developments in online platforms (particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic) provide fresh opportunities for communities to gather in online spaces in a way that feels more natural, casual, and authentic.
We will then put theory into practice by previewing some of the latest tools for building communities online, examine the pros and cons of each, and discuss which tool may be best suited for their communities.

Session 3: Online Community Platform Walkthroughs
This session will expand on the preview of tools in Session 2 by providing a more detailed walkthrough of several online platforms. Based on Session 2 feedback from participants, Session 3 participants will get to experience first-hand what it might feel like to host events on platforms such as Mozilla Hubs, Gather.town, High Fidelity, and/or others. Participants should leave this session with an understanding of the benefits and limitations of each platform, costs (human and financial) for planning an event with these tools online, and strategies to gain as many Third Place benefits from these platforms as possible.

Session 4: Conference Platforms & Experience
This last session will explore various online gathering/conferencing platforms and consider how each provides value as we apply Session 1-3 learnings to creating a larger communal learning experience.
We will then put theory into practice by previewing some of the latest tools for building communities online, examine the pros and cons of each, and discuss which tool may be best suited for their communities.

About LEV
LEV (Limmud Europe Values) is an innovative and inspiring project that focuses on the Limmud values. Led by a core team of volunteers from across Europe, LEV includes a series of 12 online gatherings, applying a European lens to the ten Limmud values: Learning, Expanding Jewish Horizons, Enabling Connections, Participation, Empowerment, Diversity, Community and Mutual Responsibility, Respect, Arguments for the Sake of Heaven. The two additional gatherings will focus on Sustainability and Solidarity.
Each gathering is organised by a diverse team of volunteers. Every team can bring their unique perspective to the event. Teams have the freedom to choose their own format (single or multiple tracks), modalities (learning, panels, discussion, art shows, chevruta, etc), the length of the event, and the languages used.

This event was made possible by the generous donation of the Dutch Jewish Humanitarian Fund.