metro >> Jews in the digital age
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edX.org
It can be overwhelming today with the
vast choices of online distance learning
programs available from just about every
university. edX.org connects learners to
the best universities and institutions from
around the world based on what you're
interested in learning. From art history to
improving your public speaking skills, edX
will match you up with the best online
course to be taken at your own convenient
time. Visit www.edx.org.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14TH
5:30 PM
THE RESERVE
BIRMINGHAM
Dr. Eva Feldman
Russell N. Dejong Professor of Neurology &
Director of the A. Alfred Taubman Medical
Research Institute at the University of Michigan
Chuck Newman
Impact Award
Delphi Automotive
MIBB Bridge Builder Award
Accepted by Jeff Owens
Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President
The Honorable Rick Snyder
Governor of the State of Michigan
The Honorable Roey Gilad
Consul General of Israel to the Midwest
Guy Cohen
Consul for Exonomic Affairs, The Goverment of
Israel Economic Mission to the Midwest
Ralph J. Gerson
Guardian Industries Corp.,
William Davidson Foundation
Florine Mark
Founder and President
of the Weight Watchers Group
6Xe2Gx7;f cut
(
Steven Cole
Lipson, Neilson, Cole, Seltzer, & Garin, P.C.
? (&otemto
Alan Muskovitz
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2038250
18 September 24 • 201:.
R
osh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
are holidays of transforma-
tion. Many rabbis encourage
congregants to use the High Holy Days as
a time of reflection and personal growth.
In sermons, rabbis speak of mending
fences and healing fractured relationships,
improving your outlook on life and mak-
ing a difference in the world. This past
Rosh Hashanah, however, I decided to talk
about transformation in terms of taking
on something new
Rather than preaching
about the importance of being
a better person in the com-
ing year — something I've
certainly spoken a lot about
in Rosh Hashanah sermons
past — this year I decided to
give some practical advice to
the congregation. My message
was that it is never too late to
transition to something dif-
ferent.
A generation ago, it was
commonplace for people to
stay in the same profession
and even the same job for a lifetime. By
the time they retired they felt it was too
late to start something new and differ-
ent. Today's generation is less static and
more flexible. That doesn't mean simply
having the courage to transition from one
profession to another. It can mean taking
on a new hobby, going back to school or
even launching that company you always
dreamed about.
No matter how old you are or how
comfortable you are with your status quo,
I encourage you to consider taking on
something new in the new Jewish year of
5776. Whether you're interested in learn-
ing a new language, taking a cooking class
or learning to read Torah, the necessary
resources are available today thanks to the
power of the Internet. Of course, it takes
a commitment; and no matter how busy
you are these days, time will never stand
still to allow you to take that class without
making a sacrifice.
Technology today makes learning a
new skill or hobby so much easier. Never
before in human history has the access
to take out your mobile device and learn
a language is non-threatening and enjoy-
able. Visit www.duolingo.com .
to education been so readily available.
Reliable online classes are everywhere.
Khan Academy can teach you new skills
and YouTube videos can teach you new
hobbies. You can get that master's degree
online that you probably thought was out
of reach at this stage in your life.
In the Digital Age, it's possible to simply
take a walk every evening and learn a new
language along the way. Listening to edu-
cational podcasts during your commute
to work can be rewarding and provide you
with the proficiency to transi-
tion to a new career.
Here are some recommenda-
tions for transformation and
educational growth in the new
Jewish year, thanks to modern
technology:
Code Academy
With the evolution of the web
and mobile apps, being able to
write code has never been more
in demand. Coding isn't just
for young college students; it is
an ideal skill for retirees as you
can work from home. One Code Academy
student went from knowing nothing about
coding to building one of Time Magazine's
50 Best Websites. Visit www.codecademy.
corn.
Future Learn
There is an array of impressive (and free)
courses available at FutureLearn, including
business and management, law, health and
literature. The courses can be taken when-
ever you have some free time, including
during your lunch break or late at night.
Some of the interesting technology-based
courses include robotics, learning to build
a mobile game and an introduction to
cyber security. Visit www.futurelearn.com.
Duolingo
Duolingo is a fun and addictive mobile
app where you can earn points for correct
answers, race against the clock and level
up. Duolingo provides bite-sized language
lessons for you to learn a new language
at your own pace. Some on-site language
classes can be intimidating, but being able
Instructables
If you want to be more active and have
always craved more DIY (do-it-yourself)
craft activities, Instructables will be a great
website for you. Knitting, woodworking
and creative cooking lessons abound here.
From the big (remodel your kitchen) to
the small (make a birdhouse with your
grandkids), this is the website you wish
was around when you had to make that
science project in high school. Visit www.
instructables.com.
The Writers Studio
Writing workshops have always been
popular, but traveling to them has been a
barrier for many aspiring writers. Pulitzer
Prize-winning poet Philip Schultz founded
the Writers Studio to help hopeful writers
discover their own voices. Online course
for poets and fiction writers are available
at all levels. Visit www.writerstudio.com .
Lesson Face
Want to learn to play guitar, drums or
piano online? There are several websites
that will train you (JustinGuitancom is
great for guitar lessons), but the best one-
stop-shop on the web is Lesson Face. At
this website you simply select your musical
instrument and then select your teacher.
Group classes are available as well, and
there are many different price levels from
which to choose. Visit www.
justinguitar.com.
YouTube and Vimeo also boast thou-
sands of instructional videos to help you
learn something new and exciting this
year. TedX videos will inspire you and
Khan Academy will awaken in you a new
love for learning. The Internet is truly a
magical place when it comes to transform-
ing yourself. Now is a great time to exploit
the power of the Web and grow your skill
set.
As the great Jewish sage Hillel said, "If
not now, when?" ❑
Rabbi Jason Miller is the technology expert
for the Detroit Jewish News. He is president
of Access Computer Technology and blogs at
blog.rabbijason.com. Follow him on Twitter
at @RabbiJason.