Persuasive Hebrew Learning: The Case for IT

The new theory of Captology, or the use of ‘Computers as Persuasive Technology’, proposed by P. J. Fogg of Stanford University, is an important new framework for information architecture. It may also inspire the development of a new generation of learning tools for Biblical Hebrew, because it helps us understand how we can design tools that will persuasively change the actions and attitudes of our students by the use of IT as tool, media, and social interaction. Based on class experience, this paper will market some select choices from this new technological harvest by presenting a teaching material for Genesis 1-3. Most professors will use high-quality bible software, and the plentiful Libronix resources in Logos will probably offer most for many. However, the new SESB 3.0 with the Amsterdam database (WIVU) for the Hebrew Bible has an interesting potential for introductory Hebrew grammar. This database can now also persuasively be used for interactive drills and tests in the new Emdros Quiz Generator developed by Claus Tøndering (http://3bm.dk/index.php?p=82), and learning can be enhanced by porting its output into the social learning environment of Moodle. The Amsterdam database is also used in a Role and Reference Grammar research project which again has interesting learning aspects, because insights from modern linguistics and language processing can be applied effectively for pedagogical purposes as well. We will also briefly mention the role of games and open source tools such as the Linguistic Tree Constructor. The paper will suggest that new teaching tools and course material can be integrated into a new theory Persuasive Learning Objects and Technology which could enhance effective blended learning and teaching of the Hebrew Bible.