Comments on: Digital Spiritual Learners

By: Travel South Africa

Travel South Africa — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:14:47 +0000

Nice posting.

By: Jeff VanDrimmelen

Jeff VanDrimmelen — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:11:34 +0000

Bryan, thanks for your comments. You make a lot of really good points. I also believe that we shouldn’t leave those poor/disadvantaged students behind, but I wonder about those with learning disabilities. I see technology actually enabling those users more than typical. Take Podcasts for example. A class that is recorded can be paused and replayed again and again till a LD student can understand it, and in the privacy of their own learning environment.

As for powerpoints… you are exactly correct. Too many people use it wrong. We need to educate people on using powerpoint to interact with the class… not preach to the class. I have found that tablet PC’s go a long way with writing on the screen and programs like Classroom Presenter. (http://classroompresenter.cs.washington.edu/)

I just want to be clear that I am certainly not advocating that we get rid of the chalkboard… I agree with Elder Packer (when I first read it and now) that a chalkboard is often a best tool for the classroom. I am proposing that we augment classroom studies with web technologies. These technologies will enable students to keep learning (and be motivated to keep learning) outside of the classroom. They have the potential to challenge them. too.

You really make some good points… thanks for your comments. Most of all I agree, like you, that the is the message that matters most. I also believe that technology will allos us to get that message deeper into the hearts of our students!

By: Bryan Beckman

Bryan Beckman — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:25:48 +0000

One thing we need to be careful about when integrating technology into religious education is that we do not leave the poor/disadvantaged or those with learning disabilities behind. Or those students who, for whatever reason, do not have access to modern technology.

After that, we need to get our instructors to use these tools effectively. I’ve heard many people wish for projectors and tech podiums in our Church buildings so they could show Powerpoint slides and other electronic visual aids during Sunday School and priesthood/Relief Society meetings. But those who can give really great Powerpoint-assisted presentations are still few and far between. “Death by Powerpoint” is more contagious than the common cold.

I guess I’m a little old-fashioned (like President Packer in his book “Teach Ye Diligently”) in that I think the best visual aid (after the teacher, that is) is a chalkboard or whiteboard. I’ve occasionally wished for something a little more dynamic to convey a principle, but I’ve usually been able to come up with an equally-effective low-tech solution.

I think the key is to not allow the medium to take precedence over the message. And to make sure that whatever medium you use is accessible to all. Other than that, I agree with a lot of the sentiments you’ve expressed here.