Digital Bible Study

Creatively considering methods for the sake of the learner

Martin SpriggsWELS Chief Technology Officer

www.wels.net/jump/technology

(Presentations & Resources folder)

And you are?

• Name, position, congregation

• What do you hope to learn?

• What experience do you have with digital learning?

New things are … scary

Defining Electronic Learning

• Web 2.0 is linking people … how?• Computer-enhanced learning• Distance or blended• Web-based delivery & collaborative tools

– Wikis– Blogs– Chats– Discussion Boards

• Mobile learning

Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_learning

Shift in Teacher Role

WasThe source of knowledge Becomes

1. Influencer & role model of class culture

2.Connect with students in a personal way

3.Moderator of discussions & activities to lead students to learning goals

What Is It?• Example 1: Christ Our Savior, Columbia TN

– http://www.coslutheran.com – Advantages: Low Tech, Simple– Disadvantages: Does not engage the learner or

capture/share knowledge

What Is It?• Example 2: Bethlehem Lutheran, Menomonee

Falls WI– www.bethlehem-wels.org– http://groups.google.com/group/Bethlehem-conversi

on?lnk=srg– Advantages: Simple,

Free– Disadvantages:

Not Stand Alone, One Dimensional

What Is It?• Example 3: Our Savior Lutheran, Grafton WI

– http://web.mac.com/dienerd/iWeb/Creation/Welcome.html

– Advantages: Easy to use tools, graphically pleasing– Disadvantages:

Requires some setup, Mac and .Mac account

What Is It?• Example 4: WELS Web Hosting Tool Based

– Grace Lutheran Sample Site– Advantages: Integrated with existing congregation

website, multiple tools– Disadvantages:

Need to be using the program

What Is It?• Example 5: WELS.net University

– http://www.wels.net/university/moodle/course/view.php?id=77

– Advantages: System designed for online learning, low cost, MLC graduates will be familiar with it

– Disadvantages: Can be overwhelming

What Is It?• Example 6: Good Shepherd, West Allis WI

– www.gsls.com– Advantages: Prepackaged Content, Simple To Use– Disadvantages: Some Cost, Light Interactivity

Key Points To Remember• “Lecture style” will not work in a virtual

world

• Creating a virtual classroom is more work than creating a real one

• “Engage” the learner

• Consider blended to start

Questions?