How digital technologies are impacting Christian education, and how to respond. Digital technologies loom large in the experience of today's students. However, parents, teachers, and school leaders have only started to take stock of the ramifications for teaching, learning, and faith. Digital Life Together walks educators, leaders, and parents through some of the big ideas that are hidden in our technology habits. Moving beyond general arguments for and against digital devices, the book draws from extensive interviews, surveys, classroom observations, and school records to examine the real impact of technology on Christian learning. Based on a three-year, in-depth study of Christian schools, authors David Smith, Kara Sevensma, Marjorie Terpstra, and Steven McMullen offer resources to inform conversations in school communities about the role of digital technologies in students' formation. With a wealth of new research findings, short, readable chapters, and accompanying discussion questions, Digital Life Together sets the stage for individual reflection, book club discussions, professional development conversations, or strategic reflection by school leaders.
David I. Smith is director of the Kuyers Institute for Christian Teaching and Learning and professor of education at Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and he serves as editor of the International Journal of Christianity and Education. His books include On Christian Teaching, Teaching and Christian Practices (with James K. A. Smith) and Teaching and Christian Imagination(with Susan Felch). Visit him online at onchristianteaching.com. Kara Sevensma has over 15 years of educational experience, first as a K-12 special education teacher and then as an assistant professor of Education at Calvin College. Her most recent work explores the intersections of digital technologies, school culture, and Christian education. Marjorie Terpstra, chair of the Education department and associate professor of education at Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan, brings many hours of classroom observation experience as part of her instructional work at Calvin and elsewhere. Her research has focused on the complexities of teaching with digital technologies and on leveraging digital technologies for learning to teach. Steven McMullen is associate professor of economics at Hope College, the executive editor of the journal Faith & Economics, and fellow at the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics. He has done substantial work on the ethics and theology of economic life, with an emphasis on animal ethics, the environment, consumerism, and technology, including the book Animals and the Economy.
"This is a gem of a book. Reports of educational research are often hard work for the professional educator and difficult to apply in school. This book is exactly the opposite. It combines rigorous research with a highly accessible written style and practical outcomes for schools to implement. The challenge of integrating technology with Christian learning is dealt with through an in-depth case study. The clear structure, frequent summaries, easily digestible chapters, and thought-provoking questions make this a masterpiece in communication. Every Christian school should have at least one copy in its staff library and use it for staff development." -- Trevor Cooling National Institute for Christian Education Research Canterbury Christ Church University "Through their close study, the authors cogently map out the complex 'faith-technology-teaching-learning tapestry' in the Christian school. Not only will every Christian school educator, student, and parent see their experiences reflected in this book, they'll also be challenged toward technology-based practice that is missionally aligned, encourages both creativity and discernment, and enriches Christian formation and community." -- Lynn E. Swaner Association of Christian Schools International "Here, finally, is wisdom about the role of technology in Christian teaching and learning that is neither blind enthusiasm nor defensive dismissal. Rooted in empirical research rather than anecdotal impressions, this remarkable book helps us learn from what is happening to better frame what we hope might happen. This is an excellent catalyst for a conversation that all faith-based school communities need to have. Highly recommended for teachers, administrators, and the families investing in Christian schooling." -- James K. A. Smith Calvin University author of Desiring the Kingdom and You Are What You Love "The authors of Digital Life Together demonstrate the beauty of excellent Christian research. They not only help us think about how to use our digital tools, they demonstrate how to use our social-scientific tools for learning. They employ quantitative studies, focus groups, case studies, classroom observations, and in-depth interviews to illuminate the complex realities and challenges of educational life with technology. As a result, they do not simply supply us with surface-level tips and techniques, they impart deep Christian wisdom about technology use in the Christian classroom gleaned from the field. Every Christian educator needs to read this book." -- Perry L. Glanzer Baylor University author of The Outrageous Idea of Christian Teaching
