Using Tech to Create Connections, Part 3—
Connecting Student and Content
Last month, we talked about using videos to deliver content—a technique that can be employed in both face-to-face and remote learning situations. We’re talking here about brief, three- to five-minute bursts of information delivered via video. But do you lose something when you choose to deliver some of your content via video? Maybe.
 
In the third article of this series, Pastor Paul Waldschmidt shows us some technology tools that allow us to do some formative assessment of our Bible study learners. These educational tools can assist teachers in connecting Christians to the life-giving content of God’s Word.




Pastor Paul Waldschmidt, a 1999 Seminary graduate, served for 13 years at St. Mark in Normal, Illinois, before coming to Peace in Hartford, Wisconsin, in 2012. He has served the church-at-large as chairman of the Western Wisconsin District Commission on Adult Discipleship and as a circuit pastor in both the Western Wisconsin and Southeastern Wisconsin Districts. He recently earned an STM in Education with a focus on using technology in Christian Education and, Lord willing, is starting coursework for an M.S. in Educational Administration (Technology Director) this fall.
They never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah. — Acts 5:42
Adult Education: Additum
Connections: A Fresh Approach to Teaching Jesus

Technological advancements of the last 25 years force us to rethink the methodology behind everything we do, including how we teach God’s Word to young adults. With a study of God’s Word as well as the fields of adult education and philosophy, this essay seeks to determine how we can best communicate Christ to today’s 21- to 35-year old.
Teaching Toolbox
Facilitation for Real Ownership


Research shows that the key to optimizing learning and building long-term memory is to create “ownership” of learning content. Jeanette Romkema lists some facilitation skills that can help Bible study leaders assist their learners in “owning” what is being taught.




Curriculum Connection

Created by six thoughtful Christian women, In God’s Orchard: Cultivating the Fruit of a Spirit-Filled Life offers an in-depth women’s Bible study on the fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22,23. This book shows how God nurtures these fruits, how the sinful nature impacts them, how Jesus demonstrated them perfectly, and how the gospel helps them blossom and flourish. Each of the nine Bible lessons features application and discussion questions with room to write down thoughts. Able to be used in any size group.




Teaching Tip

Adults, even more than children, need to be in an environment that is conducive to learning. That means good lighting, good line of sight for all students to the whiteboard or teacher, and appropriate use of technology. Even comfortable chairs will make a difference.

– from istanz.org.nz
 Teach the Word is a collaboration of Northwestern Publishing House,
Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, and WELS Discipleship.