Digital Life Together: The Challenge of Technology for Christian Schools

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.

Table of Contents

PART ONE: Orientation
1. A Shifting Landscape
2. A Faith Tapestry
3. What is Technology?
4. What This Book Offers
5. Modern Christian Schools in Context
PART TWO: Mission
6. Understanding the School's Mission
7. Why Technology? Community Perceptions of the Mission
8. Communicating the Mission: How the Vision was Received
9. Do Laptops Support the School's Mission?
10. Reaching Beyond the Mission Statement: A Tapestry of Faith Strategies
PART THREE: Teaching and Learning
11. Pursuing Pedagogical Play
12. Digital or Not? The Art of Daily Choice
13. Preparing Minds: Inquiry and Life-Long Learning
14. Preparing Minds: Higher-Order Thinking
15. Preparing Minds: Differentiation and Inclusion
16. The Benefits of Efficient Tools
17. Completing Assignments, but Cheating Ourselves
PART FOUR: Discernment
18. What is Christian Discernment?
19. Christian Discernment and Digital Citizenship
20. How Does Discernment Shape School Policy?
21. Are Students Getting Too Much Screen Time?
22. Keeping the Good from the Bad: Moral Boundaries
23. Fitting and Monitoring Internet Use: Does It Help?
24. Discernment and Consumerism
25. Teaching a Christian Perspective
PART FIVE: Formation
26. How Do Beliefs Relate to Practices?
27. How Do Laptops Foster Connections to the Wider World?
28. Limitations of Digital Engagement with the Wider World
29. Are Students Really Paying Attention?
30. Teaching Slow Learning
31. Can Spiritual Disciplines Help with Technology?
32. Who Takes Responsibility for Distraction?
PART SIX: Community
33. Faith, Practices, and Community
34. Shifting Relational Dynamics
35. Does Technology Use Increase Collaboration?
36. Parents' Roles and Perspectives
37. Parent Communication and Information Overload
38. Time, Workload, and Boundaries
39. The Finish Line Keeps Moving