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.