Sybil+Steuart+Essay+Page

This is your personal ESSAY Page. Please post your ESSAY below.

Instructions:
===="Write a 500 word essay summarizing your DDBC experience and how you plan to apply what you learned to your ministry. Demonstrate how you have applied your understanding of ISTE's National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers NETS/T) and applied them to a faith learning environment. Include reference to relevant research about technology and learning, especially as applied to faith settings, if appropriate." ====

My Experience in DDBC

Sybil J. Steuart

Knowing my limited skills in social networking, I jumped at the chance to further my abilities in the media tools available with a workshop close to home and webinars that I could attend easily during the summer. I was slow in learning how to use the computer even though I taught school for 30 years. With little training, I rarely used what I did know with my Kindergarteners as my computer was always the first to be “borrowed” when one broke down in an upper grade. The skills I have now were acquired by trial and error over the past 5 years during my second career in Faith Formation. They have improved to the point that I now train the priests in our parish the computer skills they need here at St. Ann.

The DDBC was a challenge to me even with my “improved” skills. I am a visual learner and needed the trial and error of doing the weekly assignments on my own. My knowledge of the digital tools available has doubled to say the least. One of the biggest challenges I faced during the DDBC was getting the assignments done on time. I oversee many ministries in my parish and the documentation for them without the help of a secretary. Even during the summer, the pastor assigns many tasks with deadlines that I must complete. So the added work was a bit stressful, especially towards the end when all the Religious Education offerings were getting underway again.

Though St. Ann has a school, the parish consists of a mainly “older” population; some parishioners have no computers much less the skills to use them. I intend to help those within my adult classes be more familiar with using the media tools out there. First on the agenda is my Bible Study Group which is comprised of many seasonal residents. With the wiki I have planned, the “snowbirds” will be able to stay connected to the group after they return up north through the readings, questions and comments posted. The wiki page will afford them that opportunity and I know many will welcome this chance to stay part of the group.

I also intend to help guide fellow staff members in using social media tools to enhance our work with parishioners both on the local and non-local levels. The pastor already has plans for the two of us to hold a “class” for the rest of the staff on what tools are available, how to use them and what is allowed according to diocesan and national policies for churches using technology. We have to keep in mind the privacy of intended users as well as the protection of our vulnerable members. There is a fine moral line at times on how people use such tools that has to be emphasized with all.

All the above being said, I am glad I had this experience as it will be of great use to me in the future here in the parish.