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ESSAY DUE DATE Dec. 1, 2013

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.

November 21, 2013 Elizabeth Girton
 * ESSAY **
 * My Experience with DDBC **

My initial encounter with DDBC was at the 2013 Mid-Atlantic conference. I wanted to know more about using the internet in my ministry as the Director of Faith Formation. After hearing Sr. Caroline’s presentation on” [|TEN GREAT IDEAS for your Classroom or Ministry Using Web 2.0 Tools] ,” I was overwhelmed but convinced I could do this with some guidance. When I received a notice that they were going to do the DDBC as an on-line course, I jumped at the opportunity. For my project I was able to build a blog for my catechists using WordPress as a teaching tool for their development in the catechetical ministry. I have shared tools they can use, encouraged discussions between them on best practices, added a few humorous reminders not to take ourselves too seriously, and introduced them to tools they can apply in their own classrooms. Just as the children learn better in a collaborative environment, so too do my adult catechists. The International Society for Technology and Education standards for teachers stand out in my experience with DDBC. Under the first standard “Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity,” I was guided through this course using something I knew – the basics of the computer and internet – then added my new skills using tools found on the internet which I passed along to my catechists who used them in their classrooms. Under the second standard – “Design and Develop Digital Age Learning Experiences and Assessments” – I worked with the other digital disciples in the boot camp using social media to encourage one another and stay connected. This I passed on to my catechists through the use of Tweets which they found very interesting. I also Tweeted questions to them to which they had to respond back. Using the third standard “Model Digital Age Work and Learning,” in my communications with parents who have a variety of skills. Not all have emails, not all can get a text, so I have had to connect with parents through whatever tool with which they are most comfortable even sending postcards and making telephone calls. ISTE standard “Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility” is always on my agenda because I am the Safe Environment coordinator for our parish. I am well attuned to how important the use of the internet has to be closely supervised. ISTE standard “Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership” is close to my heart because at my core I am a learner. I am always sharing what I learn with others. I feel so honored to have been part of the first on-line DDBC which was the only way possible for me to have learned all that I have. This experience has changed my entire approach to leadership in the parish and with colleagues. I look forward to growing even more in the future as I hone the skills I have learned and learn even more. Thank you to the DDBC team!