Description

This course was written in late March 2020 as many residential theological schools were closing due to the COVID-19 outbreak.  

One of the consequences of these closures was the loss of community life and a renewed exploration of how digital technologies and social media might be used to create meaningful relational communities.  Is it possible to experience real community on a smart phone? Do we need new technologies to do so or do we need to harness existing technologies in new ways?  As theological educators who intentionally design learning contexts to meet desired outcomes, what can we do to  meet new challenges in new ways?  

Course Outcomes

This nanocourse offers some reflections on the current and possible uses of social media and explores practical ways in which we can build communities through new uses of existing social media technologies. The course is especially suitable for leaders of theological schools who are seeking to maintain and cultivate community life during the COVID-19 outbreak.  

Course content

• How social media are used.
• Imagining how social media might be used.
• 14 practical ideas to help build community through social media.
• Listening to our students
• Praying on social media

Authorship

This course is authored by Dr Marvin Oxenham. Marvin is the ICETE Academy Director, General Secretary of the ECTE and Programme Leader for the MA in Theological Education programme at the London School of Theology. He lives in Italy, a country that was particularly affected by  COVID-19 as the course was being written.  His fields of expertise are in educational philosophy, character education, accreditation and online education. 

Delivery mode

This is a self-paced online course.

Duration

This is a nanocourse, entailing 2 hours of learning.

ICETE Academy points

2 points.

Completion requirements

You will need to read watch a selection of videos, consult students and share your findings in a discussion forum and post a prayer in a WhatsApp group.

Course enrolment key

IA018

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