Educational Technology -
Is It "Kid's Stuff"?
You might occasionally hear about educational technology being used more and more as a tool for teaching younger Christians. But are there ways we can harness tech’s engagement potential in adult Bible classes? This month’s article suggests using Google Forms as one way to better tailor your class to the unique needs of adult learners.


Professor Paul Waldschmidt, a 1999 graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, now teaches Education and Old Testament at the Seminary. He previously served congregations in Normal, Illinois, and Hartford, Wisconsin. He also serves as the current editor of Teach the Word newsletter.


They never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah. Acts 5:42
Adult Education: Additum
Tips for Teaching Adults

We might be reaching into the “wayback machine” for this month’s additum—it is from a 2012 article after all—but you’ll find the teaching tips for adults relevant and practical. Here’s a question that relates to technology in adult Bible class that might stimulate some thought. The author states that students in their 50s and 60s are not nearly as tech-savvy as their younger counterparts. Considering the wide variety of ages and abilities in our classes, is that generalization still true in 2022? The article from Faculty Focus can be found here.

Teaching Toolbox

Nearpod


On the other hand, sometimes a teacher may have a peripheral goal of getting people more comfortable with using technology in class—especially if it will help them achieve the greater goal: enhancing knowledge and application of the Word. If you’re looking for a nonthreatening way to introduce a little bit of technology into your adult Bible studies, why not consider Nearpod? Nearpod is an educational website that allows you to upload slides you’ve already made and add interactive elements to them.

 

One sample presentation on the Nearpod site includes slides that you would see in a typical presentation interspersed with slides that contain a collaborative “bulletin board," a “draw it” slide, a virtual field trip, and a student poll, while also incorporating open-ended question slides. That sample can be found here. This website might be a good way to start getting people to bring their own devices to class as they will find Nearpod usable on their laptops, phones, and tablets. Take the poll slide for example. The people logged in as students see the poll question and have the opportunity to answer for themselves. The person logged in as the teacher sees the results on his or her screen in the case of a poll, or everybody’s replies in the case of a “bulletin board” question.


Of course, equity is always a concern when introducing technology to adult classes, so non-tech options need to be incorporated into careful planning and lots of communication.

Curriculum Connection

Incorporate technology into your lessons and explore relevant spiritual themes from the past with this Bible study kit!

Here We Stand revisits Luther's bold stand at the Diet of Worms five hundred years ago. This video-based Bible study offers timeless truths from Scripture, including grace, the royal priesthood of believers, Scripture alone, and serving others in Christian freedom.

Participants will not only appreciate God's work through the lives of Luther and other Reformers but they'll also see how these important truths impact their faith today.

See a sample of Here We Stand

Learn more and order Here We Stand CD kit or download
Teaching Tip
Effortful retrieval

Effortful retrieval makes for stronger learning and retention. We’re easily seduced into believing that learning is better when it’s easier, but the research shows the opposite: When the mind has to work, learning sticks better.

 
-Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger III, Mark A. McDaniel in their book
Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning

 Teach the Word is a collaboration of Northwestern Publishing House,
Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, and WELS Discipleship.
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