In today’s world, Digital Natives—those who have grown up immersed in technology—face unique challenges in their spiritual, moral, and intellectual formation. The rapid rise of screens and social media has reshaped thinking patterns, attention spans, and social interactions, creating both opportunities and struggles for young people today. This session, “Digital Natives: Crafting Character in the Age of Screens and Social Media,” explores the influence of technology on spiritual formation and provides practical strategies for theological educators to engage, mentor, and guide students effectively. The session also includes group discussion questions, making it ideal for personal reflection or group engagement.
Description
This course equips theological educators with a deeper understanding of how technology shapes Digital Natives and their learning environments. It provides practical insights into mentoring and character formation in an age where screens and social media constantly shape thought patterns, relationships, and worldview.
Key discussions include:
- Understanding the impact of technology on the thoughts and actions of Digital Natives.
- Examining real-life case studies that highlight the challenges young people face today.
- Analyzing how Digital Natives interact with the digital world and its implications for theological education.
- Comparing the thinking patterns of Digital Natives and Digital Immigrants in a classroom setting.
- Recognizing common issues such as attention-deficit symptoms, impaired emotional and social intelligence, and their effect on learning and character formation.
- Developing strategies to address these challenges and foster holistic spiritual and character development.
Through these discussions, educators will be better equipped to guide students in navigating the digital world wisely while fostering deep learning, emotional intelligence, and spiritual growth.
Outcomes
By the end of this session, theological educators will:
- Understand the deep influence of technology on Digital Natives’ thinking and behavior.
- Analyze real-world case studies to identify challenges in spiritual formation.
- Examine how Digital Natives engage with the digital world and its effects on character development.
- Compare the cognitive and learning differences between Digital Natives and Digital Immigrants.
- Recognize key issues such as attention-deficit symptoms and impaired emotional intelligence in students.
- Develop effective strategies to mentor and guide students in a tech-driven world.
Engage in personal reflection or group discussions using the provided discussion questions to deepen understanding and application.