My Published Book - Glassroom Learning

Pickwick Publications just released my first book. Glassroom Learning: Virtual Culture and Online Pastoral Education is my reworked PhD dissertation in which I invite theological educators to consider the effects of technology on human formation when educating using Web-based systems.

Here's a fuller description:

Christian higher education institutions across North America are experimenting with radical shifts in educational content and delivery. Cyber education is becoming a common supplement or replacement for embodied learning, especially since the global coronavirus pandemic. Most theological educators have embraced the shift online, finding ways to leverage technology to enhance teaching; very few consider how technology itself impacts theological students, particularly those being educated for pastoral ministry. What effect do shifts toward online courses have on those enrolled in programs of pastoral formation? Are future ordinands being adequately trained? When developed well, Web-based learning can strengthen intellectual virtues. However, it can also inhibit character virtue formation and self-differentiation. Internet usage has been shown to negatively affect social well-being, resulting in higher rates of anxiety, depression, and isolation in students; furthermore, it alters behavior, making learners more distracted, less empathetic, and less able to concentrate and contemplate. Theological schools should, therefore, articulate clearer standards for student formation and strengthen aspects of embodied learning to prepare clergy for ministry in an increasingly complex church and world.

If you want a copy there are a couple of good options: 

Order directly through the publisher before October 1, 2023. (Tip: you can get 40% off by using the coupon code "Glassroom"). Here's a link: https://wipfandstock.com/9781666758498/glassroom-learning/

You can also get a copy through Amazon.ca or wherever you purchase you books.

 

Wesley Studies Symposium 2021

This event is happening today on Zoom. At 2:30pm I will be presenting a paper entitled "Virtual Virtue: Exploring the Fruitfulness of Online Pastoral Education".

I'm looking forward to the event for a couple of reasons:

First, it provides an opportunity for me to garner feedback from pastors and academics on a portion of my PhD research. I'm curious to know what resonates with the audience and what seems like a miss.

Second, one of the other presenters is a good friend of mine from high school, Chris Payk. We both attended Welland Centennial Secondary School in the 1990's. He and his family are missionaries in Taiwan where Chris is working on his PhD at National Chengchi University focused
on indigenous Chinese theology. He will be presenting at 11:20am EST (11:20pm his time!). It should be an interesting presentation.

The event is free and there still might be time to sign up here.