Instructor and Student Perceptions of Integration of Faith Online

by Janine Lim, AVLN Instructor

Instructor Plans

The AVLN course Technology in the Early Elementary Classroom purposefully planned to integrate faith. Some of the ways are listed here.

  1. An online chapel (discussion forum) was provided for prayer requests and devotional thoughts. The instructor posted devotional thoughts weekly, and instructor & participants shared prayer requests and shared written prayers.



  2. Each week addressed a different subject area and how to integrate technology in that subject area. Bible was included, with many ideas shared for Bible projects using the computer, Internet, and digital camera.



  3. The discussion questions on the reading were designed to integrate faith (some covert, some overt). Note emphasized sections below.
  4. The weekly projects, readings, and discussion questions provided many opportunities for choice. It is my belief that giving adults choice not only follows good adult learning principles, but follows the design of our Creator. In addition, the weekly projects sometimes provided opportunities to integrate faith. For example:
  5. Some students felt free to express their faith in their projects, even if the project instructions did not specifically direct them to do so. For example, here is an acrostic poem project from the week on language arts (used with permission).



  6. Participants final projects (lesson plans, unit plans, etc.) were required to include faith integration as part of the lesson.


  7. In addition, the way the the instructor interacted with the students reflected the faith of the instructor (i.e. patience, kindness, sympathy with technology problems, quick responses, and generally creating a safe environment.) A few comments:

Student Perceptions
Now you get a real glimpse into the course. Below are all the student responses to the faith integration survey question in the spring and summer 2003 sessions. Items of note are highlighted. (Text is given just as the participants submitted it.)

Question: What evidence did you see this week of the integration of faith and learning in this course? Do you think it was appropriate? Any suggestions?

Week One:

  1. I saw in this weeks lesson that letting us be creative with our projects is one thing God wants us to be. God has given us the powerful of choice and I had to make choices this week on what I wanted to read and how I related to my classmates as we talked and responded to each other. God said do unto others as you would like them to do you. Be positive is the key in this class. The Lord has asked us to share knowledge and that's what I'm doing
  2. I really didn't see clear evidence of an integration of faith and learning, I think that one can apply the information read in the articles to adapt it to Christ-centered activities such as slide shows featuring an introduction of the students, including theri favorite Bible text , or assist the students in writing poems that teach a certain aspect of character development.
  3. Evidence of faith and learning was seen in the comments of some of the students which were appropriate and well-done. It would perhaps be helpful to encourage more of this in the curriculum of the course, one possible area would be through the Read It.
  4. The integration of faith and learning played a big part when it came to the ReadIt section. It helped me to analize and re-evaluate my position as a Seventh-day Adventist Christian teacher. I looked at how the use of technology is affecting and will continue to affect education in the Christian classroom.
  5. The integration of faith is crutial when it comes to setting guidelines for computer use. As children become more familiar with this technology, such Bible verses as Ps. 101:3 and Phillipians 4:8 could be discussed.
  6. Integration of faith and learning took place when I read the articles and when I did my first KidPix picture of nature.
  7. I enjoyed the comments of how this could help in our SDA schools and how we can bring out ideas of faith. The Chapel was an awesome addition. Now we have a real "Church School."
  8. I was so unexpectedly pleased to find others sharing their faith in their answers and questions. Don't know why I was surprised. Maybe because I so often feel isolated from the family of faith. I felt affirmed in my own situation.
  9. I liked the chapel and the article from concerning choosing software in the Sda classroom. I especially loved the example of the teacher teaching her students to begin filtering on their own.
  10. The reading assignment included an informative article about the effects of television on our children from a spiritual perspective.
  11. I appreciated the faith building interchanges between some of the students in the class.
  12. I saw little to none. This is not surprising considering that we are all just getting use to the course, the format and many, to the software. The closest it came was in the appreciation of nature by some - camping, gardening, riding in nature.
  13. Guess I somehow didn't catch much of the integration of faith with this lesson--except as communicated in the discussion board. I appreciated the message about dealing with stress and worry.
  14. I didn't see much integration of faith and learning, but it was evident in certain comments by various participants in their discussions aand comments.
  15. This is an area that doesn't stick out in my mind right now. It was talked about some in the dicussions. I had my children type their Bible Memory verses into KidPix this week. They selected a background that went along with the Bible story and used various stamps to create a nice picture. Then they typed the verse in. One boy did typed in the verse for the lesson on David Livingstone. The children had a good time listening to the verse being read and watching the "native" he had selected for his picture jump around on the screen.
  16. I am not sure I fully understand this question.
  17. I really appreciated the encourageing comments made to those of us who were having problems and the Bible promises that were given. Very uplifting. Wanted to cry after reading one of them...it was just what I needed!
  18. None, this week.
  19. I'm not sure what you mean by integration of faith and learning. Do you mean biblical principles and these lessons? Since this was mostly an introduction week and a try out the equipment week, it was appropriate.
  20. I saw it most in our instructor's responses to individual students. Always upbeat, encouraging, and constantly stimulating deeper thought about the subjects.
  21. So much of teaching is relating, and Jesus certainly set that example for us. Technology has its place, but I liked the reminders to maintain the human interaction.
  22. I don't recall seeing any integration of faith and learning.
  23. Lots in the discussions.

Week Three:

  1. I think that next week will be a bit easier, because Bible is one of the subjects that we are focusing on. However, the teacher can adapt activities to include a spiritual aspect of the assignments. Example: Incorporate character traits, along with biblical references to clarify a lesson.
  2. We really delved deeply into computer ethics and how they relate to biblical principals this week. I found that to be very appropriate.
  3. That we are responible for everything we do and God holds us accoutable. I know before I start any reading or project I seek the Lord's guidance. With out his help I don't think I make it through this class. Integration of faith in this class helps me to realize that God is there for me no matter what. I like the idea about the online chapel. That was a great idea.
  4. Integration of faith is very evident and appropriate in this class. It reinforces our job as Christian teachers. It is not just tacked on but an important part.
  5. Faith and learing are brought out through the articles and the response of the classmates include faith and learning also.
  6. I imagine we will see more now that we are studing Bible and integration of tech. Everything has been appropriately done.
  7. Many of those taking the class have mentioned how this helps them in being ready for their classrooms. There is a Christian theme running through all of the class. This has been a delightful experience.
  8. I'm so glad I took this class rather than another one I was looking at from a large public university. This component wouldn't have been present. It has been very appropriate and meaningful.
  9. I enjoy all of the suggestions about integrating faith. Having come from public school, that is some time challenging.
  10. I think it was appropriate. I saw the most integration of faith and learning when we got to the Science piece.
  11. This is evident in the comments of students and instuctor in their exchanges and in the addition of the chapel/prayer link.
  12. Living by God's principles has been integrated nicely and brought out in the concepts put forth and by the other students comments. Even those things we dislike, ex. graphics, gives the opportunity to bring forth God's principles to our students. I appreciated that thought especially this week. And will use it will a discussion with my students.
  13. Week 2 and 3 were full of integration of faith and learning. Copyright laws and ethics and the discussions about questionable stamps in KidPix were good. It was very appropriate too. I also like the incorporation of the "chapel". Thanks.
  14. Classmates share ideas and instructor shares as well.
  15. Mostly in the availability of a prayer posting place. Occasionally from participants in their responses to posts or their own posts for projects. All has been relevant.
  16. I like the prayer chapel. Although I haven't had time to respond, I have prayed for those individuals asking for prayer...
  17. Bible verses quoted, etc. very appropriate
  18. I think the biggest area of correlation with faith came with the issue of computer ethics. The materials presented were completely appropriate.
  19. It was most evident in our discussions of use of software and I am looking forward to seeing more of it.
  20. no suggestions at this time
  21. Many of the projects' content reflected a faith based instruction either directly thru the use of biblical material or religious references or through the study of nature.
  22. I'm still looking for that part. I guess I need to check out the devotional section in the discussion area ( I think that's where I saw it).
  23. Honesty is a theme that seems to keep popping up. Teachers and students being honest in regard to copyright laws, students being honest when using a calculator to figure math answers, teachers and students maintaining open, honest communication about the Net, etc. Thankfully we are addressing these issues during this course, it helps prepare us to do the same in our classrooms.
  24. In discussion of copyright it was evident and during devotional time.

Week Six (Final Eval):

  1. Very appropriate. I especially enjoyed the "Chapel" page.
  2. The Online Chapel was a real blessing. There was integration of faith everywhere-- a great balance.
  3. The instructor helped me to think of faith intergtation in all subjecs, not just Bible. I thought it was always very approprpiate.
  4. I like the way religion was intertwined with our lessons. We need to seek God at every opporunity.
  5. Very appropriate.
  6. Whenever an assignment was given, ideas for integrating faith and learning had to be given that were appropriate for my grade level.
  7. I appreciated the Chapel section of the course and saw my fellow students integrating faith and learning into their projects.
  8. I really enjoyed how scriptural texts were incorporated and shared. I especially liked having to illustrate Bible texts using Kidpix. It was very appropriate, and I plan to use it in my class.
  9. I think the biggest evidence I saw was from the times the instructor would give quotes from Ellen G. White, etc. I felt that we were being led in this class by a very spiritual person and I appreciated that.
  10. Worship, devotional ideas, suggestions for improving approach to teaching Bible, it was mentioned throughout the course. Very appropriate. Keep it in the course.
  11. Yes, I thought it was well integrated...
  12. There was some integration of faith in the Bible lessons and choice of projects. I think that when we talked about ethics, there was an integration of faith as well. I thought the amount of integration was appropriate for a class such as this.
  13. The instructor always made it an integral part of each week. It is important to integrate our faith with learning, to keep our focus always on Christ.
  14. Christian values and ethics were apparent. Also the chapel was nice to have. Activities allowing for Bible verses was a good integration. On the whole, the course was not "worldly" but very Christian in character.
  15. Not all the faith integration was easy for me. I forget now which one was hard - oh yes, copyright issues. It gave me lots to think about. Guess that was the idea!
  16. es. I thought it was just fine!!
  17. Many of the activities integrated faith with learning. Was it appropriate? Yes, yes, yes! Thanks to the instructors for getting my brain thinking along these lines more deeply than usual.
  18. it was extensive and very appropriate
  19. I think we all felt comfortable sharing thoughts of how to teach God's love and plan for us through other avenues besides Bible class. Also, we had a chapel - how many classes do you take where you can ask for prayer and classmates pray for you on line?

Questions