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Assignment #2
Expected time to complete this assignment: 30 minutes

Read the entire statement from the USCCB Communications Committee report to the 2011 Fall General Assembly. It's not very long.

Social media: Friend or Foe, Google or Hornswoggle? []

While you are reading, be aware of words of phrases that might apply to our topic of wikis. Now post a short reflection about what impressed you the most in the USCCB statement. If you would like to reference or other Church documents or statements, please do. If you can create a hyperlink to the document, even better!

Example: I was impressed that the bishops recognize the evangelization opportunity created by social media. That could apply to wikis, too. If wikis allow ANYONE to contribute, maybe I could set up a wiki for two Catholic schools to collaborate in a project. I think my junior high students might enjoy that. I have been searching for a project where they can articulate their faith in a new way. -posted by Claudia


 * POST YOUR REFLECTIONS ON YOUR COACH'S PAGE. **

Example: It is really wonderful to see that the Bishops are seeing the value in using digital media. I think there is a lot of values in using all the social media tools and I feel that we just need to find what works best in our churches seating and start enhancing our ideas and sharing more. Susan Noble

While you are reading, be aware of words of phrases that might apply to our topic of wikis. Now post a short reflection about what impressed you the most in the USCCB statement. If you would like to reference or other Church documents or statements, please do. If you can create a hyperlink to the document, even better!

I like Pope Benedict's reference to the Digital Continent. Social media is global and, as they mention in the report, most everyone is using some type of social media. SM does offer the Church opportunities for quick, easily accessed information to groups of people. It is a wonderful way to stay connected with parishioners or persons in dioceses, or as we've seen with Pope Francis' SM communications, the Digital Continent of the world. We do need to stay current with our learning and use of SM platforms so that we meet the needs and expectations of parishioners. Wikis are one of the areas that we should learn. While I haven't used wikis in the past, I am beginning to understand the possibilities for use in faith formation and other parish ministries. I am currently brainstorming some ways that we can utilize wikis to share information, prayer, and other faith-building opportunities. (Teri Burns)

I was impressed by the words "..think, live, and embrace life on the Digital Continent". I have used the contrast before of this "Digital Continent" to our physical world. I see great possibilities in developing our "Digital Parish" and the use of SM tools such as Facebook and Twitter allow us to, let's say, have virtual gatherings - parent sessions for sacraments, promotion of feast days and church events. But like in the real world - there is still a need for more private, discreet conversations to plan and discuss issues and situations that may arise. That is where I see Wikis value over the other tools we use. My Wiki project project for Assignment #3 is geared towards that concept. I am interested to see how the settings and controls can be used to either limit or expand that audience I am trying to reach. (Rosemary Potts)

The article was rather enlightening and informative. To hear a Bishop use the words a "brave new world" to describe our digital age was great. He seems to be correct in his statement that digital technology is not going anywhere and should be embraced. It is also wonderful to read how Pope Francis encourages Catholics to use social media as an evanglization tool. With regard to wikis, it is easy to assume that people can communicate and grasp the wiki concept easily, but only after a short tutorial will one be able to navigate a wiki with ease. A wiki can provide people in ministry with yet another useful tool to communicate and plan effectively. (Angie McElveen)

Maria Lai, CSJ "Who are we growing up in this new culture?" Is everyone's opinion valid? Should the digital natives expect a response from their question? Is the Church ready to be a part of the Digital Continent? When digital media is the first point reference of the digital natives, we just come to the conclusion that we need a vision and leadership to enculturate ourselves to think, live, embrace life on the Digital Continent. I think Digital Discipleship Bootcamp is ever so valuable and much needed in our Catholic Church.

"Social media may have started with the younger generation, but it is now a very useful tool to reach Catholic of all ages"...I guess it is not for just reaching out to Catholics of all ages but to everyone Since it is " a new form of pastoral ministry and an opportunity of such magnitude that we should consider carefully the consequences of disregarding it." Looks like we have to get on with the times; we have to be enculturated,learn how to think, live and embrace life on The Digital Continent. (Ivy Foo)

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