Kellie+DeLeo's+ESSAY+Page

=Capstone ESSAY Page=

Write a 500 word essay summarizing your DDBC experience and how you plan to apply what you learned to your Catholic School teaching or parish catechetical ministry. Demonstrate how you have applied your understanding of ISTE's Educational Technology Standards for Teachers and applied them to a faith formation environment. Include relevant research about technology and learning, especially as applied to faith settings, if appropriate.

Due Date: Dec. 5




 * Capstone Project – DDBC 2014 **
 * Kellie De Leo, November 24, 2014 **
 * Essay – My DDBSC Experience **

Digital Discipleship Boot Camp is a wonderful, eye-opening experience. It gives participants a wide, extensive overview of how we as Catechetical Leaders can use technology to spread the Good News without losing our way. It can be overwhelming at times; and I was many times, because there is so much we can do in our catechetical settings utilizing technology. As Catechetical Leaders, our time is already taxed to the limit, so the thought of adding one more thing to our plate is unthinkable. Yet, if we are willing to take baby steps, and concentrate on only one or two sources it will be worth our time. Sister Caroline and my coach Claudia (or any of the other coaches) were wonderful to work with and encouraged you all through the DDBSC process.

As a result of Digital Discipleship Boot Camp I have been able to start the implementation of effective learning experiences using technology in our faith formation program. I have begun introducing different methods to our catechist that they can use in their teaching.

I have been excited to see our catechists trying to utilize technology in their lessons. My seventh/eighth grade catechists have been using [|Socrative.com] and they have seen an increase in deeper and more meaningful discussions with their children. One of our catechists incorporated the QR codes into their saint box project. We are using an e-book in our RCIA Adapted for Children class. Some catechists are having the children create PowerPoint presentations to share with their parents. Other catechist are utilizing the [|Aquos Board] in their class by using the interactive white board, [|YouTube] videos, the matching games, reviews from [|Our Sunday Visitor – Alive in Christ] series we use.

In addition to the above we have encouraged the families to post their “Our Sunday Connection” discussion on our [|Facebook page]. As we move into the Advent Season, we are hoping to evangelize our parents by encouraging them to participate in an online Advent Book discussion on Facebook.

Communication and training withcatechists can be difficult with the demanding schedules everyone has. I have created a Wikispaces Classroom to facilitate training, communication, and collaboration between catechists. The front page is my communication with the catechist. It has the calendar, upcoming events, articles, and suggested lesson plans for specific lessons. I have a page set up for each grade level with the goals they should accomplish during the year. Each catechist is encouraged to share lessons or ideas with each other.

We have begun the process of going paperless. We have eliminated the process of making copies of flyers, and reminders and are utilizing Facebook, [|Twitter], [|texting] , emails, and [|Sign-up Genius] to communicate with the families. I have only scratched the surface of what can be obtained in the learning experience of our learners utilizing technology. Without Digital Discipleship Boot Camp, I would still be in the dark of what tools are available, how to implement these tools, and where to begin the implementation process. I believe every Catechetical Leader should participate in Digital Discipleship Boot Camp to conquer, evangelize and navigate the new digital world in which we live today!