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Assignment #1
Expected time to complete this assignment: 10 minutes

In your studies during this course, have you discovered ways that catechists and ministers are already using technology in teaching or learning about their faith? Please use the five categories below and add examples that show Web 2.0 technology applied to __any__ ministerial setting. You may refer to something that is already in place in your own parish or school, or you may list something you have discovered somewhere else.

**Collaboration**
 * Socialization **
 * EXAMPLE: In my youth group, I am using FB as a means to encourage our youth to stay connected with one another (Your Name)
 * I would like to start a Facebook page for Middle School at my parish. I would include basic information about what is going on but also a site to get thoughts and comments on a posed topic. (Anne Renkes)
 * My next Social Media avenue to explore is Instagram and using that as a connection via parish photos and parishioner photos. I would also like to connect with parishioners on a regular basis using our new APP as well as build upon FB use. (Staci Stroud)
 * We are using Facebook and Twitter at my parish. The Youth Ministry has its on Facebook page to connect with the teens. I do not believe that we have a consistent communications strategy with regard to with FB or Twitter but I am trying to change that. (Chris Simons)
 * EXAMPLE: I am using a wiki to work on a parish-wide project to help ministry leaders feel more connected. We are sharing ideas about how to reach the youth population in our parish. (Your Name)
 * I have used Google Docs in our deanery for planning a Catechist formation conference. It got all the information in one place for each of us to get what we needed for whichever part of the conference we were responsible for.(Anne Renkes)
 * I have also used Google Docs and Google Forms for large parish social events (a lunch for 800 following a capital campaign and our Auction to name a couple). This allowed interaction with attendees, volunteers, and coordinator teams. (Staci Stroud)
 * We use Shutterfly to post and share pictures taken at Parish events. WE can then use these pictures on social media or in the bulletin. We also use Sign Up Genius when we have events involving food so people know what we want; they can sign up to bring a particular food. (Chris Simons)


 * Creativity **
 * EXAMPLE: Our parish is posting links to videos on our parish Facebook page that highlight different ministries. Because there is a place to showcase them, the ministries feel encouraged to take on this creative endeavor. (Your Name)
 * Our Middle School created a music video to a song (which we got permission to use) and that is now posted on our parish website. (Anne Renkes)
 * I would like to use Wordle or Tagxedo to create one or a series of bulletin covers. (Staci Stroud)
 * I'd like to use SlideShare to post some of our presentations (Sacrament meetings, for example) so that families can view it online. (Chris Simons)


 * Authenticity **
 * EXAMPLE: I want to create a VoiceThread to encourage senior high youth to voice their experience of World Youth Day (Your Name)
 * I would like the kids to produce a 30 sec. Animoto video that expresses their feelings about God. (Anne Renkes)
 * Since the homily podcasts are very popular, I would like to explore additional ways to use messages, podcasts, videos, etc. to catechize and reach out to other parishioners and the world. Staff will be instrumental in providing this content. (Staci Stroud)
 * Our Adult Ed program sponsors a Major Speaker Series and Guest Speakers events with are recorded and available as vidoes and coming soon, Podcasts. (Chris Simons)


 * Sharing **
 * EXAMPLE: I would like to share my opinions with Catholics in other countries about a book we are reading at the same time. (Your Name)
 * I have benefitted from a nearby parish that has made and shared informative videos on their website. I aspire to do similar videos. (Anne Renkes)
 * Our parish Facebook page is a great platform for sharing - earlier this summer a parishioner who had moved to Colorado used it to tell us that she enjoys listening to the pastor's homily recordings. Also, our Faith Formation Director is very active in providing FB info for use and also is a great FB participant. I wish to continue and build upon different avenues of sharing. I also look to using our APP as a platform for short messages and links. (Staci Stroud)
 * OUr Facebook page allows people to make comments so we can share information or respond to questions. (Chris Simons)