By Jennifer Marisi
“Jesus the way, the truth and the light, guide us in this exciting realm of electric-generated light and programmable pathways. Here, as in all things, we seek your truth.”
This prayer has been in my technology lab since 2017. It encapsulates the mission of Catholic education with technology as a tool, not a destination. Good use of technology in the classroom is secondary, learning always comes first. Integrating technology into the Catholic school curriculum has become increasingly important. It’s not just about keeping up with trends; it’s about using powerful tools to enhance learning and deepen students’ understanding of faith and values.
With the onset of virtual learning, educational technology became a mainstay in all classrooms. Online platforms like Google Classroom, Edmodo, Edpuzzle, Nearpod and IXL have become places where students receive individualized lessons. Such interactive learning platforms give teachers another “set of eyes” and are an effective way to collect student data in order to create tailored lessons. Immersive technologies like virtual field trips and Google Earth can transport students around the world, bringing biblical stories or historical events to life in a way that textbooks or lectures simply cannot.
For example, students in Saint Peter School have created interactive maps routing the journey of Christ’s Passion. They can see the exact location – 360 degrees – and compare what they have learned about the Stations of the Cross to how the location looks today. Google Arts & Culture makes these tours available for any age and a variety of subjects, making planning easy for teachers while keeping students highly engaged.
In addition, Catholic educators use technology for digital storytelling and multimedia projects to illustrate student voices. Sites like Pixton, Canva and Storybird provide students the ability to create and illustrate, while others like Google Slides, Keynote and PowerPoint give students a clean template to create stories, narration or presentations from scratch.
Students of any age can use technology to create presentations, videos or podcasts that showcase their understanding of the Catholic faith and values in a creative and engaging way. This empowers them to become active participants in their learning journey. Middle-schoolers at Saint Peter School have created a website called Digital Saints to house their podcast, multimedia and interviews. Their mission is “to provide kids of all ages with positive student-created content while promoting Catholic values.”
Catholic schools are also continuing to use social media platforms to connect with the wider community, share stories of service and outreach, and inspire others to act on their faith. This digital citizenship helps students see how their Catholic values can translate into action in the real world. In October 2017, for example, eighth-graders at our school had a video conference with teens in Fatima, Portugal. They discussed what life was like in a place where our Blessed Mother had appeared. Students on both ends of the camera were excited and full of questions for each other.
It is true that technology presents its own set of challenges and ethical considerations. Catholic schools are using technology to teach students about responsible online behavior, cyberbullying prevention, and critical thinking skills in the digital age. Digital citizenship brings Catholic values to the 21st century.
Staying up-to-date in the tech-sphere is a daunting task, but Catholic schools in the Diocese of Camden are committed to providing teachers with ongoing training and support in using technology effectively in the classroom. South Jersey’s Catholic schools are actively partnering with technology companies and educational organizations to identify the best tools and resources for specific needs. This collaborative approach helps our schools stay ahead of the curve and ensure they are utilizing technology in a way that aligns with the Catholic mission.
Overall, technology is not simply a tool in Catholic education; it’s an integral part of the learning process. By using technology responsibly and creatively, schools in the Diocese of Camden provide students with a rich and engaging learning experience that strengthens their faith, deepens their understanding of values and prepares them for success in the 21st century. All of South Jersey’s Catholic schools are committed to using technology in a way that uplifts, inspires and empowers their students, always keeping their core values and ethical principles at the forefront.
Jennifer Marisi teaches STEM/technology at Saint Peter School, Merchantville
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