My journey in education and technology has encompassed diverse roles, from serving as a Digital Learning Teacher in K-12 school districts to working as an Academic Advisor in higher education, and later transitioning to IT as a Technology Analyst and Helpdesk Supervisor. This diverse experience has exposed me to a variety of perspectives allowing me to be empathetic towards others and has shaped my vision for leadership at the intersection of education and technology. Guided by my faith-based values, I have a natural desire to support educators and students in thoughtfully navigating educational technology, equipping them to integrate tools with integrity and purpose.
Mission
Following the ISTE Standards for Coaches in being a Digital Citizen Advocate, my mission is to empower educators, students, and communities to engage with educational technology in a way that is both responsible and meaningful. Rooted in faith, perseverance, and integrity, I want to encourage others to learn the tools and obtain the knowledge needed to navigate the digital world ethically, creatively, and collaboratively. By emphasizing stewardship, inclusivity, and accountability, I seek to honor God while supporting the growth and success of individuals and communities in both physical and digital spaces.
Vision
I strive to be a leader in contributing toward the transformation of education through innovative and ethical uses of technology, inspiring learners and educators to become confident digital stewards. My vision is a collaborative community where technology enhances meaningful learning, fosters creative problem-solving, and helps advance God’s Kingdom by reflecting His love and purpose in all that we do.
Foster a Collaborative and Accountable Community
Fellowship and Identity
Building relationships and contributing to a community are fundamental aspects of our humanity. Dr. David Wicks and Dr. Michael J. Paulus, Jr. (2022) emphasize that at the heart of new creation lies the body of Christ—a community united by God’s gift of love and new life. As the apostle Paul writes to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 12:12, “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ” (English Standard Version [ESV], 2001). This form of community is built through fellowship, which provides purpose by allowing individuals to express their unique gifts while sharing them with the broader community. In fellowship, we find our sense of identity and belonging.
Human identity is inherently relational. Our sense of self is shaped by the communities we’re part of—our families, geography, and social connections—which all play a key role in helping us feel like we belong (Burdett, 2013). In these relationships, we reflect the image of God, or imago Dei. Central to theological anthropology, the imago Dei affirms the sacredness of every individual and highlights the unique qualities that distinguish humans from other creatures as creators within God’s creation (Langford, 2022). As beings created in the image of the creator, we are called to engage in acts of creation ourselves, honoring God by developing ideas, tools, and technologies that glorify His name and support His Kingdom.
The Christian bible begins with creation and ends with new creation (Langford, 2022). Within God’s creation, humans create new things and participate in God’s creation of a new world. Within this narrative, humans are invited to contribute to God’s ongoing work, including the responsible use and development of digital tools like AI. As emphasized in ISTE Standard 4.7.a, technology provides opportunities to address community challenges and inspire civic engagement. By integrating digital tools intentionally, we can foster creativity and innovation that solves real-world problems, promotes shared responsibility, and strengthens our sense of purpose. While technology has at times been misused, it remains a part of God’s creation. When meaningfully applied, it can serve as a powerful force for good within communities and God’s Kingdom. Creation reveals God’s character and nature, inviting us to collaborate in ways that reflect His love and purpose.
Collaboration and Accountability
In response to this calling, we strive to build a culture of belonging that values each person’s contributions through collaboration. Collaboration, defined as working with others toward a shared goal, resembles the fellowship God calls us to share with our neighbors (Wicks & Paulus, 2022). It fosters diversity, accountability, and shared responsibility in the learning journey, creating a supportive community where every individual’s gifts and perspectives can thrive. As Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (ESV, 2001). Accountability helps us remain grounded, encouraging personal and spiritual growth while enabling us to adapt to societal changes such as technological advancements.
Aligned with ISTE Standard 4.7.b, this culture of collaboration emphasizes inclusivity and a balanced approach to technology, ensuring that every voice is heard in a healthy digital environment. By fostering creativity while upholding accountability, we strengthen the community and encourage responsible technology use. Through this stewardship, we play a part in the transformation of God’s creation.
Ultimately, we are not meant to walk alone but to journey together in community through collaboration and accountability. Digital technology provides a unique opportunity to form meaningful connections, share God’s love, and support one another through life’s challenges. By fostering collaboration and accountability, we reflect God’s creative and relational nature, empowering our communities to thrive in faith, learning, and innovation.
Uphold Integrity and Stewardship in Technology Use
God’s Responsibility for Us
As beings created in God’s image, we are entrusted with the privilege and responsibility of stewardship over His creation. This responsibility, rooted in the concept of dominion, calls us to honor God, care for our neighbors, and safeguard the resources and relationships entrusted to us (Hyneman & Shore, 2013). Dominion, as described in Genesis, is not about domination or exploitation but about nurturing, preserving, and guiding creation to reflect God’s intentions. By exercising this stewardship with integrity, we demonstrate gratitude toward God and uphold the inherent dignity of all individuals.
Practicing ethical technology use is a vital expression of this responsibility. Ethical practices ensure that personal data and digital resources are protected and treated with respect, fostering trust within our communities and aligning with God’s command to care for His creation.
Guardianship and Protection
God’s design for stewardship is presented in Genesis 2:15, when humans are commanded to “till” and “keep” creation. This reflects the Hebrew terms abad (‘to serve’) and shamar (‘to protect’), which emphasizes our duty to guard, nurture, and serve creation (Langford, 2022). This extends to the digital realm, where stewardship entails careful consideration of how technology is used and its impact on individuals and communities. Our guardianship must stem from love—love for God, others, and the world He made—expressed through practices that protect the vulnerable, promote flourishing, and reflect God’s care for everyone.
ISTE Standard 4.7.d emphasizes the importance of supporting others in protecting their personal data. By equipping individuals with the tools and knowledge to safeguard their digital privacy and manage their digital footprints, we empower them to make informed, responsible decisions. These practices not only protect individuals but also model integrity and stewardship, inspiring others to create a safe and thriving digital environment.
Similarly, ISTE Standard 4.7.c highlights the need to evaluate online content critically. With misinformation and biases pervasive in today’s media landscape, educators and students must develop skills to assess the accuracy, assumptions, and credibility of digital content. This vigilance helps create an ethical digital community where truth and respect prevail. Students are also encouraged to make responsible, respectful choices online, contributing positively as digital citizens and building a foundation of trust within their digital communities.
As stewards of technology, we must approach powerful tools such as AI and social media with integrity, caution, and accountability. These tools have great potential for good but also carry significant risks of misuse. By promoting sustainable and responsible practices, we protect the privacy and dignity of our communities, ensuring our use of technology aligns with a shared commitment to honor and care for what God has entrusted to us. In doing so, we reflect His love and fulfill our calling as stewards of creation in both physical and digital spaces.
Master Creative Problem Solving by Embracing Resilience and Personal Growth
Faith and Perseverance
Humanity, created in God’s image, reflects the goodness of His creation. Yet, since “The Fall,” we have encountered failure and separation from our true purpose. This struggle, rooted in sin, often challenges our ability to thrive. However, God’s grace and resilience provide a path forward, demonstrating perseverance and offering salvation. In the ever-evolving landscape of digital education, resilience is essential for navigating rapid technological advancements and the challenges they bring.
While people may view the intersection of faith and technology with optimism, pessimism, or uncertainty, we can remain steadfast in God (Campbell & Garner, 2016). Our faith assures us that God’s creation is inherently good, and as stewards of His image, the things we create can also reflect this goodness (Langford, 2022). Yet, we must stay vigilant against sin, which can distort what is good. Trusting in God’s protection and sovereignty, we can approach uncertainty with confidence, knowing that His faithfulness transcends even the unknowns of technological change.
When our faith is rooted in Christ, it overflows into all aspects of our lives, including our engagement with technology. This foundation enables us to face challenges as opportunities for growth, secure in the knowledge that God’s grace equips us to adapt, persevere, and thrive. A faith-centered foundation provides stability, hope, and the assurance that failure is not final. Trusting that God never fails, we are free to embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and grow. This mindset fosters adaptability and equips us to approach changes in technology with curiosity and confidence.
Critical Thinking and Creative Problem-Solving
Developing critical thinking skills is integral to creative problem-solving. Critical thinking involves reasoning effectively to make sound judgments and decisions (Wicks & Paulus, 2022). It empowers learners to evaluate information, form well-founded conclusions, and act with confidence. Mastering this skill requires resilience and practice. A growth mindset accelerates this process, helping individuals embrace mistakes and failures as vital parts of learning and achieving competence.
In the face of technological change or problem-solving challenges, faith strengthens our resilience. By viewing failure as part of the creative cycle rather than an endpoint, we can continuously refine and improve (Wicks & Paulus, 2022). As C.S. Lewis (1978) wisely stated, “Mere change is not growth. Growth is the synthesis of change and continuity, and where there is no continuity there is no growth” (p.18). This perspective allows us to approach setbacks as opportunities to innovate and deepen our expertise, ultimately contributing to richer learning experiences.
This principle aligns with ISTE Standard 4.7.a., which emphasizes the importance of using technology to address real-world challenges and engage civically. By framing technological setbacks as opportunities, students and educators can innovate solutions to community problems, applying their skills for the greater good. Civic engagement through technology becomes an avenue for service, empowering learners to address challenges collaboratively, make meaningful contributions, and positively impact their communities.
In the dynamic environment of digital education, resilience and creativity are crucial for leadership. Resilience empowers us to navigate uncertainties, adapt to new technologies, and support continuous learning. Creativity flourishes when we see failures as opportunities to try again, fostering innovation and problem-solving (Wicks & Paulus, 2022). Faith in God serves as a compass, guiding us through challenges and providing the stability needed to embrace growth. Rooted in trust in God, we can approach digital leadership with confidence, encouraging others to see every challenge as a steppingstone to success. This mindset not only builds personal resilience but also equips us to educate, inspire, and lead others effectively.
Conclusion
My approach to educational technology is rooted in faith, community, and the belief that responsible use of technology transforms learning and relationships. By fostering creativity, accountability, and ethical stewardship, we empower others to thrive while reflecting God’s relational nature. Through resilience and faith, we navigate challenges with purpose, inspiring meaningful impacts that glorify God and build a more connected world.
References
Burdett, M. S. (2023). Proximate and Ultimate Concerns in Christian Ethical Responses to Artificial Intelligence. Studies in Christian Ethics, 36(3), 620-641. https://doi.org/10.1177/09539468231180135
David Wicks and Michael J. Paulus, Jr., “21st Century Learning Skills and Artificial
Intelligence,” in AI, Faith, and the Future: An Interdisciplinary Approach, ed. Michael J. Paulus, Jr., and Michael D. Langford (Pickwick, 2022), 152-69
English Standard Version Bible. (2001). ESV Online. https://esv.literalword.com/
Heidi A. Campbell and Stephen Garner, “Theology of Technology 101,” Networked Theology: Negotiating Faith in a Digital Culture (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Academic, 2016), 19-37
Hyneman, J., & Shore, C. (2013, June 4). World vision’s biblical understanding of how we relate to creation. World Vision International. https://www.wvi.org/publication/world-vision%E2%80%99s-biblical-understanding-how-we-relate-creation
Lewis, C. S. (1978). Hamlet: The prince or the poem? Norwood Editions. 20160701-a5.pdf
Langford, Michael D., “A Theological Framework for Reflection on Artificial Intelligence” (2022). SPU Works. 171. https://digitalcommons.spu.edu/works/171
