Barbara+Blanco+Essay

= 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


 * DDBC Capstone Project Proposal (Final) and DDBC Essay below. **
 * DDBC Capstone Project Proposal (Final) and DDBC Essay below. **

Barbara Blanco August 18, 2014 DDBC Capstone Project Proposal


 * Project Contact:** Barb Blanco
 * Project Title:** Implementation of a new Confirmation program and timeline process for High School Religious Education.
 * Project Description:** As the new Religious Education Coordinator and member of the parish community for several years, I have observed the need for modifying and updating of our Confirmation process. In the past, Freshman students have received instruction for 8-10 weeks before receiving the Sacrament. As a result, students have expressed a desire for more in-depth knowledge of their faith and a better understanding of the gifts attached to this Sacrament. Parents, catechists and parish members have voiced concerns regarding the materials being used and agree the timeline for the formation process is inadequate. My project will increase the formation process to 24-weeks, beginning at a Freshman level and ending halfway through the Sophomore year leading up to Confirmation. The program materials and media proposed are brand new, authentic, exciting and engaging. They speak the language of students raised in the digital age and tailored to fit both religious education and youth ministry settings. At the end of the Sophomore religious education year, Confirmed students would have received much more in-depth instruction and will be adequately equipped for the mature subject matter at junior and senior levels. Ideally, students will be better prepared to serve their parish, community and Church as a whole.
 * Project Goals:**
 * Propose the implementation of a new Confirmation program and process to Parish Staff members by outlining the need and benefits to our faith community
 * Obtain pastor, parish staff members and finance committee approval
 * Order program materials for students, parents and catechists
 * Inform students and parents of upcoming implementation of new Confirmation program and timeline process
 * Meet with catechists to introduce the new program and timeline processes for Confirmation
 * Help catechists launch the program successfully, answer questions and offer support as needed
 * Confirmed students will receive in-depth, authentic Catholic instruction and will be adequately equipped for the mature subject matter at junior and senior levels
 * Audience:** The audience will consist of freshman students preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation. On occasion parents will be involved in the process during meetings and service hour opportunities.
 * Timeline:** The approval and planning processes will take 10-12 weeks. The program is scheduled to launch on September 7, 2014, the first day of Religious Education classes.
 * Media/Technology Requirements:** A facebook page has been created to keep parents and students up-to-date and involved in lessons. In addition, the parent-student informational meeting presentation will include a Powerpoint presentation with video clips of the program and internet links that demonstrate ‘life in a lesson’ samples. A television and DVD player are required in each classroom, in addition to Internet access. Technology requirements have been met and are in place.
 * Budget:** Approximately $2400, which has been raised through religious education registration fees.
 * Approval:** Pastor and Finance Committee’s approval is required and has been obtained.

*** Essay *** Barbara Blanco November 28, 2014 Coaches, Amy Barber-Deanna Bartellini DDBC Capstone Project Essay Digital Submersion The Digital Discipleship Boot Camp experience has been very rewarding, one I have affectionately dubbed, my digital submersion. The digital world has always fascinated me, but with the rapid growth, changes and enhancements, it has been a challenge to keep up. One of the most poignant moments that helped me plunge into the digital world was an exchange I had with my teenage son several years ago. I remember being resistant to texting and the smartphone concept, I was comfortable with my “old phone” and did not see a need for change. After much persistence on his part, and others in the modern digital world, I succumbed to the smartphone and texting world. One of the first text message conversations I had was with my son, and I remember him ending his message with an affectionate, “I luv u momma dunk.” The sweet words a mother can never get enough of! He did manage to say them on occasion, but few and far between for certain. It was then I realized the potential of the digital age. I realized if I wanted to best communicate with my children and students, I had better become a fluent digital citizen, and fast!

As a new coordinator of religious education, one of the first things I did was evaluate my own technology fears and deficiencies, which led me to enroll in DDBC, along with other related catechetical and college courses. In order to meet and implement ISTE's Educational Technology Standards for Teachers and Students, I presented an opportunity for growth and improved communication through technology to our parish council and staff. As with most parishes, we were quite antiquated and in need of immediate updating. We evaluated our internet options and upgraded to best meet our technology needs. Classrooms were equipped with updated flat screen televisions, several rooms were equipped with new sound systems and Chromecast devices were purchased for catechist and student use. At the beginning of the religious education year, catechist meetings included introduction to new technology for classroom use. I provided a training session to help catechists incorporate technology into each lesson, which was met with much, “It’s about time!” responses. This year our sacramental parent-student meetings have also included the use of technology. PowerPoint presentations with relevant video clips, music and curriculum lesson links were imbedded for demonstration, and the response has been phenomenally positive. On a middle and high school level, we have created several Facebook and Twitter accounts for the different age groups to engage students and parents throughout the week. This has allowed for a wider base of evangelization within our own community, parents and grandparents are becoming informed and are actively engaged in social media conversation. In relation to that, we are currently in the process of incorporating a reward system for our ‘question of the week’ participant winners. I have met with and surveyed local experts, our high school student leaders, and asked what they would recommend in terms of technology use within a religious education setting. As expected, the response was phenomenal and plans for more digital upgrades for the upcoming year are underway.

My digital submersion experience is far from over. Each day I find myself reaching new levels of engagement and excitement. My son, who years ago would not give up on his stubborn mother, has recently entered the IT profession and is my mentor. The future of digital use in my world has become the proverbial air I breathe, within balanced limits. I am currently searching for new religious education curricula options that will incorporate inactive digital use. Our catechists, and staff members alike, are encouraged to dive into the digital environment and learn the new language. If our youth hold the future of our Church in their hands, then we had better quickly grab hold of the opportunity to engage, teach and learn from them. To the Glory of His Name -- Totus Tuus!