Tanya+LaSane's+ESSAY+Page

I can summarize my experience with DDBC in a few words: life changing. As you would expect, I have grown in my knowledge of social media. DDBC has also helped me grow in my self-confidence. Let me explain. I have always been a technologically challenged person. But taking DDBC's online course has helped me to be on my way to become a digital maven. DDBC has opened many doors to me which has allowed me to open doors to members of my parish.

The instructors in DDBC were very helpful and understanding. Mistakes were always correctable. Students in DDBC shared ideas of how they used technology in their ministry. Working online allowed me the freedom to set my own schedule.

Our world is constantly changing. People are learning in so many different ways. People have so many different learning styles. The digital world has allowed people to use these different styles of learning. The typical classroom setting is no longer the only way of teaching. This is a digital world and people can find out so much information by a click of a mouse. We as teachers of the faith have to change our teaching style to stay relevant to our culture. Before enrolling in DDBC, I would never have been able to spread the Gospel to so many people.

We were assigned assignments that would help us in our current ministry. In one of my assignments, I created a book study group using a blog. The book I chose was Pope Francis' //Joy of the Gospel//. People were encouraged to read the Pope's exhortation and discuss their insights digitally. What a way to incorporate the different styles of learning. What a way of applying ISTE's National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers to faith learning. Participation was great.

I would encourage everyone to take DDBC. Why not be like me and be on your way to becoming a digital maven!