Today, it is almost impossible to ignore digital technology in human interaction because it is ubiquitous. The fast improvement of technology has led us to depend on digital technology, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. Physical restrictions require us to perform any activities virtually, including how the schools operate. Schools across the world suddenly must change their instructional practices and operation in the face of this new reality[1]. Face to face and classroom interaction must transition to home-based learning formats using technology with little preparation. Meanwhile, many educational experts a few years back have discussed the urgency for schools to face disruption era with the industrial revolution 4.0[2]. Frameworks, suggestions were presented to prepare the educators and school leaders to embrace the unprecedented disruption. However, schools are very slow to change. This inevitable pandemic requires schools and educator to change whether they are ready or not. As schools must implement new practices incorporating digital technology, this series of changes will lead to transformation and paradigm shift, to the point of new norms. Educators and school leaders need to be prepared in navigating schools for new norms.
For Christian Schools, an important focus is not to answer common questions about the use, benefit, and impact of digital technology on students' academic performance only, but how does digital technology impact Christian education. What is the role of digital technology in Christian teaching and learning? How do Christian schools ensure that distinctive missions will not be drifted but will be strongly supported by the application of digital technology? Will the application of digital technology change the nature, practice, and experience of Christian education? Especially the relationships within the school community? What are the risks might arise from applying digital technology? What are the challenges that Christian educators should be aware with the immersive influence of digital technology? How does the immersion in digital technology support and hinder students’ spiritual formation in Christian schools? What is the projection of digital technology development and to what extent will it penetrate the realm of education? How Christian School leaders should navigate wisely the digital transformation of the school environment and interaction? These are some questions that need to guide Christian School leaders in navigating change due to the influence of digital technology.
Based on the description above, during and after pandemic COVID-19, Christian educators and schools must be able to survive and carry out the schools' mission. Therefore, International Conference on Christian Education, Faculty of Education, UPH 2022 is here to provide a discussion space to share ideas to address the various opportunities and challenges those Christian educators could potentially face in digital technology era, so that they can continue to work according to their roles and responsibilities for the glory of God in the education field. The purpose of ICCE is:
- The conference aims to inform participants and presenters about differentiating our choices about digital technology era and its implications for student’s faith formation.
- The conference aims to digital technology development in learning and its implications and influence on the way we communicate and relate to others in Christian educational context an excellent, holistic, and transformational.
- The conference aims to provide understanding to Christian educators regarding the calling response to teach in the digital technology era by looking at the opportunities and challenges.
[1] Lynn E. Swaner and Charlotte M. Powell, “Christian Schools and COVID-19: Responding Nimbly, Facing the Future” (Colorado Springs, CO: Association of Christian Schools International, May 2020).
[2] Sonny Magana, Disruptive Classroom Technologies: A Framework for Innovation in Education, 1st ed (Corwin, 2017); Mark Gura, The EdTech Advocate’s Guide to Leading Change in Schools (Portland, Oregon: International Society for Technology in Education, 2018); Clayton M. Christensen, Curtis W. Johnson, and Michael B. Horn, Disrupting Class, Expanded Edition: How Disruptive Innovation Will Change the Way the World Learns, 2nd ed (McGraw-Hill Education, 2010).