The Invitation to Our Schools

Last summer I emailed each of the high schools operated by the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod and the Evangelical Lutheran Synod, inviting them to participate in this GOWM online conference by reporting what they are doing in media/technology education. I sent the same invitation to the colleges and seminaries of the same two synods. They could reply in any way they wished, but to help, I included the list of questions below. I said, "If you wish, your presentation can consist simply of short answers to the following questions. If you consider a question irrelevant, just skip it."

1. In what classes can students learn about or practice video production?
2. In what classes can students learn about or practice social media communication?
3. In what classes can students experience virtual or augmented reality?
4. In what classes do students consider the impact of social media on their lives?
5. In what classes do students consider the impact of movies and television on their lives?
6. In what classes do students consider the role of video games in their lives?
7. Are there classes in which students practice creative writing? Do they practice writing for the screen?
8. Are there classes in which students study or compose music for the screen (such as for movies, video games)?
9. Are there extra- or co-curricular activities in which any of the above can occur?
10. The most important question: In which of the above can students consider making use of these media for Gospel outreach? How is this done at your school?
11. If any of the above are not occurring, would you like them to, if you had the resources to do so?
12. Any future plans in this regard?
13. Anything else you would like to add?

I'm grateful for the insightful and informative responses we received from the schools reporting here.