Do’s & Don’ts in a Visual Society

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We live in a visual society. Just consider the popularity of sites like Pinterest, Instagram, Snapchat, etc. Many people tend to prefer pictures, infographics, and videos over text.

We also live in a society where people engage through screens of various sizes — smartphones, tablets, laptops, PC monitors, etc. This is the only kind of life many of the younger generation have known.

But really, the need to teach visually isn’t anything new. God made us to learn with our senses. Using audiovisuals has always been a good idea. It’s also the way God has communicated with people. Bible teachers need to get on page with God, not society.

Tips for Bible Teachers to Teach in a Visual Society

1) Do visualize the content where you can yet do so purposefully.

The objective isn’t merely to appeal to people’s senses or to entertain but to engage people in the learning process. It would be better not to use a visual or video than to use one that’s inappropriate or misrepresents.

2) Don’t limit yourself to any one medium.

Think in terms of pictures, videos, and objects. A visual image can be used to represent a truth that will help with recall later through the week when they see that image or picture of the image.

3) Do use both on screen and off screen pictures.

Just because people use screens a lot doesn’t mean it is the only way you should teach. A low tech approach, done well, can sometimes communicate just as well.

4) Don’t get discouraged if you cannot use screens in your setting.

Changed lives result from the work of God in people’s hearts not our methodology. With that said, we still should do whatever we do well. Read the following articles for help engaging students even with low tech means:

5) Do still communicate verbally and relationally.

Even if the visual depicts a scriptural scene or truth, it’s important people acknowledge the Bible as the source of truth. Visuals should never be a substitute for the Word — “faith comes from hearing the message” (Rom. 10:17). Also remember that the Word became flesh and dwelt among people (Jn. 1). The incarnation of Jesus suggests sharing be both verbal and relational.

For Other Tips:  Tips for Choosing & Using Audiovisuals Worksheet Download

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Low Tech Teaching in a High Tech World? – Expansion Needed

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Low-Tech TeachingOne of the improvements Bible teachers can make when using low tech methodology to teach in a high tech world, is to break out of the traditional way of using the various methods. That will tend to get students’ attention.

Since students are accustomed to a constant influx of that which is new or innovative, using “old” methods in “new” ways can have a similar effect.

Encourage Bible teachers to expand the way they teach.

  • Think creatively rather than be satisfied with status quo.
  • Look at alternative approaches, asking themselves “what if” questions.

The Bible Learning Activities for Children Training Download contains a section under each of the following low tech methods with ideas for expanding their use. It could be a helpful tool for getting your children’s teachers thinking this way. You can order it as a unit using the above link or as separate one page documents by clicking on the links below.

Many of the methods more appropriate for youth and adults can also be varied or expanded in their use. The Sharpening Your Bible Teaching Methods Resource provides ways to expand the use of many of the traditional methods.

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Low Tech Teaching in a High Tech World? – Perspective Needed

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Low-Tech Teaching

Not all churches are able to keep up with technology, especially in classrooms. Hence, they might be afraid the Bible teaching in their church won’t be able to reach today’s students who are so accustomed to technical knowledge and tools. As we observed in a previous post, low tech teaching in a high tech world will face some challenges. But there are ways teachers can improve their teaching to combat these challenges.

Even more important is that Bible teachers maintain perspective. They need to understand that their teaching is about students getting to know God and seeing their lives changed.

  • Jesus saves, not high tech.
  • The Holy Spirit helps them walk the walk, not high tech.
  • God brings the growth, not high tech.

If these statements are true, then one must concede that God can use any means, even low tech teaching, to reach people.

That doesn’t mean you never use high tech methodology but rather that you are not dependent on it. Remember the Apostle Paul’s words, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some” (1 Cor. 9:22). But in the final analysis, it is what God does that matters, not what we do.

Paul also said, “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power” (1 Cor. 2:4-5). We could probably remain true to the text to substitute “words” for however we are trying to teach such as … “not with wise and persuasive technology, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.”  — This is the perspective Bible teachers need to maintain in a high tech world.

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Low Tech Teaching in a High Tech World? – Improvements Needed

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Low-Tech Teaching
We are living in a high tech world but Bible teachers who cannot use technology in their classrooms can still engage students.
Teachers might simply need to make a few improvements in the way they teach to combat the challenges that living in a high tech world can produce.
  1. In a high tech world, teachers might see lower attention spans in their students because of the quantity of content and images with which they are bombarded every day.

Improvements Needed to Combat Low Attention Spans:

  • variety in the way the lesson is presented
  • short segments with the same means
  • use of visuals to present content
  • lots of student involvement
  • relevancy to students’ lives
  • varying the pace by switching between low and high energy methods
  1. In a high tech world, Bible teachers might see higher expectations from their students because of the quality of professional media games and videos with which they are accustomed every day.

Improvements Needed to Combat High Expectations:

  • preparedness in order to do the best with what a teacher has
  • excellence in the details that build up to a big picture
  • skillful use of whatever methods or visuals are being employed

Low tech teaching will face some challenges in a high tech world but can be overcome when Bible teachers make the necessary adjustments.

If you are a Bible teacher reading this: Are you willing to make the improvements needed to reach today’s students?

If you are a leader reading this: Are you training teachers in ways that help them make the improvements needed to effectively teach in a high tech world?

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