Philosophy for Technology in Education

The purpose of technology in education is to empower all academic stakeholders. Educational leaders utilize technology to enhance and empower teachers and students through equitable and inclusive resources (ISTE, 2025). Through their support, teachers can meet their students' needs with professional development focusing on new technologies to address various content and student accommodations. By adjusting to the unique demands of each learner, these technologies facilitate individualized instruction. It provides educators and students quick feedback, allowing them to track progress and improvement. Technology aims to expand stakeholder engagement, enhance knowledge transfer, bridge learning gaps, and prepare students for a world driven by technological advancements (Bishop et al., 2020; Hughes & Roblyer, 2023).

In this age of rapidly advancing technology, Christian educators may wonder how they can use technology in the classroom. Even though technology can be a powerful tool, some educators are wary of how it will impact moral and ethical instruction. However, when used thoughtfully and purposefully, it can align with biblical principles and serve as a tool for fulfilling His purposes in education. He calls believers to be manage the resources and opportunities He provides with care and intention. Technology is a tool that is morally neutral; how people use it determines its value.

Proverbs 2:2-3 (New Living Translation, 1996/2015) states: "[t]une your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding." This call to seek wisdom and understanding is central to education. When used correctly, technology becomes the means of facilitating this pursuit. Digital tools provide a wealth of information and resources that reach beyond the local community and offer a global context. Jesus instructs believers to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19, NLT). Christians increasingly carry out this mission through physical presence and digital engagement.

Students must be taught responsible technology usage if they are to effectively participate in the Great Commission. As Paul wrote: "I have become all things to all people so that I might by all means save some (1 Corinthians 9:22, NLT)." These words demonstrate a cultural engagement strategy that adapts methods to reach diverse audiences. In today's world, cultural interaction often takes place online via digital platforms. In addition to providing academic preparation, a classroom that embraces technology equips students to be leaders and effective witnesses in a world that requires digital fluency. By ethically training students to use technology, educators prepare them to spread the Word, support global missions, and contribute positively to the broader community.

Since God created humans in His image, there is the capacity for creativity and innovation (Genesis 1:27, NLT). As a result of human creativity, technology is an extension of these abilities. Therefore, Christian educators should encourage students to reflect on the affirmations of God through the development and use of technology. Just as God equipped individuals with the skills for crafting temples, He has also equipped students with the abilities and aptitude for digital construction (Exodus 31:3, NLT).

With the global reach of today's technology, it can bring people together across great distances and provide equitable access to education. Some programs support learners with various abilities, bridge language barriers, and deliver content in diverse formats to accommodate different learning styles. This inclusive aspect of technology resonates with the biblical values of every individual and the body of Christ as a whole. Paul (Galatians 3:28) states, "[t]here is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus." This unity extends beyond the classroom, where all students should have the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to society. Technology can level the educational playing field and ensure that students have access to high-quality instruction.

I am responsible for providing students with the fundamental base in ethical and responsible technology usage. Through integrating TPACK, ISTE standards, and biblical principles, I focus my classroom instruction on providing students with every available resource for success. I convey information and instructions for course expectations through clear and concise presentations. Using technology, I provide students with various resources to engage critical thinking skills and a platform for civil discourse on topics that educators may not have been able to address at previous levels. My lessons incorporate primary source narratives, where possible, and documentaries to provide students with the necessary cultural connections to understand historical events on a personal level.

References

Bishop, M. J., Boling, E., Elen, J., Svihla, V. Eds. (2020). Handbook of research in educational communications and technology (Fifth Ed.). Springer.

Hughes, J. H. and Roblyer, M. D. (2023). Integrating educational technology into teaching: Transforming learning across disciplines. Pearson.

International Society for Technology in Education (2025). ISTE Standards. https://iste.org/standards

New Living Translation (1996/2015). The Holy Bible. Tyndale House Publishers. YouVersion Bible App