May
7
Written by:
host
5/7/2009 7:00 AM
A subscriber to The Daily Voice recently asked for my thoughts about online and downloadable curricula, and I've been giving this subject some extra thought as a result. Over the next few months, I'll be reviewing a few of the many options now available for downloadable curricula. My hope is that as I share a few thoughts about each of them, you'll take some time to think through and weigh the pros and cons of digital vs. other forms of curricula.
First up: The Wired Word, a product of Communication Resources, Inc.
Communication Resources is a company familiar to many congregations, since they provide a wide array of helpful niche products for churches or church staff members. Chances are pretty good that your congregation uses at least one product from them, such as The Newsletter Newsletter or Children's Worship Bulletins. The Wired Word is their curriculum for adults, and in preparation for this review I read through four recent lessons (weeks of 2/15 - 3/8).
(Full disclosure: I have not used this curriculum personally, though I had considered it for a class when it first came out a few years ago. Also, one of the lessons I reviewed included a portion of my Daily Voice email on sexting.)
The Wired Word is a "life to Bible" curriculum and explores recent topics in the news from a faith perspective. Each lesson features an "In the News" section that summarizes a particular news story or stories and gives links to the articles from sources such as the New York Times, Newsweek, or Fox News. Following that is a section entitled, "The Big Questions," consisting of several open-ended questions to help class members begin to think about the issues the story raises for persons of faith. "Confronting the News with Scripture" is the next section and includes four or more scriptures to read and discuss. Questions and a tiny bit of explanatory information about each text is provided. "Questions for Further Discussion" and a "Closing Prayer" round out the session, and occasionally an additional section of links or news is provided.
The Wired Word is not a denominational product and is marketed widely. Unlike many other downloadable curricula, it is not available for purchase on a week-by-week basis. Your only choice is to purchase a one-year subscription for $79.95 - a price point that puts it in reach of almost any congregation and below virtually every other digital option that I have ever seen.
Primary pros...
- The curriculum is emailed to you each week, and you can also email a shorter version of the material to your class members to read before or after class. The subscription even includes an online email system to manage the class email addresses.
- The material could not be much easier to use, making it ideal for busy teachers or substitutes.
- The text is engaging and the questions are generally thought-provoking and well-written.
- Because the material is emailed to you, the element of choice is removed. However, a subscription does include access to archived issues, so teacher can log in and search other lessons by topic.
Primary cons...
- Because this is a nondenominational resource, the material often feels fairly generic. No information, for example, would be included about particular denominational stances on issues, and the biblical/theological content is fairly meager and noncontroversial. I can imagine that in classes without a strong teacher, the curriculum could easily generate lots of conversation and opinions but little resolution, understanding of particular theological points, or action steps to take next.
- Scriptures used are not tied at all to the lectionary.
- The material does not engage or attempt to teach to multiple learning styles. The activities consist of Q&A, plus reading.
- Lessons are not available until Thursdays. I did not review the online resources and tools, but the emailed version does not give any hint of the next week's topic.
Overall, The Wired Word's strongest strengths are its cost, it's online features, and its timely topics that will capture students' interest. Personally, it's not my favorite digital resource (you will have to wait until a future week for that!), but the low cost certainly makes it worth a look.
~ Tim Gossett