DIGITAL TOOLS IN THE TEACHING OF RELIGION - EASTERN ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY
Keywords:
Religious education, digital technologies, augmented realityAbstract
In the transition from an information to a digital society, issues arise in the area of training future human resources. In the innovative educational environment, the role of future teachers is crucial. According to international studies, expectations are placed on them, not only in the interest of policies and society, but above all in the interest of the child. The teacher of the future will have to improve and transform his or her knowledge and skills in order to work successfully in the new realities, and the focus of our research is positioned on his or her preparation.The object of the study is Religious Education in Bulgarian public schools in the context of the possibility to integrate digital technologies. The subject Religion is normatively defined as a free elective subject in confessional (Religion- Eastern Orthodox Christianity and Religion-Islam) and non-confessional form. At present, it is taught from first to twelfth grade by parents' and children's choice and has textbooks to ensure the process. There is serious discussion in the Bulgarian society to introduce the subject as a regular elective. In order to increase the interest of students and to conceptualize the subject as innovative, the possibilities of applying digital technologies such as virtual and augmented reality, multimedia resources, interactive presentations, e-lessons, online libraries, etc. are commented. In this study, we propose the possibility for the religion teacher to prepare his/her own innovative lesson that combines the traditional approach, paper or electronic textbook and digital technologies. In this paper, we describe the use of electronic platforms that allow the construction of interactive content based on digital technologies and can be applied to traditional teaching tools such as the Religion textbook. Pre-created interactive lessons including augmented reality, such as: images, videos, presentations, quizzes, assignments, etc. are part of the Religion teacher's preparation for the future school. Considering the caution of religious education researchers regarding the use of digital tools, as well as research into the effectiveness of technologies developed and put into practice, we believe that the study of Religion in public school can integrate digital technologies and their benefit to student motivation is undeniable. At the same time, in order to fulfill the goals of Religious Education related to building a cultural-ethical system, an authentic human resources worldview, value orientation, and behavior in the world, it is necessary to use technologies that develop critical thinking and provide an effective environment.
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