The 4th ATA Deans Seminar (Day Five 23 May 2008)

The day started with worship led by Dr Theresa Lua, followed by Dr Fritz Deininger's final meditation on the Pastoral Support of the Dean.

Dr Calvin Chong then led a session on The Use of Powerpoint in Seminary Classrooms during which he shared imaginative ways in which Powerpoint (or any other presentation software) can be effective deployed in classroom. On the other hand, common criticisms about Powerpoint use were also highlighted. The advice which was shared was that seminary educators should move away from dichotomous and polarizing technophile vv technophobe positions and to ask how the technology can be effectively used if it is appropriate technology for your school - bearing in mind that if the technological advances in our countries are where they are today, it is a matter of missional imperative and pastoral duty to be familiar with the technologies and for schools to be providing leadership in this area! Remember, technology is a wonderful servant, but a terrible master!

Some very interesting questions raised about the value as well as the problem of images to represent what is found in the Word were raised for thought and reflection. The questions are important and part of the leadership development process that needs to be found in our schools.

The session on Powerpoint use was followed by the final session of the 4th Deans' Seminar. Questions were raised for the panel comprising of Drs Calvin Chong, Fritz Deininger, Theresa Lua, Peter Theiron and Ron Watters. Kind words of appreciation were conveyed to the resources persons as well as questions of the heart posed to the panel members. A final evaluation session and closing prayer by Bernard Costa ended the week's proceedings.