Devices Equal Bad Note-Taking? It’s not that simple!

But we cannot forget that the default mode for schooling (from Early Childhood to HigherEd) is pen and paper...When we talk digital note-taking and other electronic engagement, we must consider that most students--let alone, teachers-- are picking up skills on the fly.

When Texts Sell

I have never really felt comfortable with the presumed division between teaching and scholarship. The challenges and insights of my students inspire me to research. In fact, I do my best work after my ideas are have been vetted in the classroom. My primary area of study is the anthropology or social construction of scriptures. … Continue reading When Texts Sell

To Exclude or Not To Exclude: The Politics of the World’s Religions Syllabus

There's no way of getting around it. Some student will ask me why I don't cover "X" religion in my survey course. It happens all the time. And I usually tell them how, given our limited time together, we can only cover so many traditions. Unfortunately that will appease most students. But I hope by … Continue reading To Exclude or Not To Exclude: The Politics of the World’s Religions Syllabus

Teaching with the iPad

I love my iPad 2. I know there are a lot of similar devices out there, but the iPad has a teaching utility that I just haven't seen on other devices. I'm talking about the $50 app called "Doceri." This program allows you to turn your LCD projector into a smartboard. So all those Power … Continue reading Teaching with the iPad