Digital Technology in Everyday Life

Introduction to the Course Module:

Welcome to our transformative course module, titled "Digital Technology in Everyday Life." This module designed with beginners in mind explores the influential role of digital technologies in today's modern society. In this module, you will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and understanding to leverage digital technologies for everyday tasks such as shopping, banking, even in your educational pursuits.

Course Overview:

This comprehensive course module covers four core areas which are:

1. Introduction to the Digital Age: To make the course content relatable, we will begin by examining our immediate surroundings and how digital technology has vastly improved the way we live, work, and interact with each other. Practical examples will be used to reinforce the increasing prevalence of digital technology.
2. Online Shopping: In this section, we walk you through the process of online shopping. You'll learn not only how to browse, select, and pay for items but also how to compare prices and make informed decisions based on product reviews and seller ratings. With the knowledge gained, you can enjoy the convenience and variety offered by online shopping platforms while saving money through smart choices.
3. Online Banking: You'll learn about various online banking services, how to perform different online banking operations, and identify the security measures in place to protect your transactions. By the end of this section, you'll understand how to safely conduct financial transactions online and appreciate the efficiency and convenience it offers.
4. Digital Technologies in Education: This segment takes a closer look at how digital technologies have revolutionized the education sector. The focus will be on how technology is enhancing teaching methods, enriching learning experiences, and facilitating collaborations in an educational setting. The skills acquired in this section will help you adapt to the rapidly evolving academic landscape, making learning more engaging and accessible.

Each topic is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the compelling role of digital technology in various aspects of our lives. Through real-life examples, interactive activities, and intuitive explanations, you will grasp the significance of each subject area. Without a doubt, the knowledge and skills you acquire will empower you to harness the full potential of digital technology in your everyday life. Whether it's for shopping with ease, banking safely, or embracing digital learning tools, you will be equipped for the digital age!

Course Goals

1. Acquaint students with the multifaceted role and impact of digital technology in our day-to-day lives.
2. Develop foundational knowledge and skills in effectively leveraging digital advancements for mundane tasks, primarily online shopping and banking.
3. Educate students on the importance of internet safety, particularly in the realms of online shopping and banking.
4. Explore how digital technologies have revolutionized education, and how to capitalize on these advancements for enhanced educational outcomes.

Course Objectives

By the end of this module, students will be able to:

1. Explain the impact and advantages of digital technology in everyday life.
2. Independently complete an online purchase, including search, comparison, decision making, and transaction processes.
3. Conduct basic online banking tasks, such as transferring funds, paying bills, or checking account balance and understand its advantages.
4. Apply key security measures to safeguard personal and financial information when transacting online.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of how digital technology has transformed teaching and learning processes.
6. Utilize digital platforms and tools to improve their own learning process, such as using educational apps, eBooks, online courses, or virtual classrooms.

The Importance of this Module

The module titled, "Digital technology in Everyday Life," is essential in the current digitized era we live in. Everything that we do, from shopping to banking to learning, has been profoundly transformed by digital technology.

The significance of this module is highlighted through real-world examples and statistics. In 2019, e-commerce sales worldwide amounted to 3.53 trillion US dollars and are projected to grow to 6.54 trillion US dollars in 2022, accounting for 22% of global retail sales. These figures underscore the importance of understanding the steps involved in online shopping, as covered in this module.

Additionally, a 2020 report by Business Insider Intelligence states that 89% of respondents use mobile banking—a rise from 48% in 2015. This substantial growth emphasizes the importance of online banking and the need for safety precautions during online transactions.

Furthermore, digital technologies significantly impact education. According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, 92% of teachers say the internet has a significant influence on their ability to access content, resources, and materials. This shows the depth to which technology has shaped teaching and learning, emphasizing the necessity of this module.

Theology of Technology

Technology, though not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, has significant theological implications. Understandably, two applicable points are worth mentioning.

1. The Cultural Mandate: In Genesis 1:28, God instructed Adam and Eve to fill the earth and govern it. This command, often referred to as the cultural mandate, implies that man was put in charge of earth with the liberty to manipulate and shape it. This handling and shaping could be seen as humanity's initial interface with technology. Hence, technology is not inherently evil but a part of God's command for us to cultivate and steward our world.
2. The Apostle Paul’s Use of Technology: In Acts, Paul, an early church apostle, used existing technology (Roman roads, epistles, languages) to spread the Gospel. This underscores the fact that technology can be employed for divine purposes. Thus, the module's inclusion of modern technology's utility does not stray from Biblical principles; instead, it aligns with using resources at our disposal to leverage opportunities and solve problems.

A Christ-centered Perspective

The centrality of Christ in all life aspects should be reflected in our engagement with modern digital technologies. We can analyze two Christological teachings pertinent to this module:

1. Excellent Stewardship: The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) teaches us to use our resources to their maximum potential. With technology as a primary resource in today's world, it is our responsibility as Christians to understand and use it wisely and effectively.
2. The Great Commission: In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commissioned His disciples to preach the Gospel globally. In the modern context, technology such as social media can play a critical role in spreading this message. We must equip ourselves to utilize these platforms, underscoring the importance of underlining digital technology in our everyday lives.

In conclusion, this module is not just about technology; it is about leveraging technology from a distinctly Christian perspective. It allows us to be better equipped and understand the role technology plays in our lives and how to use it wisely, responsibly, and for God's glory.

Creation, Fall, Redemption & Restoration: A Christian Perspective on Computing

1. Creation

In the creation stage, we marvel at incredible advancements in technology such as digital tools allowing for online shopping, banking, education, and other day-to-day activities. They are part of the "created" world, pointing to elements of creativity, wisdom, and capability inherent in humanity, made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). These innovations serve as God-given tools to tend and keep the world (Genesis 2:15), in which we express our distinct human calling. When we use these tools wisely and purposefully, we get to participate in God's creative work.

2. Fall

However, just as the sin distorted the whole of creation (Romans 8:20-22), it also tainted the technological realm. Malpractices such as online fraud, privacy invasion, and misuse of information are manifestations of the fall in the digital sphere. It underscores our need for wisdom and discernment (Proverbs 4:7) and for safety precautions when navigating online platforms.

3. Redemption

Despite the fall, the story does not end there. Redemption is possible even within the realm of technology. We are redeemed through Christ not only from individual sins but also from the systemic corruption in the world (Colossians1:20). Hence, safe online banking regulations, cyber laws, and information security measures manifest redemptive actions over fallen systems. Furthermore, we can engage technology to spread the Gospel, disciple believers, and cultivate community, maximizing digital platforms for Kingdom purposes (Matthew 28:19-20).

4. Restoration

Finally, in the context of restoration, we hope for a time when all things, including technology, will be perfectly made new (Revelation 21:5). In the meantime, we can leverage technology toward restorative ends. Digital technologies in education can bridge gaps, democratize knowledge, foster inclusivity, and equip people for meaningful vocations. This promotes human flourishing here and now, even as we await the ultimate restoration of all things.

In applying these biblical themes to computing, we discern both the potential benefits and pitfalls of technology. It encourages us to foster a thoughtful and critical understanding of technology's role, use it for God's glory and mankind's good, and aspire towards its redemption and restoration in a fallen world.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the module titled "Digital Technology in Everyday Life" equips learners with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate and leverage digital technologies for online shopping, banking, and education. The module highlights the increasing prevalence of digital technology in our lives and the importance of understanding its impact and advantages.

Through this module, learners will gain a comprehensive understanding of the steps involved in online shopping, including browsing, comparing, decision-making, and transactions. They will also learn how to conduct basic online banking tasks securely, ensuring the protection of personal and financial information. Moreover, learners will explore the transformative role of digital technology in education, enabling them to adapt to the evolving academic landscape and enhance their own learning experiences.

The significance of this module is underscored by the exponential growth in e-commerce sales, the widespread adoption of mobile banking, and the influence of digital technology on teaching and learning. These real-world examples emphasize the necessity of acquiring the skills and knowledge offered in this module to fully harness the potential of digital technology.

From a theological perspective, the module aligns with the biblical principles of stewardship and using resources wisely for divine purposes. It encourages learners to approach digital technology with a Christ-centered perspective, emphasizing excellent stewardship and embracing the Great Commission through the use of modern platforms for spreading the Gospel.

In summary, this module goes beyond the mere understanding of technology; it empowers learners to leverage digital technology from a distinctively Christian perspective. By equipping learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate and utilize digital technology wisely, responsibly, and for God's glory, this module prepares them to thrive in the digitized world we live in.