Brian Smith, professor of religion, earns collaborative grant

Brian Smith, professor of religion; Charles and Joan Van Zoeren Chair in Religion, Ethics and Values; chair of the department; and co-director of the Center for Politics and the People, received an ACM FACE 3 grant to present a one-day workshop on the use of technology in teaching religion. The workshop was held at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion in Atlanta Nov. 20-24.

Smith was a co-recipient with two colleagues in religious studies from Lake Forest College and Colorado College. About 100 conference participants attended.

Topics included the use of iPads in the classroom, Skype conversations with presenters not on campus (from other colleges or in government positions), online structured small-group discussions and blogs and Smith’s summer online program for alumni addressing world religions.

The FACE 3 grant also will allow the three presenters to make purchases to expand their own use of technology in their classrooms.