Further to the subject of ‘Technology Advancing Theological Education’, JT writes:

“I’m learning a lot from this conversation. However, my original post included the words ‘wind-up’ because 2 of the colleges I visited this year had no internet link and no dependable power either. Villages and towns in X and Y (the two countries involved) often have re-charging booths (primarily for mobile phones), but these are time consuming and costly by local standards. So what about where there is no power and no internet? BTW teaching was in English at these colleges.”

We are thinking about needing different types of technology for different types of seminary. One of Jennifer’s key phrases is ‘dependable power’.

In one seminary where I taught recently the power went off unexpectedly each day. In another country they had the concept of ‘power sharing’ where for 45 hours per week the power would go off for 2-3 hours at a time but the authorities kindly provided a schedule so you could plan cooking and emailing accordingly.

Which of the technologies that we have been discussing would work best where there is no power or dependable [electric] power and where there is no Internet connection?

For those teaching in many parts of the world where there is an erratic power supply and the Internet is still a dream, this subject of technology is of great importance. For those teaching where power supplies are dependable and Broadband Internet comes to your desk and classroom via wire or even wireless, this subject will help you to realize how fortunate you are!

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: Teaching theology with no or little power!