The Technology in Theological Education Group of The Association of Theological Schools seeks the preservation and improvement of the quality of theological education in teaching and learning
environments that use communicative media.
Goals
To facilitate interaction and collaboration among ATS accredited theological institutions with a focus on technology.
To provide knowledge of available technical tools and learning theory models to faculty of ATS accredited schools for enhanced instruction.
To provide online learning to students/alumni for academic/pastoral growth.
To advise the ATS Commission on Accrediting on issues related to the revision of standards concerning technology in theological education and the development of benchmarks for distributed
and distance learning programs.
To research and publish on our various areas of expertise within the publications of our various affinity groups and share projects within our own group.
To offer insights to the ATS Commission on Accrediting during its revisions of technology standards, specifically concerning the use of technology in theological education at extension
sites and distance education.
The group, founded in 2008, is open to those at ATS schools who are engaged in information technology and online
learning strategies. It facilitates interaction and collaboration through its own website, Engage
ATS (an online interactive community for those who serve at ATS member schools), and active sharing of resources.
Here are several professional organizations ATS technology administrators have found useful:
Spencer Smouse joined the ATS staff as manager of information and educational technology in 2022. He assists with the information technology infrastructure workload and supports the Association’s use of educational technologies. Previously, Smouse worked as a network administrator at Shiloh Service. He managed small- to medium-sized businesses in the Pittsburgh area, providing server and customer level support that included implementation and management of network security, backup procedures, and best practices of contracted clients.
Smouse earned his his bachelor’s degree in information technology from Franklin University, and his associate’s degree in information technology network administration from Pittsburgh Technical College.
