317. ETCH 2024: AI and Child Development with Dr. Shelly Melia

Kids Ministry Calling with Jana Magruder

An entire generation is growing up watching videos, completing assignments, and potentially being taught by artificial intelligence. The AI concept that use to make good movies, is a reality of our present. While there are many benefits to AI, there are serious threats that ministry leaders need to be aware of. On today's show of Kids Ministry 101, Chuck Peters, Jana Magruder, and Dr. Shelly Melia discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on childhood development, including brain development, social development, and even spiritual development.
Dr. Shelly Melia serves as the Program Director for the Master of Arts in Children's Ministry and the Master of Arts in Family Ministry at Dallas Baptist University. Prior to coming to DBU she served for over 25 years in children's and family ministry in Oklahoma, Florida, and Texas. Dr. Melia is also a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in grief and resilience. She holds an undergraduate degree from Oklahoma Baptist University, two master’s degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Philosophy from B.H. Carroll Theological Institute.
This conversation explores the potential benefits of AI, and the risk of dependency and detachment from real-life relationships. Dr. Melia emphasizes the importance of maintaining real-life, face-to-face relationships and the need for discernment and wisdom in navigating the use of AI.
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