News & Insights

Prediction No. 1: The future of theological education is the traditional classroom setting, where there are vital face-to-face interactions between students and teachers.

Seminarian's computerPrediction No. 2: The future of theological education is also online, with far-flung students sitting in their home offices, where they interact with professors and fellow students via Internet-based technologies. In fact, online education is already taking place at dozens of theological schools, and their number will assuredly increase over the next few years.

Which costs more? That question is not so easy to answer. I'm hoping to keep exploring that over the next months and years.

Here's an article on the topic from Inside Higher Ed, one of my favorite sources of news about post-secondary education.

In "Don't Starve the Staff of Online Programs," writer Cam Cruikshank examines online education at the community college level, where it's seen as a solution to overcrowding.

Very few theological schools are facing overcrowding, but many are looking at online courses as a way to enlarge their area of ministry, reaching new students and bringing in new revenue.

The costs associated with online education include all that expensive technology. But if online education is going to succeed, new staff positions may be needed as well. Here's the point of view of Cruikshank, who is VP for enrollement management at Tiffin University:

However, launching an online degree program is not as simple as hiring adjunct professors and teaching courses that have been used in a physical campus setting. To do it right, you need a good learning management system, faculty who are experienced and effective online teachers, training and instructional design support, IT support and online tutors.

Of equal importance is an enhanced level of student support, especially help with financing a college education and with navigating the complex bureaucracy that we call higher education.

One way an institution can help students through this maze of financial aid forms, bursar office policies, registration deadlines, and graduation requirements is by utilizing success coaches.

I doubt many theological schools are going to hire success coaches, but administrators and boards need to consider what help students may need to prepare for ministry. A mouse isn't enough -- they need human contact. And human contact costs money.

Read the whole article here

 

Image credit

Top Topics

Roles & Responsibilities

Challenges

Opportunities

Board Essentials

Upcoming Events

The In Trust Center hosts learning community spaces throughout the year. Check out our upcoming events below.

Closing the Trust Gap

ON DEMAND

The current and very troubling condition of trust is a clarion call to action. But despite the dismal data showing pervasive organizational distrust, every organization can assess their current level of trust, learn and adopt a proven trust building framework, and then develop a meaningful and long-lasting plan of action. This webinar details the knowledge and practical next steps to strengthen workplace culture as a result of closing the trust gap.

In Trust Center Resource Grants

ON DEMAND

An In Trust Center Resource Grant offers member schools a chance to explore innovation at their institutions through a matching grant opportunity of up to $15,000. Listen to this 30-minute information session, including Q&A, as we provide details on eligibility requirements, funding priorities, application process. Previous grantees are eligible to apply as long as they are not within our current funding cycle.

Conflict + Crisis: Navigating the Shoals, Part 2 – A Deeper Dive

ON DEMAND

Presenter Donna Alexander, President & CEO of Advoxum Global Strategies, offers best practices for navigating conflict and crisis. She examines the crucial elements of defining conflict and crisis, identifying, and prioritizing affected stakeholders, utilizing effective communication strategies, and ultimately, executing a plan of action. Click here to view.

Can’t Find What You’re Looking For?

In Trust Center provides Resource Consulting to our members at no charge. Contact us today and let us guide you to the most helpful resources for your situation.

Contact Us