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Is Online Learning Unproven and Experimental?
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 In
another article, we explored the first of 5 myths about eLearning*—and showed that it is actually more interactive than many classroom situations. (See
article here). However, you may be asking, “Isn't online learning unproven and experimental?” (Myth #2)
While for most of us online learning is still an unfamiliar concept, in actuality, computers have been used for education almost since the invention of them! The advent of the computer age offered only a slightly different approach to the broader, more commonly known
distance learning (DL). Ever since Paul instructed early believers through his New Testament letters, the
church has used DL! In the last century DL expanded to include courses using radio,
television, audiotapes, and videotapes.
While eLearning may be a cutting-edge form of distance learning, its overall concept has been proven through the decades to be an effective methodology of instruction and has been accepted by the educational community as a reliable means to transmit knowledge. In 2003, 90% of public universities offered online courses, and a survey by the Sloan Consortium indicates that two-thirds of colleges and universities believe that online learning is critical to their long-term strategies. This same survey showed that a majority of
academic officers believed the learning outcomes in online courses would equal or exceed that of face-to-face courses within three years. The Distance Education and Training Council, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, is authorized to give accreditation status to those colleges which complete their rigid review. While computer-based online learning may be quite new, authorities are in place to make sure
that it is a valid form of education. In 2003 over 1.6 million students were enrolled in online programs! Presently, one
Web site (eLearners) lists 92 colleges with accredited programs; another (Directory of
Schools) lists over 1,000
accredited online programs of study;
and a third one (Baker's
Guide) lists Christian distance
education opportunities.
At eDOT we realize that the “proof is in the pudding”! Changed lives prove whether or not education is effective. We are committed to not only developing quality courses, so those who desire off-site biblical training can receive it, but also to praying—and asking you to join us
in praying—that God's Spirit will use our online courses to change lives. Technology is only a part of solving worldwide training needs; to be truly effective our dependency must be on God's Spirit.
"Can
Ministry Skills be Effectively
Taught Online?" is the 3rd myth
of distance learning.
*-Five Myths of Distance Learning
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