Is On-Line Learning For Me?  

Success in an Internet course rests significantly on the learner’s shoulders.  On-line learning is active learning.  It depends on people reading assigned material with a critical eye so that one is ready for productive discussions designed by the instructor on key ideas and insights.  Not taking the discussions seriously and waiting for the instructor to give the final, authoritative word will leave you dissatisfied.   In on-line learning you are creating knowledge under the guidance of an expert.  Your fellow learners are critical resources in that process as you exchange perspectives, argue points of view and interpretation of material, and share experience.  Your instructor may choose to be heavily involved in the discussions or choose simply to comment at the end - or variations in between.  Whatever role she or he chooses to take, the burden for learning engages your full attention.   There is a helpful self-administered test to see whether on-line learning is for you.  You can receive a copy through e-mail by contacting vklimoski@csbsju.edu (Vic Klimoski, Director of Lifelong Learning for the School of Theology).  

The ISTI distance learning courses are offered through the Saint John’s University graduate School of Theology.  The School of Theology and Seminary is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada and by North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.