Are you as a theological seminary looking for new cost-efficient ways to reach more students? We can help! As NET Foundation, we partner worldwide with theological institutions, churches and mission organisations in the area of online (blended) education. We provide a low-cost, user-friendly online learning platform, available in many languages, that needs a minimal internet connection and is available on multiple devices (computers, tablets, and smartphones). We offer training and support for management and staff during the implementation process of your online learning program and we assist teaching staff in designing online courses as needed.
“NET Foundation was a great encouragement for FUSBC in the process of implementing online education in our seminary. Our partnership with NET gives us the opportunity to offer our academic services to students outside of Medellín, and even outside of Colombia. In addition, it reinforces the flexibility of our education and makes students familiar with technology that they will also need later in their ministry. We are happy to share our experiences with other organizations.”
Elizabeth de Sendek, Fundación Universitaria Seminario Bíblico de Colombia (FUSBC), Colombia
Frequently Asked Questions
Does online learning offer the same possibilities as classroom education?
Yes, but just a bit different! Online education offers the great advantage of having direct access to the curriculum, assignments and exams, regardless of place or time. At the same time, personal contacts with teachers (e-coaches) continue to exist within the familiar environment, so that supervision remains possible.
What is involved in implementing blended learning successfully?
The most important success factors are:
(a) a clear (educational) vision about online learning and training of students
(b) availability of motivated employees and expertise (including an e-learning coordinator)
(c) a clear and realistic implementation plan that includes a step-by-step introduction of online education
(d) computers and reliable internet access.
What is the added value of NET Foundation?
NET Foundation offers a high-quality and user-friendly online learning platform via the internet, which can be adapted to the local requirements and wishes of your organization. In addition, we offer support with the introduction of online education: we think along with you in the implementation process and train all your employees involved in online education. Finally, NET Foundation encourages and facilitates cooperation, development and exchange of experiences and materials between participating organizations.
How efficient is online education?
The answer depends on the situation you are in as a theological seminary, and which type of online education best suits your organization. We distinguish three types of online education:
web-enhanced learning: full classroom education, enriched with online assignments or homework, teaching materials and PowerPoints that are available in the online learning environment.
blended learning: a mix of classroom and online education, with many possible ‘blends’, e.g. weeks of classroom education alternated with weeks of online education and online assignments, and a final assignment at school.
e-learning: education is completely online, with introduction, videos, teaching materials, assignments, etc. The contact between teacher and students, and between students themselves, is organized in the online course by means of e.g. a chatroom or a discussion forum.
We can help your organization with an assessment of the feasibility of online education in your context, and which type of online education best suits your situation.
You are welcome to read the white paper we have written about the efficiency of online education.
Worldwide
We are working globally, especially in those areas where there is a lack of trained pastors and where Christians are persecuted.
Orange: NET Partner Institutions | Green: NET Study Centres | Blue: NET Partner Training Centres
For questions and more information, please contact our program coordinator Jacob Karels.
