Students cannot vie for faculty approval in front of their peers. Students who have difficulty performing competently cannot hide in an electronic forum and consequently faculty assistance can be given before a crisis point is reached. Learning how to use web-based technologies effectively in constructing learning environments is not a simple matter. Teaching theologians will need to develop collaborative relationships, not only with other theologians but also with instructional designers and technicians who will have to be recognized as colleagues in the educational enterprise, not simply as support staff. Computer-mediated communication can effectively ameliorate this pressure.
Engaged students are intensely personal.
Reprinted with permission. Theology for Christian Ministry is Luther Seminary's quarterly theological journal. Copyright 2000, Fisher's Net. All rights reserved.