Mobile Ministry Magazine

In this day, it seems technology moves at the pace of light. Blink once, and what was once innovative has become obsolete.

Even still, against the backdrop of continual change, the church must soldier on, as it harnesses the good aspects to shear the bad. It is clear that to be a relevant part of the twenty-first century, we have to understand it.

A huge key in this "battle" (if you will) is the ability to train and mentor modern day missionaries, not only to send out to the stereotypical "uncivilized" people, but down the street, to schools, the courts and community centers. Few institutions do both better than Moody Bible Institute.

The following article is going to highlight some of the ways MBI contributes to modern day ministry. In three parts, we'll look at how they do this through three different eyes, and with special emphasis on mobile technology. At the end of every part, the actual interview transcript will be published as well.


Moody Bible Institute was founded in 1886 by Dwight L Moody, and is located in Chicago, IL.
It lives up to its purpose to serve as an accredited institution of higher learning with an emphasis on christian education.

Beyond (or more accurately, as an extension of) education, MBI also operates a radio network and publishing division.

Despite its fabled history, MBI is by no means redundant. Its undergraduate program boast a free tuition policy that goes in line with the belief that one doing the Lord's work need now worry about expensive student loans. It's graduate program is widely respected, and the Distance learning program is perfect for the minister who is truly on the go.

I was blessed with the opportunity talk with Sarah Peeler, who serves as Manager of Partner Relations for the Moody Distance Learning Center. We spoke about plenty of topics. I did cheat by asking some PDA related questions (being my first love), but Ms Peeler was still kind enough to answer. I came away honestly believing that we need more institutions like this, that are not afraid to step out of the proverbial box. For more info, please visit www.moody.edu




How is Moody helping to prepare students for the technological world they'll be facing as ministers and pseudo-ministers?
When students first arrive at school, Moody has each student take a basic computer skills competency test. Students are evaluated on their ability to use Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Word. Depending on their scores, students are encouraged to take follow-up training to bring them up to a skill level that will enable them to succeed in their courses at Moody.

Other types of technological training that Moody provides to students depend largely on an individual’s degree emphasis (i.e. Bible, Theology, Pastoral, Sacred Music, Lifetime Fitness, Communications, etc.) The technology training happens in the context of the field of ministry for which each student is preparing. Sacred Music students, for example, are going to receive exposure to technologies they may encounter in their specific ministry field. There are not, however, specific technological competency skills that are set out as objectives in Moody’s curriculum, largely because technologies change so rapidly.

Moody is currently developing a library orientation course for all distance learning students, and eventually for all Moody students. This course will be designed to teach students how to effectively use the library through technology, databases, and the internet. Students will learn that the research and study process is not confined to the bricks and mortar of the physical library, but is available to them at anytime from anywhere.



What part does innovative technology play in daily student life?
In reference to the above question/answer, this again largely depends on the degree emphasis of each student and the particular faculty that students have as professors. For the most part, Moody has adopted more proven technologies for solutions meant to serve the wider student body.

The more innovative technologies, such as blogging, podcasting, video recording, online realtime chats, etc. are technologies that are used on a limited basis when it serves a particular educational goal for a specific course. For example, blogging is used in some composition classes as a relevant way for students to actively write and receive constructive feedback from fellow students and their professor.

Podcasting is an example of something that Moody has not officially tried in a class. However, in the past, students have worked with faculty to do this and this is something Moody is actively investigating as a more widely available solution.

A couple of recently-adopted technologies that many students use on a daily basis are ePortfolios as well as accessing their course materials from an online learning management system. Students also frequently use MP3s and streaming audio as required for certain courses, music courses in particular. In the past, students would have to listen to an LP or CD in the music library.

Another key example of a new technology being used is in the Graduate School. All students are required to purchase the advanced Logos Bible Software, and all students are trained how to use the technology effectively for studying (the biblical languages, in particular).


Do students use PDAs at all? If not widespread, how do you feel owning one could be helpful to a student?
At this time, there aren’t many students that use PDAs. Those students that do have them most likely use them for personal use, such as tracking their schedule and taking notes. Moody hasn’t yet begun to use PDAs for formal, educational purposes.


What do you think of the proliferation of e-books?
eBooks are definitely a positive trend in education. The “proliferation” of eBooks, however, is debatable. While there are a substantial number of eBooks in particular fields, evangelical Christian books are not readily available on the web (which is really where they are most needed – not CD-ROM).

eBooks have the potential of making a very positive impact on student learning by allowing students to truly study and research rather than having to spend time in the library looking for resources that may not be there or that are checked out. eBooks help bring the library to the student.

Moody participates in Net Library, an online database of eBooks. The eBooks from this resource are also cataloged in our own internal database to help students that are searching for a particular text. In addition, Moody also provides a list of websites containing eBooks that are free of charge. While Moody is not actively developing an eBook collection at this time, we are certainly beginning to research the opportunities of these resources. Because eBook standards can vary, there are preservation and access issues that need to be considered.


How comfortable do you think faculty is in this digital age? What face does Moody want to present in this day and age?
As with any other field, it tends to be the older generations that lag behind in using technology because they tend to be more intimidated by it. The younger faculty, many times recently out of post-graduate school, tend to assimilate more easily and begin using technology without apparent hesitation.

Moody focuses on educating and preparing students for full-time ministry, and that means first and foremost, making sure students are biblically and theologically grounded. However, technology is definitely becoming more common-place in ministry and so our students need to be equipped to use it effectively. That being said, Moody desires to use technology only if it serves the teaching and learning environment and if it equips the students with the basic technology skills and awareness they need to succeed in ministry.

Many of the classrooms at Moody are Smart Classrooms – meaning that each student desk has capabilities to access the internet, classroom projectors, and document projectors. Many faculty members have embraced this technology upgrade because of the new communication opportunities and file sharing it allows in the classroom.


What programs and technology does Moody use to enhance "mobility" in education? (Wifi access, etc.)
For on campus students, Moody has Wifi access in the Alumni Student Center and the library. Each of the dorms has a computer lab, along with printers, for students to use.

Traditional Moody students and Online Studies students are able to access the library resources and course materials via the internet. Students simply login with an assigned username and password.

In regards to the Distance Learning Center, Moody offers a variety of learning modes to accommodate different learning styles and different student locations. For example, AM Bible Courseware provides Moody Bible Institute curriculum that is powered by Libronix Digital Library System. AM Bible Courseware combines a biblical studies program with many digital resources from Logos Bible Software – all self-contained on CR-ROM. This resource is available anytime, anywhere, and to anyone.

Moody’s Online Studies program allows students from around the world to earn their degree entirely online. In addition, the Online Studies program fosters unique peer relationships and invites ongoing communication with fellow students through chat rooms and email.


Why should a tech-minded person make Moody home?
Moody makes intelligent use of technologies and is committed to adopting and using technologies that are proven – not just those that rise with the latest trend. The technological resources Moody makes available for academic, extra curricular, and personal use are frequently leading the way in higher education circles.

Moody has an intentional effort to develop within the faculty a greater awareness and skill level in the areas of technology, both for leaching and learning processes, as well as practical uses for technologies in their field(s) of study.

YIC
Tre Lawrence