Can A True Faith-Based Education Be Delivered Online?

Abstract

Can a faith-based education be as effective when delivered online as when it is delivered face-to-face? An in-depth look at the early adopters of the online technology reveals that it can be if the Christian university commits itself to developing an online learning community and to interweaving faith principles into crucial areas of its online program. The three key areas of faith integration upon which hinges the success of such programs are the integration of faith into course material, faith integration in the relationships among students, and faith integration in the faculty student relationships. Consistent attention to these three areas validates the online Christian education model, complements the missions of Christian institutions, supports the integration of faith and learning, and enables institutions to reach audiences that may not be currently accessible.