BUT CAN YOU TEACH THEOLOGY PROPERLY ON THE WEB? Joan Robson Faculty of Education Australian Catholic University PO Box 256, Dickson, ACT

‘… but you can’t teach theology on-line’

Unique aspects of theology Study of the Bible Ecclesiology Systematic theology Moral theology Spirituality Practical theology Faith Belief

GoalsAssessment TaskAimed at goalValue Biblical Studies World and Lit of Bible 1. explain the nature and processes of biblical revelation 2. describe the place of the bible in Christian faith and life 3. identify the historical and cultural settings from which the Christian and Hebrew Scriptures emerged 4. develop skills for interpreting the biblical text.  Essay – 2000 words  Exposition  3  1, 2, 4  50% Christian Community experience 1. record a practical experience of the meanings and values implied in theological study 2. appreciate such experience as data for further theological reflection 3. exercise initiative in theological communication within the concerns and interests of the chosen situation 4. articulate the theological value of what they have explored  Journal  Seminar  Christian Community experience  1, 2, 3, 4  1,  50% Foundations of Christian Faith 1. reflect theologically on the human condition 2. explain the significance of Jesus Christ within a Christian theology of revelation 3. identify and be familiar with the principal Catholic teachings 4. describe the nature, mission and structures of the Church  Response to reading – 1500 words  Essay – 2000 words  1, 2, 3, 4 40% 60% Issues in Christian Ethics Christian Morality 1. recognise and articulate the distinctiveness of Christian ethics 2. evaluate the usefulness of the various sources of Christian ethics in the contemporary setting 3. examine and analyse contemporary theological views regarding conscience 4. apply their knowledge and skills in Christian ethics to specific issues in contemporary society 5. demonstrate their skills in ethical reasoning  Situational analysis  Book review  Case study presentation  Essay – 1500 words  4, 5  1, 3  4, 5  1, 2, 3, 5  25%  15%  30% Synoptic Gospel1. describe the religious and socio-historical context of Matthew’s Gospel 2. identify key narrative themes and characteristics within the text 3. identify the various reading communications represented in the text 4. explain the way narrative themes convey the theological aims discernible in the text 5. use the skills of historical-critical, narrative, and social-scientific critical exegesis in a study of selected texts  Essay – 2000 words  1, 2, 3, 4, 5  1, 4, 5  50% Table 1: Goals of selected face-to-face theology units

Tasks to be facilitated

How do students learn? Teaching as a catalyst Forms of learning – cognitive, psychomotor, affective Other students Motivation

How do students learn theology? access to content lecturer to guide immediacy of a regular face-to-face commitment immediate feedback watching an academic think in response to questions from students interaction practical work in the field

What motivates students to learn theology? Inspiring lectures Group discussions Theological applications Faith-based considerations – prayer, worship

What can on-line teaching provide to accommodate this? Interaction Role of teacher Practical applications Openness Context Individualisation

TaskPossible on-line alternatives Biblical Studies World and Lit of Bible  Essay – 2000 words  Exposition  Material accessed on-line/off-line. Submit, post essay on-line either publicly or to the lecturer.  Video-streaming/video-conference/computer-conference/post paper then monitored on-line discussion Christian Community experience  Journal  Seminar  Christian Community experience  Material accessed on-line/off-line. Submit, post journal on-line either publicly or to the lecturer.  Video-streaming/video-conference/computer-conference/post paper then monitored on-line discussion  On-line contact with other Christian groups Foundations of Christian Faith  Response to reading – 1500 words  Essay – 2000 words  Material accessed on-line/off-line. Submit, post response on-line either publicly or to the lecturer.  Material accessed on-line/off-line. Submit, post essay on-line either publicly or to the lecturer. Issues in Christian Ethics Christian Morality  Situational analysis  Book review  Case study presentation  Essay – 1500 words  Material accessed on-line/off-line. Submit, post analysis on-line either publicly or to the lecturer.  Book/on-line material accessed on-line/off-line. Submit, post review on-line either publicly or to the lecturer.  Material gathered on-line/off-line. Presentation by video-streaming/video-conference/computer- conference/post paper then monitored on-line discussion  Material accessed on-line/off-line. Submit, post essay on-line either publicly or to the lecturer. Synoptic Gospel  Essay – 2000 words  Essay – 2000 words  Material accessed on-line/off-line. Submit, post essay on-line either publicly or to the lecturer.

Conclusion Possible Not currently maximised Individual nature of subsections of a discipline, students, context Students, teachers, institutions should Use appropriate technology Use appropriate teaching/learning strategies To Expand on-line teaching Better support A bigger range of learners