ATESEA member schools gird up for online education
In preparation for online education brought about by the global pandemic that has locked down communities all over the world, fifty-one (51) member schools from Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, and Sri Lanka joined the webinar on “Distance Education and Flexible Learning” on August 24-26, 2020. This is a sequel to ATESEA’s first online conference, “Designing Degree Programs for Theological Studies” held last July 2020 as part of the association’s support services to the growing theological needs of the member schools during this global pandemic.
To provide continuity to the lectures, Dr. Greg Pawilen, Associate Professor of the College of Human Ecology University of the Philippines Los Baños, who served as resource person in the first webinar was again invited to discuss Distance Education and Open Learning. Dr. Leni Casimiro, the Online Director and Professor of Curriculum and Instruction Online Learning at Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies in Silang, Cavite, Philippines talked about Distance Education Modes and Instructional Delivery System. In utilizing these new teaching and learning methods, both Dr. Pawilen and Dr. Casimiro encouraged the participants to embrace the role of mentors and coaches, such as “bringing the seminary to where the students are.” In their break out rooms, the school representatives discussed the topic, “Revisiting Distance Education Programs.” Reporters from each group were tasked to present their respective outputs the following day.
On the second day, Dr. Pawilen gave a lecture-presentation on “Flexible Learning” which he defined as “an educational strategy that utilizes the existing structure of the institution where content is modified based on the concrete needs.” The afternoon sessions served as avenue for discussions on “Adapting Flexible Learning in Theological Education Courses and Programs.” Dr. Lester Ruiz, Director of Accreditation and Global Engagement of the Association of Theological Schools in the US and Canada (ATS), provided viable information and links that the schools would need as tools and references as they prepare for distance education modalities in their respective areas.
Amidst this global pandemic when educational institutions are faced with the challenges of online learning, the participants regarded the knowledge gained from the webinar to be relevant and apt for the present situation. The lectures and discussions clarified the new online educational terminologies and identified the necessary adjustments the school has to make for the implementation of distance education without sacrificing quality. Also, the participants who were mostly professors in their respective seminaries were able to perceive the challenges of the new online classroom set-up, especially in making their presence felt while guiding students through their academic journey without face to face meetings.
Furthermore, the strategies and methods shared by the speakers were considered substantial as they plan for their synchronous and asynchronous sessions. In summary, Dr. Revelation Velunta, in his synthesis of the event expressed, “The webinar reminds and challenges us to work together to author a learner-centered theological education and transformation that is inclusive, flexible, creative, collaborative, and most importantly, compassionate. Our work as seminaries, divinity schools, and theological colleges has never been about grades, but it is always about creating and nurturing communities of grace.”
