Mobile Ed - Value?

I'm just curious how others are feeling about the value of their Mobile Ed courses. I have purchased (dearly) six different courses. They are well done and I'm enjoying them ... but ... now that I am nearly finished with two of them I'm finding the "experience" not much different than an audio book. I read and highlight the text of the course while I listen to whoever is speaking. Yes, there are some nice additional "features" like links to additional reading/resources and an occasional "how to" video sprinkled in ... but I'm really beginning to wonder about the cost versus the value?

What are others feeling? Is the high cost of the Mobile Ed courses (and don't get me started on bundling) returning the value that you expect for the cost? (versus for example a nice audio book) ... (Because I'm not sensing the value for the cost, I just canceled a pre-pub for another Mobile Ed course.)

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Simon’s Brother

I'm just curious how others are feeling about the value of their Mobile Ed courses. I have purchased (dearly) six different courses. They are well done and I'm enjoying them ... but ... now that I am nearly finished with two of them I'm finding the "experience" not much different than an audio book. I read and highlight the text of the course while I listen to whoever is speaking. Yes, there are some nice additional "features" like links to additional reading/resources and an occasional "how to" video sprinkled in ... but I'm really beginning to wonder about the cost versus the value?

What are others feeling? Is the high cost of the Mobile Ed courses (and don't get me started on bundling) returning the value that you expect for the cost? (versus for example a nice audio book) ... (Because I'm not sensing the value for the cost, I just canceled a pre-pub for another Mobile Ed course.)

At times I have wondered whether if it was just audio rather than video would it make it any real difference to the experience - for some it might for others it might not - we all have different learning styles. The videos are often short and sweet and a mixed bag - some have some great discussion others - well you could just read the same thing in text and get the same out of it.

There is great value in the readings it draws your attention to on the topics being discussed. Sure you could just run a search on your library and come up with some independent readings but that takes time and might work for some but I think is better suited approach for researching a topic - for learning about a topic, for me at least having a structured approach that a course provides at the beginning of the process helps keep things focussed so you don't go down to many rabbit holes but also helps you refine questions and issues you might want to explore further about that topic.

There is also a perception that cost creates about a product - if it become too low it may not be seen as a worthwhile educational tool - and I think that is what Logos is really trying to do here - break into the education market - if they can get colleges, seminaries etc making use of their product in education - not just online but also as a supplement to classroom learning they are getting their product into the hands of a wider base of future users of this product early on in their ministry and so more likely to hold onto them as long term customers beyond their formal education - if they already own Logos Gold along with lifetime access to a lot of the material they covered in their training through the m.Ed - then chances are they will continue to add to that library in their ministry years rather than going and purchasing a different software program and starting all over again with their library.

So I am not so sure they are as concerned about reducing the cost by having audio instead of video but if they want to get more average users take up m.ED maybe two version of each product could be an option - one that offers audio only and on that offers video + audio with the option to upgrade your audio only product to video at a later date.

For me I am getting enough value out of them - I know I will go back to course I have completed a second and third time and even cherry pick from them at times. If I thought they were a use once and forget sort of purchase I would question the value. But given the cost I will have to be selective in what courses I can purchase as for me they are purely for my own independent learning.

Matt Hamrick

I have spent money on college that was much higher than the Mobile Ed courses. I have spent money on 33 courses for Mobile Ed and worked through about 15 of them. I question all the time if the Mobile Ed courses cost too much. What I have realized is the courses belong to me for a lifetime and while I cannot go back and get my college professors to teach the course again I can do these Mobile Ed courses over and over. I have paid once for any given course and can use it now for as long as I live. Personally, I see it more than an audio book because I am a visual learner.

Rick Ausdahl

I'm just curious how others are feeling about the value of their Mobile Ed courses. I have purchased (dearly) six different courses. They are well done and I'm enjoying them ... but ... now that I am nearly finished with two of them I'm finding the "experience" not much different than an audio book. I read and highlight the text of the course while I listen to whoever is speaking. Yes, there are some nice additional "features" like links to additional reading/resources and an occasional "how to" video sprinkled in ... but I'm really beginning to wonder about the cost versus the value?

What are others feeling? Is the high cost of the Mobile Ed courses (and don't get me started on bundling) returning the value that you expect for the cost? (versus for example a nice audio book) ... (Because I'm not sensing the value for the cost, I just canceled a pre-pub for another Mobile Ed course.)

I very much like the Mobile Ed approach to learning, especially as a supplement to my reading. But I've only purchased one course and did that when it was on pre-pub. Even then, it was a stretch, cost-wise. As much as I like the approach, I just don't have enough cash in the kitty to justify the cost. [:(]

Rob

I've learned a lot with the Moblie Ed classes I've purchased. I've not been able to justify the cost of seminary education at my age. The Moblie Ed classes, while still quite pricy, fit the spot. The classes make me a better teacher.

I also find that I draw more interest and students attention span is longer when I use various forms of multimedia education in the adult Sunday morning class I teach.

I use Logos' ESV Audio (or Audible NIV) for long narrative portions of OT scripture.

Occasionally I will use short Mobile Ed videos during class to reinforce or supplement my teaching when there is an applicable video.

Everett Headley

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/764925#Comment_764925

Value is so subjective, but my thoughts:

Having been to a college and seminary for a BA in Biblical Studies and an MDiv, I have definitely seen my share of classes. I haven't once needed to go back and "watch" a class becuase of the notes I have taken, or a quick email to an old professor.

I think that for me, these MobileEd classes are overpriced. Especially when there is a plethora of other online video classes out there (granted, they are not integrated into Logos.)

I eventually returned the CP one on John, even though it was only $40. That would sum up my thoughts on them for me.

I do not fault others who do not have the same educational background as myself. They are quality classes. Perhaps they hold more value to these people.

Mark Barnes

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/764963#Comment_764963

I do not fault others who do not have the same educational background as myself. They are quality classes. Perhaps they hold more value to these people.

I have both a BA and an MPhil in Biblical Studies, and teach undergraduates at a seminary. However, I also enjoy Mobile Ed — more than I thought. I do think they're overpriced, but I keep buying them because I find them valuable and a great alternative to reading. I read a lot, but sometimes I just can't take any more in through that medium. But the ability to watch/listen and easily follow-up points that pique my interest is very valuable to me. If I was just listening I wouldn't keep my concentration. If I was just watching, I wouldn't easily be able to explore further. But watching/listening/following the links works great for me.

Matthew C Jones

I'm just curious how others are feeling about the value of their Mobile Ed courses.

I have 24 courses that are mostly Bible and theology.
I can not comment on pastoral or counselling courses.
I am very happy with the content of all the courses I have used.
I am generally happy with the quality of production.
I am glad I purchased my courses rather than renting.
I think the pricing is too high and wish it were lowered.
I plan to buy 16 more courses during the Mobile Ed sale going on now.

Mike Tourangeau

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/764988#Comment_764988

I have been thinking about buying one, I just paid off my payment plan and hate to go back to having one, esp with the Can dollar as it is right now. I am hoping that with the new "course tool" in Logos Now that next month they will offer a course as one of the "freebies" we get each month (Hint, hint)