I've been watching this with some interest, both inspired by the potential and daunted by the challenge of getting this right.
The potential to take Christians beyond the devotional into the academic, increasing their depth of engagement with the Scriptures, is immense. There is a major disconnect between Christian scholarship and the congregation, and anything that might be done to bridge it is seriously worthwhile. Logos provides access to the right level of material - ranging from the devotional to the technical - to encourage folk to go deeper.
The challenge - actually, challenges - are immense. Will Logos go for a MOOC-style approach, or something more learning- and student-centred? What is meant by 'education'? Does it include formal curriculum, assessment, award? To what extent can course content provide an academic learning experience, when academic development relies a lot on the student synthsizing and critically engaging with knowledge - with feedback on their understanding from a more developed knower? What will constitute 'success' for the student? These questions are in addition to the quite valid ones about the theological perspective and tradition underneath the courseware design.
From the description of the Mobile Ed strategy, a very well-conceived model is being used for course content. But it's what surrounds this that makes it truly educational. Toward the end of the release is the phrase, "distance education video course". Mention is also made to "content level ranges from undergraduate to seminary." I'm really interested to know where the boundaries between Logos's Mobile Ed and a seminary's own distance education programme might lie. I note that it is not the intention for Logos to become an accredited provider of degree programmes - so, are there plans afoot for those completing Logos courses to be assessed and recognised by accredited providers?
I would love to know more!
