Christian Community & E-Learning
by Kimberly R. Meyer & Joann P. Wessman and Sonia Strevy

Journal of Christian Nursing Continuing Nursing Education Fall 2005 Volume 22, Number 4
expires September 2007

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Purpose Statement

The purpose of this self-directed study is to explore a biblical view of healing and identify how nurses may respond to common questions about God’s role in healing.

Learning Objectives
After reading this article, learners will be able to:
1. Distinguish unique aspects of Christian community.
2. Identify ways Christian community can be developed among learners in an online nursing classroom.
3. Examine ways Christian faith can be incorporated in online distance education.

Questions:

1. What is one significant difference between "Christian community" and "community" otherwise?
a. Christian community involves significant, personal sharing.
b. Christian community members share resources and work.
c. Christian community entails mutual support and encouragement.
d. Christian community includes ministry within the group.

2. What has been the greatest challenge to distance learning?
a. Making sure students are honest in completing all assignments.
b. Incorporating elements of traditional interaction-based learning.
c. Developing synchronous and asynchronous internet interaction.
d. Trying to keep students from dropping out of internet classes.

3. What is a unique way that worship can be incorporated into an educational, online, Christian community?
a. Hymns and praise music can be downloaded.
b. Group members can be encouraged to worship.
c. Asynchronous participation in corporate prayers.
d. Scholarly work can be discussed as worship.

4. What is most detrimental to listening in an online community?
a. Writing responses that take too long to read.
b. Trying to hear everyone's voice all at once.
c. Proving that you are listening to comments.
d. Surface responding to posted comments.

5. With the increase in RN-BS completion programs, how can faith be integrated to offer Christian online education?
a. Faith should first be integrated into the mission of the nursing department.
b. Asking for prayer requests demonstrates a willingness to discuss spiritual issues.
c. Everyone must have a copy of the same Bible translation to create group alliance.
d. Mandating Bible study means only Christians will participate.

6. Why does group discussion and group work assist in integrating faith with, practice?
a. Discussion affirms students' and facilitators' spiritual points of view.
b. Discussions tend to foster debate and critical thinking about subjects.
c. Little real discussion takes place in postings unless it is graded.
d. Real growth takes place outside of the discussion groups.

7. What is the role of the Christian facilitator in online discussions?
a. They allow student discussion and growth with minimal comment.
b. They are role models by affirming postings and sharing their faith.
c. They critique and question student postings from a biblical view.
d. They search for Christian resources to add to course content.

8. What is a major problem of online education, according to Strevy?
a. In group work, it's easier for sub-groups to form.
b. Most students think online courses are harder.
c. Some students experience a sense of isolation.
d. Instructors tend to give a lot of "busy work."

9. What is a significant Christian benefit to offering online, distance education?
a. Online education saves money so resources can be directed to other ministries.
b. Online education allows a faith-based school to extend its teaching ministry.
c. Christian faith can be discussed easier in online vs. traditional classrooms.
d. Online education helps students be more vulnerable than face-to-face interactions.

10. What insight has been discovered as distance education has evolved?
a. People love to learn new things.
b. People search for community.
c. People don't like to learn alone.
d. People learn better in groups.

11. What is an important sign that a learning community has developed, whether in traditional or cyber classrooms?
a. Students feel free to share their opinions.
b. Students share resources with each other.
c. Students openly ask for help from instructors.
d. Students share addresses and phone numbers.

12. According to Meyer & Wessman, how can Scripture be integrated as opposed to added on to online education?
a. Be intentional, natural and pervasive in including Scripture.
b. Require Scripture reading as part of all course assignments.
c. Add Scripture into the curriculum and then let God work.
d. Provide Scripture resources but let student integrate prn.