Title: Shepherds for modern times: designing a blended learning course for communication theology

Authors: Irudayaselvam Stanislaus; Virma Rea G. Lee

Addresses: College of Development Communication, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Los Baños, Laguna 4031, Philippines ' Institute of Plant Breeding, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Los Baños, Laguna 4031, Philippines

Abstract: Communication is the basic principle and an essential dimension of Christian theology. The recent advancements in information and communications technology compel theologians and seminarians to be creative users of this new technology. Besides, theological institutes recognise the importance of integrating teaching communication-related theology courses with information and communication technology. Hence, this paper aims to analyse the potential of teaching Communication Theology to future priests using communication technology in blended learning modality. An online questionnaire was sent to theology students in Chile, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines to identify and to analyse the respondents' learning needs. Findings reveal that the student-respondents have social media accounts and are willing to participate in a blended learning course on Communication Theology. The majority of them believe that blended learning will contribute to the efficient delivery of instruction. Recommendations clarify how theological institutes can proceed and establish a blended learning course for Communication Theology.

Keywords: communication theology; theology students; learning needs; blended learning; learning management system; face-to-face learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMLO.2021.114517

International Journal of Mobile Learning and Organisation, 2021 Vol.15 No.2, pp.179 - 211

Received: 12 Dec 2019
Accepted: 23 Mar 2020
Published online: 26 Apr 2021 *

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