Online and
Hybrid
This is done through our state-of-the-art online platform,
as well as through intentional community formation on campus.
About online/hybrid education at the Iliff School of Theology
Iliff’s hybrid programs (JOURNEY) are designed to enhance community building and engagement. This is done through our state-of-the-art online platform, as well as through intentional community formation on campus. Online courses include text discussion, blog posts, video and audio lectures, slide presentations, video conversations, live and recorded presentations, and a variety of other engaging activities. We intentionally limit the class size in online courses to ensure relationship building with other students and your instructor.
Online theological education offers a number of exciting opportunities – small class size, a self-directed pace, and the chance to study at an award-winning institution without relocating. While online courses can offer more flexibility in scheduling, they require self-discipline, independence, and diligence. Students taking online and hybrid courses should be comfortable with basic technology and with navigating a variety of online resources. As with on-campus learning, graduate students should set aside ample time for study to spend working on the weekly assignments and discussions.
Iliff Course Delivery Options
Journey
Unique degree delivery format at the Iliff School of Theology that uses hybrid and online courses. The program is designed so students do not need to relocate or be on campus for extended periods of time.
Hybrid
Learning that combines a virtual learning space in online classrooms and on-campus learning. Both on-campus classroom time and online assignments are required for hybrid courses. At Iliff, students travel to Denver three times a year for 3-7 days for Gathering Days, depending on the courses that they are enrolled in. Required travel to Denver for the on-campus portion of hybrid courses occurs the fifth week of the quarter. Gathering Days is a meaningful time for students and faculty.
Online
Students meet in a virtual learning space including the online classroom interface Canvas. Students usually meet asynchronously (not at the same time) to complete discussions and assignments. They relate to their classmates and instructors online through email, discussions, chats, and other online applications. Synchronous learning and personal meetings may also take place using programs such as Google Hangouts, WebEx, or Zoom.
On-campus
Courses meet in-person at the Iliff School of Theology. Students and instructors meet synchronously (at the same time) in the same physical location. On-campus is also referred to as “residential”, “face-to-face”, “on-ground” or “in-person.”
How do you know if an online course is right for you?
Am I flexible?
Flexibility is important in the online classroom. Instead of meeting face-to-face, you’ll be learning independently through online presentations from your professor, discussions with your peers, and exercises that will demonstrate, or test your critical thinking skills.
Am I an independent learner?
Independent learning requires strong organizational and time management skills. In the online classroom, you will need to manage your time wisely and follow closely the course syllabus presented by instructors in order to succeed.
Am I comfortable with technology?
Students in hybrid/online courses need to have a reliable internet connection and a basic knowledge of computer and Internet skills in order to be successful.
Do I thrive with personal attention and group feedback?
Online learning provides substantial feedback– not only from professors, but also from peers. Participation in online discussions is often rich in feedback; therefore, you’ll need to participate and be willing to accept other perspectives that might not be voiced in face-to-face situations. You can expect to learn as much from your peers as your instructor.