(Updated November 2011)

Transcription

1 ABOUT IBOLT (Updated November 2011) OUR MISSION PREPARING YOU FOR MINISTRY

2 KEY INFORMATION IBOLT Website Vanguard College website Director Location: St., Edmonton B T5G 2J9 Toll-Free Number Phone: Fax: Accreditation: Vanguard College Association of Biblical Higher education ( About IBOLT: Released: November

3 WELCOME HOW TO USE THIS HANDBOOK This document is your informational guide to International Biblical Online Leadership Training (IBOLT). Each section of this document provides important information that should help make your studies with IBOLT enjoyable and rewarding, providing you with useful information about the program.. The IBOLT Student Handbook is designed to provide you with general information about IBOLT, course instructional methods, academic polices and procedures, IBOLT community standards, and student services. At the end of the Handbook is a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that is compiled from questions that students asked us in the past. THE IBOLT ADVANTAGE OUR CORE VALUES The following core values are statements of ideals and principles that define the character and guide the actions of IBOLT. They describe what we stand for as a community of Christian educators and students. BIBLICAL TRUTH COLLABORATION LEADERSHIP COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE INNOVATION LEARNING ABUNDANCE WHY DID WE CREATE IBOLT? We created IBOLT because we wanted to provide learners with greater access to quality, standard-based Christian education with enough flexibility so that learners everywhere can manage their own learning goals. We aren t really a school, because we don t think that the world needs another school. The genius of IBOLT is your capacity to transfer your earned credits to any accredited Christian College of your choosing. We are excited that we are now a part of Vanguard College in Edmonton. When you enroll in an IBOLT course, you have the backing of a fully accredited Christian College with over 64 years of solid and practical teaching experience. Every course you complete with IBOLT is automatically credited as a course from Vanguard. From there, you will discover a world of transferability to over 100 accredited Bible Colleges in North America! Now that s transferability! That s portability! That s putting you in the driver s seat right where you belong. About IBOLT: Released: November

4 OUR STATEMENT OF FAITH In keeping with the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada's Statement of Faith, we believe: The Holy Scriptures as originally given by God are divinely inspired, infallible, entirely trustworthy, and constitute the only supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct. There is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Our Lord Jesus Christ is God manifest in the flesh; we affirm his virgin birth, sinless humanity, divine miracles, vicarious and atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension, ongoing mediatorial work, and personal return in power and glory. The salvation of lost and sinful humanity is possible only through the merits of the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, received by faith apart from works, and is characterized by regeneration by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit enables believers to live a holy life, to witness and work for the Lord Jesus Christ. The Church, the body of Christ, consists of all true believers. Ultimately God will judge the living and the dead, those who are saved unto the resurrection of life, those who are lost unto the resurrection of damnation. IBOLT EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY Our academic team is careful to ensure that our course developers create IBOLT courses with clearly stated Learning Outcomes and Learning Objectives. You can see right from the beginning where the learning is headed. It takes the guess work out of the kinds of learning that will take place in the course. Upon completion of every IBOLT course, we want you to be confident that you will possess new skills, ready to be used in your life context. While learning is a natural process, not everyone learns exactly the same way. We therefore decided to adopt the Experiential Learning Model developed by David Kolb. In this way of looking at learning, IBOLT is careful to ensure that there are learning activities and experiences in each of our IBOLT Learning Modules addressing the learning style needs of all our students. There are four learning dimensions in this model: Concrete experience: Learning from specific experiences, relating to people, and sensitivity to feelings and people. Reflective observation: Careful observation before making a judgment, viewing things from different perspectives, and looking for the meaning of things. Abstract conceptualization: Logical analysis of ideas, systematic planning, acting on intellectual understanding of a situation. Active experimentation: Ability to get things done; risk taking, influencing people and events through action. You can learn more about Kolb s style of learning by visiting or try searching for David Kolb + learning style on your favorite Internet search engine. About IBOLT: Released: November

5 YOUR INSTRUCTOR; YOUR PARTNER IN LEARNING IBOLT instructors are committed to helping you learn. IBOLT instructors are knowledgeable academics, experts in their subject areas, and committed to your success as an IBOLT student. All our IBOLT instructors are practitioners too this means they have a first-hand experience with the issues associated with the material they teach. Your instructor is available to help you understand the course content and is your main link with IBOLT. You should never hesitate to contact your instructor. Your academic success is as important to us as it is to you. In many ways it is you who will determine the nature, extent, and frequency of your interaction with your instructor. All of our instructors are accessible by and telephone. They abide by a standard of taking only two business days to respond to student messages. THE BENEFITS OF DISTANCE EDUCATION Distance education offers a convenient and flexible way to learn, even if you are separated from your instructor and fellow students by both time and geography. Consider these benefits: Learning at a fully accredited, post-secondary educational institution Course materials designed specifically for distance and online learners Schedule your study times when and where you want Set your own pace Stay at home or in your community Personalized interaction with your instructor for greater learning Continuous any time is the right time enrolment Learn while you work and make new and better contributions back to your vocational context Access to excellent education no matter where you reside PREPARING FOR STUDY THROUGH DISTANCE EDUCATION Studying at a distance requires careful planning, motivation, commitment, and perseverance. The flexibility to study at your own pace and to set your own time schedule is a definite benefit, but it also means that you must be dedicated, organized, and focused. Please note that the IBOLT team is prepared to encourage and support students who are seeking to accomplish their own learning goals. We are unable to force anyone study. There are many Internet resources that can help you achieve success by using successful online study strategies. Search the web (successful online study strategies) for the latest information. About IBOLT: Released: November

6 ACADEMIC INFORMATION METHODS OF INSTRUCTION THROUGH IBOLT You may study full-time or part-time. If you need help determining your options contact our IBOLT Director or the Registrar, Vanguard College. COURSE PACK FOR INTERNET STUDY IBOLT courses use the Internet to enhance the course. Students must have access to a personal computer with a stable Internet connection. Some students prefer the structure. This style of learning may appeal to those who enjoy the discipline of a schedule and the support of other students and an instructor in an online setting. The amount of online activity will vary in each course, and activities will range from: Communicating with the instructor and with fellow students Downloading course materials to submitting assignments STUDENT S OWN WORK Our accreditation body requires us to verify that all work submitted by students were their own effort. We are asking students to do this by a short when the Practical application Activity is submitted. This information is provided in this overview so that you will be aware of this important requirement. Please read the following statement, then copy it into the body of an and send this to the IBOLT Director (director@ibolt.com) when you submit your final assignment to your instructor. "This is to certify that I (name) have submitted all assignments for this course that were the result of my own efforts. Whenever appropriate outside sources were used these have been acknowledged and cited correctly. Date: " STUDENT HANDBOOK You are encouraged to review the Student Handbook for academic policies relating to the student. About IBOLT: Released: November

7 NETIQUETTE What is Netiquette? Simply stated, network etiquette is the construct of rules for demonstrating good manners and helping to create a place in which people can learn and share one another s lives in proper decorum and trust. Essentially, these are rules for proper behavior online. Anytime you enter a new setting or culture, you are prone to commit a few social blunders. The online learning community is likely no exception. Perhaps you will offend someone with the way you post something to a discussion board, or perhaps you will feel like others are not contributing quite like you would want them to. Sometimes the online settings makes people feel like they are anonymous and therefore can do just about whatever they feel like doing to others. It is important to remember that the letters on the screen in front of you are not just part of computer script they are the thoughts, feelings and ideas of other real live people. People just like you! The following guidelines are offered here as a set of general guidelines for cyberspace behavior. They won't answer all your questions, but they should give you some basic principles to help make your online learning experience more positive and to help make you a positive part of someone else s learning experience. GUIDELINE 1: Remember that you are connecting with people o Computers let us connect; they don t make us better communicators. Be kind and considerate of others online. GUIDELINE 2 The golden rule still applies onlineo Do to others what you want them to do to you GUIDELINE 3: Be careful out there! Know where you are when you are online GUIDELINE 4: Keep it simple. Don t tie up time and bandwidth with useless items. GUIDELINE 5: Read, read, read before you send. Make sure you present well. GUIDELINE 6: Help those who are struggling. o If someone doesn t know how to do something with their computer, and you do, teach them gently. We are all learning together, and perhaps the day will come when you need to rely on the help of another person online. GUIDELINE 8: Respect other people's privacy GUIDELINE 9: Forgive other people when they make a mistake. GUIDELINE 10: Remember the atmosphere. Use emoticons to help others capture the essence of your message. About IBOLT: Released: November

8 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS IS IBOLT ACCREDITED? If you want it you have it!! The credits you earn possess the same accreditation standing of Vanguard College. You may transfer your accredited academic credits from Vanguard College to any other ABHE affiliate Christian college in North America. Visit for a full list of accredited Bible colleges. HOW MUCH ARE COURSES? Tuition rates are set by Vanguard College. Students will need to purchase course materials and pay for shipping. IBOLT charges minimal fees to cover additional costs associated with delivering Distance Education courses. HOW HARD IS THE WORK IN AN IBOLT COURSE? An IBOLT course has a different feel than a traditional college course. Many college courses ask you to read a textbook or two, write some papers and a few examinations and you are done. At IBOLT, we teach from an experiential learning model. You can expect to connect with content and then complete a number of smaller tasks and activities with the content throughout the course. There is no cramming the night before it s due in IBOLT! Learning is progressive and builds upon previous learning with skill-based activities. You will need to do about 6-10 hours of work per week. WHAT ARE YOUR ACADEMIC STANDARDS? Our academic standards are in keeping with partner colleges that are members of the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) ARE CREDITS TRANSFERABLE FROM OTHER ACCREDITED BIBLE COLLEGES? Yes. If you register to take an IBOLT course, you are able to transfer that course. In addition, any credits you earned at other Colleges will be reviewed to ensure that you only take courses that fit with your long-term educational goals. CAN I TAKE AN ENTIRE DIPLOMA DEGREE PROGRAM THROUGH IBOLT? Yes. IBOLT offers three-year diplomas and four-year degrees that meet the credential requirements of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. CAN I TAKE JUST ONE OR TWO COURSES? If you do not wish to study full-time you are advised to take one course at a time. With the approval of the Registrar you may take more than one course. Once you complete five courses you will be asked to register in a certificate, diploma or degree. WHAT KIND OF AN INTERNSHIP PROGRAM DO YOU OFFER FOR STUDENTS STUDYING TOWARDS A BACHELOR S DEGREE OR DIPLOMA? We built our curriculum to include opportunity for practical experience in your local church or para-church organization every semester. Our practicum courses are the classroom accompaniment to 4-6 hours a week of volunteer work that each student is required to perform per semester. About IBOLT: Released: November

9 HOW IS IBOLT DIFFERENT FROM A CORRESPONDENCE SCHOOL? All courses have a set start and completion date, just like any traditional classroom. At the heart of an IBOLT course is a team of excellent after sales support team, determined to work with you to achieve your personal learning goals. The underlying educational philosophy of an IBOLT course is found in Kolb s Experiential Learning Model. At the heart of this philosophy is the transference of learning-based skills to you the student. This means that the course you are taking is designed to assist you in gaining new information to support new skills that are immediately useful in your life and ministry. MAY I STUDY WITH IBOLT IF I DON T HAVE A COMPUTER OR INTERNET ACCESS? No. Our courses require the use of a computer and . DO I NEED TO PURCHASE SPECIAL SOFTWARE TO ACCESS IBOLT COURSE MATERIALS? Not required to access course materials. Our course materials are available online. That means you can access your studies from any computer that has an Internet connection. DO I NEED TO SOFTWARE TO COMPLETE MY ASSIGNMENTS? We recommend that you have Microsoft Word and Acrobat Reader. You will also need to use Mozilla Firefox when using the student software. DO I NEED HIGH SPEED INTERNET ACCESS? No. High speed makes transmission of web pages faster, but even with dial-up you can study with IBOLT. DO INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HAVE TO PAY MORE FOR THEIR COURSES THAN STUDENTS WHO LIVE IN CANADA? No. Canadian and students from outside Canada are charged the same rates. Depending on location of the student, additional shipping may be charged. IF I PURCHASE A COURSE ONLINE, IS THIS A SECURE TRANSACTION? Yes. At IBOLT we use the latest and most powerful encryption for our secure business transactions. We are as concerned for your personal security as we are for our own when we are doing our own personal transactions. IS THERE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO STUDY WITH IBOLT? IBOLT programs qualify through Vanguard College for Canada Student Loans. There are also limited bursaries and scholarships. Please director@ibolt.com if you need more information. WHERE CAN I GET INFORMATION ON CANADA STUDENT LOANS? IBOLT is approved for Canada Student Loans. Forms are available online or at many local government offices in Canada. Specific inquiries should be directed to the loan office in your province of residence. HOW DO I CONTACT MY INSTRUCTOR? Your instructor s address is provided in the welcome letter ed to you after your registration is complete. About IBOLT: Released: November

10 WILL THERE BE A FINAL EXAMINATION? Generally there are no examinations in IBOLT courses. We believe that Practical Activities are a better demonstration of a student s integration of learning into real life situations. WHAT ARE THE PASSING MARKS? Please see pages 6-7 of this handbook for details. To pass an IBOLT course, students must earn a sixty percent (60%) final grade. HOW SOON WILL I GET MY ASSIGNMENTS BACK? Our instructors endeavor to return assignments submitted by electronic means within five work days. WHERE DO I FIND THE REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS? Textbooks are automatically sent to you in your CoursePak. If you already have a textbook, please notify the Registrar at time of registration in a course. CAN I SUBMIT ALL MY ASSIGNMENTS AT THE END OF THE COURSE? No. You are required to submit your assignments according to the schedule of assignments and due dates so you may receive regular input into your learning. About IBOLT: Released: November