The newly formed Catholic Institute of Aotearoa New Zealand (TCI) has successfully integrated eLearning into its course offerings with a series of ‘faith updates’ in the form of online modules designed to provide a learning experience people can access from their own homes.

The Catholic Institute’s director, Professor Anne Tuohy, says new technology expands the range of new opportunities for learning.

‘We want to make our faith updates not only accessible and convenient but also fun. These small, six-week courses present a great opportunity for anyone who is interested in learning more about their faith to engage in the rich history and tradition of our Church in new and exciting ways.’

‘The faith updates are specifically designed to be flexible and interactive – important hallmarks of contemporary student-focused learning. Many people want to learn more for interest’s sake. However, if someone completes a series of these faith update courses it is also possible to earn credits towards qualifications,’ Professor Tuohy says.

The faith updates comprise a total of nine hours of work in three parts. They include a range of material and activities comprising podcasts, YouTube clips, readings, quizzes and some follow-up work in between. The first round of online faith updates has now finished and participants have been asked to complete an online evaluation, the results of which will be used to enhance future online offerings.

TCI’s eLearning coordinator, Susan Wilson, explained that the courses were designed so as to allow busy people to fit their study schedule in around other commitments.

‘We’re aware that work schedules often limit people’s ability to spend time on extra activities. The courses are accessible to people throughout the country and include online forums that encourage people to engage with others which helps to strengthen the learning experience.’

Courses on social justice, scripture, theology, Christology and Church history are all available online. The TCI is currently taking enrolments for the next round of online faith updates and people have until the beginning of July to sign up.

If people are interested in trying this exciting new mode of study, go to the TCI’s website, www.tci.ac.nz and into the TCI eClassroom at the top right hand side of the webpage. Log in as a guest and take a virtual tour of the Faith Updates to get a feel for the online learning experience.

The NZ Catholic Bishops Conference established the Catholic Institute of Aotearoa New Zealand (TCI) in 2011. TCI is a registered PTE offering nationally accredited NZQA courses and qualifications from Certificate, Diploma and Masters level in all of the dioceses.

For more information visit the Institute’s website.