Introduction 

Welcome to Baptist Theological College.  Due to the ongoing crisis over the COVID-19 pandemic, we are adapting a new normal. So, this year our learning mode will change into something different—distance learning.  So this document will provide you with a brief introduction to the skills necessary for becoming a successful flexible distance learner. 

You may also hear online learning referred to as: 

• • Distance learning 
  • Hybrid education 
  • Online education 
  • E-learning
  • Independent Learning 
  • Flexible Learning

Distance learning offers unique challenges and opportunities. The pointers presented here are not going to make you into a model online student overnight, but hopefully they will help you develop sustainable techniques for success. We hope that you will explore the resources and suggestions offered here and will find your experience this academic year rewarding. 

One great thing about taking online courses is to attend classes at your own convenience any time and any place. In a distance learning education course the instructor and students are connected to each other using different media platforms available. Using the Internet, you can receive instruction, compose and submit assignments, ask questions of the instructor and other students, discuss issues and actively participate in the class all from your home.  In these changing times, the Baptist Theological College is committed to providing quality faculty, programs and services. 

Time 

Education requires time.  No matter how convenient or flexible distance learning education may be, taking a course online requires time.  You may not need to travel or do dorm and kitchen chores like you would if you were on campus, but you might also spend more time with technology concerns. Whether the time you spend on course-related work is more or less than you might experience in a traditional, classroom-based course, it is still time you need to reserve and manage carefully. When evaluating your online course options, consider how much time you have to dedicate to coursework every week during the semester, and estimate the time commitment the course will require. 

Managing Time 

Distance Education learners often benefit from carefully structuring what time they have available. Identify what time of day or night you do your best work, and when you are able to access the Internet and your course materials. Set aside a certain time each day, or a few days during each week, to work on your course, and stick to this schedule.  Be aware at the start of the course whether you are required to participate in activities like Chapel, D-Groups and LifeGroup meetings, at any specific times, and plan accordingly. 

Balancing Responsibilities and Setting Priorities 

Crucial to a successful distance learning experience is the ability to balance your responsibilities. Knowing how to set priorities is the key to getting the greatest benefit from your distance education experience. Determine early in the semester exactly what work is required and do your best to plan ahead. Do not hesitate to ask for advice or help from your instructor. 

1. 1. Managing Stress 

Strategies for managing course-related stress include: 

• • • • • • Know your deadlines. These include course deadlines as well as deadlines and important events occurring elsewhere in your life while you are enrolled in the course.
          • Plan ahead. If you know that your time will be consumed by a non-course related activity during a particular week, do your course-related activities ahead of time. 
          • Know your available resources, especially technological resources, and have them at hand when you are working in your course. 
          • Keep in touch with your instructor. If you do fall behind, let your instructor know immediately, and ask him/her for assistance in planning how you will catch up. 

0. 2. Student Accountability 

The further you progress in higher and continuing education, the more responsibility you will need to take for your own learning. 

0. 3. Self-Directed Learning 

As you explore the many avenues of learning available and begin to define your individual path, you will still need to work with your instructors to make sure you are meeting the requirements of the individual courses. 

0. 4. Understand Expectations 

In order to meet course requirements and instructor expectations, you will need a clear understanding of these requirements and expectations. Instructors will provide a syllabus which acts as a contract between you and the instructor. Read through the syllabus carefully and print it out, if necessary. 

0. 5. Seek Clarification 

If you have questions regarding content, contact the instructor immediately. In the distance learning environment instructors have fewer cues to alert them to your confusion. They cannot see your puzzled expression or hear you ask, “What?”  Ask questions, early and as often as necessary. 

0. 6. Become an “Active Learner” 

To be successful in this learning environment, actively seek ways you can best understand the course material.  

• • • • • • Read, listen to, and participate in the course.
          • Become involved in discussing and defining course topics.
          • Critically evaluate the information you receive.

 

0. 7. Develop Self-Discipline 

Self-discipline may be the most important characteristic of a successful online learner. With it, you have a tool that leads you to become an efficient time manager, and without it you may encounter difficulties. Here are some tips to help: 

• • • • • • Know when assignments are due; print your syllabus and course schedule/calendar.
          • Set up a schedule of when you will log in to the class and stick to it.
          • Minimize distractions while online.
          • Ensure consistent access to a computer.
          • Have an alternative plan in case you have computer problems 

Online Communication Skills 

1. 1. Writing Clearly 

Being a productive member of a distance learning community requires you to communicate clearly and concisely when you write. A few simple guidelines can help you produce clear, effective written contributions to your course. As always, review guidelines for assignments: 

• • • • • • Keep your sentences short.
          • Keep your paragraphs short.
          • Watch for careless errors; check your spelling and grammar.
          • Read your posting before you submit it.
          • Correct any awkward or unclear areas before you post the final version in quotation marks and identify the author, so that you do not accidentally plagiarize someone.

0. 2. Discussions 

You may be required to join in class discussion forums and respond to classmates’ comments. These discussions may become complex, intense, and even provocative. 

Here are some tips to help you with discussions: 

• • • • • • Know what the instructor expects of your discussion responses. 
          • Think before you write.
          • Reread your response prior to sending.

  

Before you send off a hastily written, emotionally based reaction to another’s

contribution, develop your ideas into a less emotional and more reasonable response. Then wait a few minutes and reread what you have written before you submit your response. Learning how to turn a reaction into a response will make your course contributions more meaningful – and may earn you a higher mark for participation, if participation counts toward your grade. Pausing and re-reading gives you the opportunity to review your writing for organization, clarity, and correctness.

Virtual Community 

Building a remote or online “Classroom” Environment does not mean that you are learning alone. You will have a class consisting of instructor(s), fellow students, and perhaps others with whom you will interact. Your instructor will build a class environment through discussion questions, group projects, and other activities. You help build this classroom environment through your participation. Seeing and speaking to others is not a necessary component in getting to know someone. Through your messages and discussions, both delayed (asynchronous) and real-time (synchronous), you have the opportunity to develop personal and professional relationships. The classmates you get to know online may come from very diverse situations and can offer a wealth of knowledge and experience. Your fellow classmates and instructors provide resources, information and support. You will be placed in Facebook groups where you may post reviews for materials you have read on pertinent topics, links to online resources, and observations for specific topics. Within your ‘classroom’, you and your fellow classmates can build a collective knowledge base which may become invaluable even after your coursework is completed. 

Library Services 

Ask-the-Librarian:  The Chief Librarian of BTC will be available to assist you with your LRC needs through chat, email, telephone: 

Email: btccgst.library@gmail.com

Tel. No.: +63 32 238 4412

Librarian Online: 2:00pm – 5:00pm TTh

Visit LRC: 2:00pm – 5:00pm WF

Technology Considerations 

It is not required that you own a computer equipment but it is highly recommended that you have access to one that will be available for you.  

In the absence of technology, you may opt to request for the modules to be sent to you through couriers available in your area.  Courier fees will be charged to the students.

GMAIL

All students are to set up an email account following the following format (completefirstname.lastname.btc@gmail.com which serves as their official email while studying at BTC. 

Distance Learning Privacy Statement for BTC Distance Learning Students 

Baptist Theological College is committed to protecting your privacy. BTC has established this privacy policy for students taking classes remotely and is providing it to you so that you can understand the manner in which Baptist Theological College collects and uses your information and the efforts we use to protect it. 

BTC does not collect any personally identifiable information about you unless you affirmatively choose to make such information available to us. By personal information, we mean information that can be used to identify or contact an individual.  BTC does not actively share personal information about website visitors or students. Personal information provided by visitors, such as email addresses or information submitted via online forms, is only used to assist individual visitors as necessary. This assistance may involve redirecting an inquiry or comment to another individual or office better suited to provide resolution. 

Read BTC’s Privacy Policy here http://btccgst.org/?page_id=2272.

Study Habits and Skills 

As with all courses, managing your time and employing good study skills are keys to being successful. Online courses require additional skills as well:

• • • • C o m p l e t i n g assignments on time – Assignments have specific due dates in online learning.  Failure to turn in assignments on time will result in poor or failing grades.
      • B a l a n c i n g personal obligations – Many online learners have family and work responsibilities. Making sure one schedules enough time for coursework is crucial.
      • Participation – Be sure to post, and comment on classmate’s posting, as this is an essential part of online learning.
      • P r o o f r e a d – Since nearly all assignments will be typed, be sure to proofread carefully to ensure you are sending your best work to the instructor.
      • P r i n t and follow the syllabus – Following the syllabus will help you manage your time, assignment due dates, and personal commitments.

1. 1. Know Your Learning Style 

      Not all online classes are presented in the same way.  Instructors use different techniques and methods for explaining concepts. Some may choose to present the course material in a visual format, others use a lecture format, and others enhance lecture formats with hands-on applications. Knowing your learning style can be beneficial whether you are taking a course in a physical or virtual classroom.  There are many different styles of learning.  Some of us are visual learners; we learn and remember by seeing things (seeing it).  Some learn best by listening to a lecture (hearing it).  Others are hands on learners;

they need to manipulate objects to demonstrate learning (doing it). 

      These are some sites that offer free surveys to determine your individual learning style: 

http://www.ldpride.net/learning-style-test.html

https://www.howtolearn.com/take-learning-styles-quiz

http://ww1.metamath.com/?sub1=5d0a767a-b13c-11ea-919a-bf56d52959b6

http://www.longleaf.net/learningstyle.html

http://www.literacynet.org/mi/assessment/findyourstrengths.html

There are many different theories and styles of learning, that have been categorized into three general styles – The Visual Learner (the seer), The Tactile Learner (the doer), and The Aural Learner (the hearer). 

0. 2. Three Types of Learning 

• • • • • The Visual Learner. If you have identified that you are a visual learner, meaning that you learn best by “seeing” the course information presented in various ways, here are strategies to consider: 

• • • • • Course information will usually be presented in a text format, so you will see and read the course information on the computer and textbook. Read the text, examine diagrams or pictures, and then relate what you see to what you read.
        • Textbook materials enhance written lectures by providing diagrams, maps, illustrations, etc.
        • Research other Internet sites which could provide additional information about the topic.
        • Contact the instructor for further information 

• • • • • The Tactile Learner.  If you process information using a tactile, hands-on approach here are some suggestions that may help in your online course: 

• • • • • Engage in discussions with other students in your online class.
        • Find others who are taking the course and form study groups.
        • Contact the instructor for information prior to taking the course 

• • • • • The Aural Learner.  If you learn best by listening to lectures and discussing in class, then online courses may present a challenge for you. You may appreciate the pre-recorded video/audio materials that your instructor may have prepared for your course.  You may also need to adapt your learning style to the visual text-based format used in most online courses. Knowing what the course involves ahead of time, before the class begins, might be your best avenue for determining if taking an online class is for you. Here are some strategies that may help: 

• • • • • Contact the instructor for information about teaching style and course content.
        • Talk with other students who have taken independent classes in the past.

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

Estimated Costs

For CGST students, please click this link: http://btccgst.org/?page_id=618

For BTC students, please click this link: http://btccgst.org/?page_id=120

• + + + +

General Procedures for Payment of Fees

Please choose a payment procedure most convenient for you.

1. Payment using GCash.

• • • • Use “Express Send”
      • Send to: 09474802403
      • Enter the amount to send.
      • Take a screenshot of the Reference Number and email it to btccgst.register@gmail.com or via Messenger (BTCCGST Registrar).

2. Payment through Philippine National Bank (if residing in the Philippines)

• • • • Fill out a deposit slip or transfer fund online and use the following account details:

Account Name: Baptist Theological College

Account Number: 300270001096

• • • • Take a picture/screenshot of the deposit slip and email it to btccgst.register@gmail.com or via Messenger (BTCCGST Registrar).

3. Payment via Palawan Express

• • • • Fill out the Palawan Express Pera Padala form and use the following information for Receiver:

Name: Vima Capablanca

Mobile No.: 09474802403

Purpose of Transaction: Tuition&Fees

Relationship: Registrar

• • • • Take a picture of the filled out form and email it to btccgst.register@gmail.com or send it via Messenger (BTCCGST Registrar).

4. Payment using Debit/Credit Card

• • • • Click this link and follow the instructions: https://bit.ly/2CuefKi

The link above leads to the Donate page on BTC/CGST website. Don’t worry about it. Your “donation” will actually be recorded as your payment for tuition and fees.

• • • • Type the exact amount you want to pay.
      • Click “special request” and write “tuition and fees”
      • Fill out the details or your debit or credit card.
      • Check the box “Share your mailing address with BTC so they can acknowledge your donation”
      • Key in your mobile phone number and email address.
      • Click “Donate Now” and follow the rest of the instructions by your Credit Card Company or bank.
      • If successful, please send an email to btccgst.register@gmail.com or text to 09474802403 to inform the Registrar about your online payment.

FIELD EDUCATION

Please read the Field Education Primer.

CHURCH PARTNERSHIP

BTC, through the Field Education Department, partners with local churches from where students came from for mentoring and follow up.  The nature of this partnership shall be described in the Field Education Primer.

GUIDELINES FOR STUDENT BEHAVIOR

Every student enrolled at the Baptist Theological College is expected to behave in such a way that honors the Lord Jesus Christ and upholds the values held and promoted by BTC, whether the student is living inside or outside the campus.  Students are expected to behave according to the spirit of the stipulated guidelines described in the BTC Student Handbook.  

Click here to read the Student Handbook: http://btccgst.org/?page_id=508 

STUDENT ORIENTATION

A recorded orientation video will be available on the first week of classes.  Each enrolled student must watch them (or read the transcript) and signify that they have completed the orientation.

CHAPEL SERVICES

A pre-recorded video of chapel messages will be premiered every other Wednesday morning.  These messages will be stored in BTC’s youtube channel so students could still watch them even after the live premier has ended.

LIFEGROUPS

Each student will belong to a LifeGroup.  A faculty will serve as mentor to 5 or more students.  These life groups will be formed on the first week of classes.  LifeGroups normally meet every other Wednesdays, alternating with Chapel Services.

DGROUPS

This is a peer discipleship group.  These groups are led by a trained former/current BTCian. DGroups meet on Tuesdays.

CLUBS

A student may sign up in one of the following clubs this year.

Youth Ministers Club

Young Teachers Club

Scribblers Conduit (young writers’ club)

DEAN’s CHAT & COUNSELING 

The Dean of Student Life will schedule each enrolled student for a coffee conversation sometime in the academic year.  

The school counselor will conduct individual or group counseling sessions.

Students who feel a need for help may contact the Dean of Student Life to arrange for counseling sessions.

Where to Get Help 

Visit btccgst.org for more information about Baptist Theological College.

Check out our Facebook page: https://bit.ly/3dwH71r

Contact the BTC office.

Registrar’s Office               btccgst.register@gmail.com

Business Office                    btccgst@gmail.com

Mobile No: +639474802403

Tel. No.: +63 32 3450148

Academic Dean’s Office      scuambot@btccgst.org

Dean of the CGST                 bblisbe@btccgst.org 

Dean of Student Life            agbergado@btccgst.org 

Student Life FB Group.       https://bit.ly/2Dpw3H8 

Library Services                   btccgst.library@gmail.com 

Tel. No.: +63 32 238 4412

BTC President                       rlrecodo@btccgst.org 

Click here to read the BTC Student Handbook and Research Guide 2020-2021.