I have taught biblical language courses online at Anderson University since 2015. During the first week of a first-year language course, I introduce the language writing system and sound correspondence, and I introduce enough words that the students can read a few sentences. I also teach at least as much use of technology as I do language since the students need to learn how to use their computer to communicate in the new language.
Every student who takes my course needs to install keyboard software to make it possible to type in the new language. They must also tell the computer that they want to be able to show text in this language on the screen–but not make the language the default display language for all content.
For some students, this means they must go into parts of the computer they are afraid to touch. It means that when they install keyboard software, the computer tells them things like, “Doing this might be harmful to your computer. Do you want to do it anyway?” They have to trust me when I tell them to do it anyway. It also means that when they add a new language, they have to trust that following my instructions will not mean they will restart their computer and see nothing but Hebrew on the screen.
Many of my students would choose to take the course on campus if they had the option simply because they could avoid the technology element. Taking a language course online means stepping out in faith and trusting in someone you don’t know to guide you through a process of doing something that in some cases you would rather not do at all. But those who have done this and come through it have more than the new Hebrew skill to boost their confidence. They have done it using technology and have overcome their anxiety to be successful. I am always proud of my language students–not only for their success in language study but for their perseverance and diligence. Language study is something that demands personal and spiritual discipline; and I pray every semester that my students reap the reward that comes with this discipline. I am praying now as I write this post.
Run for the prize!
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