The Course Tutorial Vision

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Course Tutorials are intended to be the locus of critical engagement with the course material and lectures, and provide an environment for interpretation, guidance and the development of wisdom.

Deep learning derives from focused interaction with people, not simply from mastering content individually. Jesus called disciples to himself to live and learn alongside him. Course Tutorials, whether in person or online, provide fertile ground for the development of a learning community that benefits from the mutual interaction between Course Tutors and students, and when possible, additional experts in a given field. Students themselves bring a great deal of unique experience and insight to the study of course material which benefits Faculty, Course Tutors and other students as well.

A Dynamic Structure

The structure of Course Tutorials is designed uniquely by each Course Tutor to allow for maximum flexibility and creativity. Suggestions for good practice are provided by the Distance Education office, and by the sharing of ideas between Course Tutors. Seeking input from other full-time Faculty is also highly encouraged. Course Tutors are given control over the scheduling and methods of dialogue. Trinity's online learning environment, TriNet, provides effective means for both synchronous and asynchronous discussions online.

Although much freedom is given to the Course Tutor, there are certain roles and responsibilities which the Course Tutor is expected to fulfill.

The Course Tutor

Course Tutors may be full-time faculty or PhD-level students researching in the area(s) for which they are employed as a Course Tutor. Course Tutor responsibilities fall into three broad categories.

Administrative

• Be the primary liaison between the student and Distance Education Office.
• Provide input for curriculum improvement, as needed.

Academic

• Advise in matters of study methods, as necessary.
• Encourage or facilitate appropriate discussions of course materials.
• Assess each student's mastery of course objectives based on agreed upon standards established by the syllabus.

Pastoral

• Welcome new students into the community.
• Create an environment conducive to personal and spiritual growth.
• Suggest and encourage connections between academic material and practical application to life and ministry.

Community for Course Tutors

A forum exists for Course Tutors to discuss and share ideas and experiences with one another, and to encourage one another's continual development. Occasionally, Trinity may provide seminars and opportunities for educational development aimed at improving the educational experience for both students and Course Tutors in Distance Education.

An informal monthly online briefing allows Course Tutors to share with each other and the Distance Education Office any issues, anecdotes, innovations and triumphs that may be occuring in their courses. This also allows the Distance Education Office to keep Course Tutors abreast of the latest developments and opportunities on the horizon.

It is recommended that each Course Tutor choose two colleagues who will be willing to discuss and advise them on matters relating to (1) pedagogy and (2) content. The Course Tutor may already have such relationships established. The colleagues chosen should be readily accessible to the Course Tutor, although they need not be physically accessible (telephone or email collaboration should be fine). These two colleagues in particular should be able to offer advice and assist in the development of the Course Tutor both pedagogically and in his/her chosen field.

General Expectations

1. Hours of Regular Availability (Office Hours). Each Course Tutor establishes and publishes days and times of regular availability online when he/she will be able to receive and respond to student questions in real time. These times should be at least once per week and can be held anywhere there is a reliable internet connection using TriNet.
2. Introducing New Students to the Community. When a student enters into the study of a course at Trinity, the Course Tutor may be his/her first contact with the community. The Course Tutor may use the student's biographical information, or 'interview' the student in order to introduce that student to those who are already engaged with the course material, and similarly to introduce the community to the newcomer.
3. Assessment. Course Tutors are expected to receive completed assignments from students and to mark them (with helpful comments where appropriate) in a timely manner. Final grades, based on pre-established standards published in the course syllabus, are to be reported to the Distance Education Office.
4. Guiding and Encouraging Discussion, Dialogue. A Course Tutor is expected to guide discussions of particular course material at times, and at other times to seek ways of encouraging discussion between students. New students will benefit from more experienced students in dialogues about broader course concepts as well as particular lessons. Newer students will remind more experienced students about where they have been and reinforce material already learned. It is possible that a student may develop into a 'teacher' of previously mastered material within the framework of the course itself, and this should be encouraged by the Course Tutor.
5. Maintaining Standards of Orthodoxy. The Course Tutor is responsible for ensuring, as much as possible, that the conclusions of the course community reflect an understanding of the teachings of the course material. Using the standards established by the syllabus and the University, the Course Tutor should ensure that each student taking a particular course is held to the same standards and expectations for that course.
6. Identifying Areas of Weakness and Strength in each student. It will be helpful to students to identify areas of strength and weakness and suggest ways of improvement, particularly in areas of research, writing, and communicating in discussions.
7. Guiding Further Research, Reading and Providing Links to Resources. As practitioners in their chosen fields, Course Tutors are a valuable link to further resources, and to the latest research and practices in their areas of interest. Where appropriate the Course Tutor can guide interested students to additional resources.