What to Expect as an Online Student at RBC
Posted On May 31, 2023
Written by Professor Levi Berntson, instructor of theology
When you attend college on campus, your expectations may be somewhat straightforward. You may picture yourself attending class, spending time in the library, talking with students in the common areas, and then returning to your dorm at the end of the day. But when college is online, what should you expect? As an online student at Reformation Bible College, you can expect at least five things.
First, you can expect reading that will stretch you. At RBC, we believe that learning to be a good reader is not just a skill for academics—it is a skill for every Christian. We want to teach all our students to be excellent readers, both of Scripture and of many other works. You can expect to read nearly one thousand pages of material per course. This reading is carefully selected by your professor to expose you to all of the essential elements of your course of study. Reading is not busywork, for it is absolutely essential for an earnest student of theology.
Second, as an online student at RBC, you can expect lectures that will refine you. The lectures that you will view as an online student are the very same ones which our on-campus students attend. These lectures are deep and rich in content, filled with Scripture, history, theology, philosophy, and more. They are designed to refine your understanding of a subject by providing greater depth and nuance to your course of study. We want you to bring your intellectual A-game, because we believe that studying God’s Word requires a rigorous use of the mind.
Third, you can expect writing that will sharpen you. Acquiring information through reading good books and listening to lectures is one of the ways that we want you to grow in your knowledge of God. But we not only want you to be a knowledgeable student of God’s Word; we also desire you to be an articulate student. Writing well will both sharpen your own grasp of what you learn and it will teach you to communicate what you know to others.
Fourth, you can expect to be intentionally cared for. We know that online education, while being tremendously helpful in many ways, can often make you feel isolated. To help with this, we provide our online students with at least three channels of academic support. You’ll have a teaching assistant for each of your online classes who is your point of contact for questions, assignments, and grading. You’ll also have access to our online library databases of resources and journal articles. Additionally, our RBC Online Study Center supplies you with short and simple videos which explain various skills that you will need to succeed, such as how to write and format research papers, how to read well, and more.
Finally, as an online student at RBC, you can expect an experience that will strengthen you. Though you are absent in body, in spirit you are present with us, and so we delight to see your faith increased (Col. 2:5). Our desire is to see you grow in your knowledge and love for the holy God. As an online student at RBC, you can expect faculty and staff who truly want you to mature in your faith. When you encounter the Word of God, you should expect it to change you. To this end, we strive to stretch you, refine you, sharpen you, care for you, and strengthen you—all to His glory.