Innovative Technology at NBTS: Delivering High-Quality Education to Students Everywhere

December 8, 2023

Over the last several years, the seminary has been working towards developing innovative pedagogy. We are excited that all our programs now have fully online options and many include hybrid learning experiences, making an NBTS education available and accessible to more students. We are continually refining and expanding our ability to meet students’ needs through adaptive course delivery strategies.

One example is the creation of Studio 35, a recording studio that provides a laboratory space for faculty and staff to prepare high-quality lectures and promotional videos. The use of this studio to produce professional content has enhanced our online education offerings and equipped our faculty to be academic, denominational, and community leaders, positioning them for innovative collaborations.

Another example is our state-of-the-art hybrid classroom, which is currently under development. In this era when educational experiences are not limited to a single time and place, the goal of a truly hybrid classroom has emerged as a transformative bridge between in-person and online learners. These innovative spaces seamlessly blend the physical and virtual realms, offering students a unified and immersive learning experience regardless of their location, removing the barriers of geography or other constraints.

Our hybrid classroom harnesses the power of cutting-edge technology to bring a class together. Students can participate in real-time discussions, ask questions, and engage with their peers and instructors as if they were in the same room, all while comfortably situated in their own environments.

The cornerstone of building hybrid classrooms lies in accessibility, flexibility, and adaptability. Local students can physically attend classes, while remote learners can join in synchronously from anywhere, whether it’s across town or across the world. Lectures, discussions, and activities are curated to cater to both in-person and online students, ensuring an equitable and inclusive educational experience for all. One important benefit of this kind of classroom is that it helps enrich and embed community and collegiality amongst all our students by fully integrating those in person with those who prefer an online-only classroom experience. 

The studio and hybrid classroom project at NBTS is a testament to the innovative spirit of the institution in a constantly evolving world of theological education. It empowers students to embrace learning on their own terms, fostering a dynamic and enriching environment that unites students as a shared community. NBTS is embracing the future of theological education by delivering the same high-quality classroom experience to every student, regardless of their location. 

We are grateful to the generous donors who have made these projects possible. The next target for this project will be to equip the Chapel with technology to enable fully engaging, rich hybrid worship experiences. We are excited about this work and the experience it brings to our students and community.

If you’d like to contribute to these projects, please contact Cathy Proctor at cproctor@nbts.edu or 848-237-1706.