DMiss to Remote Learning for Summer 2022

Due to the ongoing circumstances surrounding COVID-19, the Doctor of Missiology program will be offering again its courses through remote learning this Summer 2022. These changes have been listed below. We ask our students to read carefully as this will affect your plans for the summer.

What is remote learning?

The SDATS has been clear that remote learning is different from online classes. Similar to online classes, remote learning can include a 'Live' element to it, where students interact synchronically with their professors. However, the content is not dependent solely on the 'live' interaction.
Therefore, the DMiss program is asking its professors to provide both online sessions where students will be able to interact synchronically, and also other solutions by which the content can be made accessible to our students at any time, especially those who have internet connectivity issues.

What about time zone differences for 'live' online video classes?

In order to accommodate for time zone differences amongst our students, the DMiss program has suggested that portions of classes that require 'live' interaction be given within the block time of 8:00am -12:00pm Eastern Daylight Time (Michigan, USA), from Sundays to Thursdays. This is the most accessible window of time that can be offered to connect with all of our students worldwide, and also avoids class time occurring during the Sabbath hours.
We understand the difficulty of connecting with all of our students in various parts of the world, and the technological issues that this entails. Therefore, professors will be asked to record the 'live' online video interactions and provide these to students who are unable to connect synchronically.
Our team is also planning to do regular check-ins with our students beyond class time, to work personally with each individual student to ensure that they are adapting well with the coursework and new format of classes.

Will the syllabi and assignments remain the same moving forward?

NO. Due to the changes in the format of the classes, the professors will need to work on reformatting the way the content is delivered to you. This may include more independent work on your part and more interactions with online platforms and tools. These changes will be explained thoroughly in the new syllabi provided by your professors.
Each professor will communicate personally with their students for further discussions about their classes.
Furthermore, the DMiss program, with the help of the technical supporting team at Andrews University will be working closely with our professors to create healthy online learning environments so that our students will be able to adjust to the new format of classes.
We will also work with the Andrews library to find means of providing online access to resources that will be essential to complete course requirements.

Will this affect tuition costs?

NO. Since the program will be offering remote learning rather than online classes, the price for tuition remains the same moving into Summer 2022.
Remote learning, however, has the benefit of allowing students to save on housing and travel costs, which could provide a budget that can be invested in other areas. The program recommends that students think about budgeting for better tools for online connectivity.

What are my next steps?

If you have not registered for summer classes, please do this immediately. Registration can be done fully online. If necessary, you may e-mail dmiss@andrews.eduto help you with the registration process.
Plan as much as possible to block out the months of May and June to work on your DMiss assignments. Schedule your time to interact with the course as much as possible, as if you were participating in a face-to-face meeting on Campus.
Each student is responsible to find a place with good Wi-Fi connection in order to participate in the online 'live' interactions that will be offered from 8:00AM to 12:00PM, Sundays through Thursdays Eastern Daylight Time (Michigan). Some of you may need to travel to your conference office or to the local SDA university or other site where there is good Wi-Fi.

We hope that this has given you a general overview of the direction the DMiss is heading into. We thank you for your patience as our professors work to reformat their syllabi to match the new requirements for remote learning. We are looking to cooperate with you as we move forward in rearranging our classes for the Summer. Please be alert to e-mails coming from our program and professors that will keep you updated.

If you have any other questions or feedback, do not hesitate to write us at dmiss@andrews.edu. Despite the challenges of the moment, we are in this together and looking forward to better tomorrows, by God's grace.

Daniel Duffis Jr.
Administrative Assistant
Department of World Mission
Andrews University