Rather than holding fast to the traditional methods of teaching from the past, the Institute is implementing technology to not only better accommodate this upcoming generation, but to set a precedent for how education should be adapting to meet the needs of this generation.

1. Podcasts

Many of the classes at the Institute have their lectures available to be listened to via the Storyboard app for private podcasts. Through this app, students can listen (and re-listen) to lectures whenever they want, wherever they want.

2. Videos

Many classes at the Institute have been recorded in video format to help give students a more immersive viewing experience. The high production quality of these recordings helps students to better connect with their lessons as opposed to typical lecture footage. 

3. Flipped Classroom

By listening to lectures outside of class, it allows the professors to capitalize on the time they have in person with the students to assess how they are learning and give more time for questions. Students come to each class one day per week, and engage the material in an interactive way alongside their peers and professors.  

4. Workshops

The importance of interactive learning cannot be overstressed. The time spent in workshops gives students interactive experiences to help them better grasp the concepts they are learning. Dialogical education allows for a greater student-teacher connection, and is a catalyst for exponential learning opportunities. 

5. Research

The Institute has long implemented practical application research assignments which give students the opportunity to not only learn for themselves, but also to figure out how their education is applicable to life outside the classroom. Studies have shown Gen Z enjoys assignments which allow them to do their own research, especially when they know the information they are studying is applicable to real life situations. 

6. Populi

Quizzes and exams are taken online through the Populi app and website. Students can also access their grades, assignments, lectures, and other course materials here. Teachers are also able to make announcements via email and text, and give reminders to the students through this venue, ensuring students are in-the-know. 

7. Forums

Students have frequent opportunities to virtually discuss concepts delivered in the lectures through online forums. These forums are a safe place for students to interact with each other about what they are learning, and to sharpen their minds by using their peers as sounding boards for how they are understanding class content. 

8. Online

Even if students don’t live close to Nashville, they can still benefit from not only the recorded lectures, but also the livestreamed workshops. Students are able to still learn and feel connected despite the distance that may separate them. In fact, there are a handful of international students who have never been to the Nashville campus, but are able to still interact with their classmates via the opportunities made available via the internet.  

9. Logos

While the increased physical activity one gets by lugging around heavy books is nice, the Logos Bible Software the Institute uses gives students a lighter, more efficient way to study. This program provides them not only with access to a wide range of Bible translations, cross-references, and Bible dictionaries, but there are also a large number of commentaries and other theological books which can be downloaded and accessed via Logos on their digital devices. While the Institute does still have a physical library, Logos is able to benefit online students as well who are not able to frequent the library. 

10. Otter.ai

Otter transcribes the audio of lectures so students are able to access written versions of their classes. This allows students to spend more time focusing and absorbing the content as it is taught, and not stressing over writing word-for-word notes. However, some of the people who may be most appreciative of this are ones who are learning in their second or third language. Pronunciation, accents, niche vocabulary, and idioms can add confusion if one is limited to audio, but with the written transcript of the lecture, students can re-examine parts of the lecture where they may have been confused or misunderstood a term.

11. Social Media

We love letting people know what is happening here, and social media is a great way to connect with students and alumni alike. The Institute frequently highlights the events that are happening, as well as reposts when they are tagged by students who are sharing what they are learning or doing around campus. This helps students to feel engaged even outside the classroom, as we are able to connect with them digitally as well. 

12. Genuineness

Whether it's with alumni, professors, or fellow students, the value of healthy relationships shared at the Institute is one which hopes to give students lasting, genuine friendships that are founded on God’s word. Authentic relationships are great for maintaining mental health, accountability to the Bible, and a joyful spirit.