The D/OTEC (Distance and Online Theological Education Competences) is based on a competence framework that was developed in 2021 by a group of global experts in distance and online theological education.  The courses are offered at foundational and advanced level and develop the seven main categories of Context, Pedagogy, Learning Design, Professionality, Community, Technology and Communication.   

Competences for Distance and Online Theological Education

This course introduces the Distance and Online Theological Education Competence (D/OTEC) framework, composed of 7 categories and 21 specific competences.  This first, preparatory course in the Foundations in D/OTEC series and is suited for all institutions and theological educators involved in distance and online education, regardless of their experience and current level of engagement. This is a 2 hour, self-paced nanocourse that includes a self-assessment and the production of a learning plan.

Self enrolment Key: D/OTE001

Context in D/OTE

This course deals with foundational contextual competences in distance and online theological education including basic competences in engaging with trends, theories and debates in distance and online education, responding to context and diversity and situating learning in context .  This is one of seven foundational courses in the Foundations in D/OTEC series.   This is a 4 hour, self-paced course.

Self enrolment  Key: D/OTE002

Pedagogy in D/OTE

This course deals with foundational pedagogical competences in distance and online theological education including applying basic competences in applying adult learning theories, facilitating holistic learning and designing and using assessment for distance and online theological education.  This is one of seven foundational courses in the Foundations in D/OTEC series.   This is a 4 hour, self-paced course.

Self enrolment  Key: D/OTE003

Learning Design in D/OTE

This course deals with foundational learning design competences in distance and online theological education, including basic competences in learning design, use of media and online resources and design of delivery patterns for D/OTE.  This is one of seven foundational courses in the Foundations in D/OTEC series.   This is a 4 hour, self-paced course.

Self enrolment  Key: D/OTE004 

Professionality in D/OTE

This course deals with foundational professional competences in distance and online theological education including managing D/OTE work, producing and delivering D/OTE courses and evaluating D/OTE course design. This is one of seven foundational courses in the Foundations in D/OTEC series.   This is a 4 hour, self-paced course.

Self enrolment  Key: D/OTE005

Teacher: Manal Mekhael

Community in D/OTE

This course deals with foundational community related competences in distance and online theological education including working with a D/OTE team, fostering both community and autonomy in D/OTE and engaging formation and pastoral care.  This is one of seven foundational courses in the Foundations in D/OTEC series.   This is a 4 hour, self-paced course.

Self enrolment Key: D/OTE006

Technology in D/OTE

This course deals with foundational technology related competences in distance and online theological education including  using online platforms, tools and devices, producing media and using online resources for D/OTE.  This is one of seven foundational courses in the Foundations in D/OTEC series.   This is a 4 hour, self-paced course.

Self enrolment Key: D/OTE007

Communication in D/OTE

This course deals with foundational communication related competences in distance and online theological education including communicating to a D/OTE audience, managing D/OTE communication and promoting quality in D/OTE.  This is one of seven foundational courses in the Foundations in D/OTEC series.   This is a 4 hour, self-paced course.

Self enrolment Key: D/OTE008