B-1 Improving Biblical Language Teaching and Learning with BibleOL
Presenter Status
Associate Professor, Old Testiment
Second Presenter Status
Assistant Professor, Computing Department
Preferred Session
Oral Session
Start Date
26-10-2018 3:00 PM
End Date
26-10-2018 3:15 PM
Presentation Abstract
Biblical Hebrew/Greek can be a challenging language for students. Practice with the language is essential. BibleOL is an online learning environment that allows students to practice Biblical Hebrew/Greek grammar and translating Biblical Hebrew/Greek texts. This tool has been effective for improving students’ mastery of Hebrew/Greek. We have collected performance data of Hebrew students over the last two years at the SDA theological seminary. Our statistics show that the average student performs 11% better (≙ a letter grade) when BibleOL was utilized as a major learning tool in the course. One reason for the performance difference is that BibleOL enables students to use their learned vocabulary and grammar in real Hebrew/Greek Bible passages. In addition, students only get graded for their best exercise run. This stimulates students to repeat exercises until they are satisfied with their grade (gamification effect).
Our current work involves adding an examination mode to BibleOL. This new feature would allow English, Spanish, German speaking seminaries and institutions to automatize their Hebrew/Greek exams.
This work is a conducted by an interdisciplinary and international team. It includes Seminary and Computer Science students and faculty, as well as developers from Europe and China.
B-1 Improving Biblical Language Teaching and Learning with BibleOL
Biblical Hebrew/Greek can be a challenging language for students. Practice with the language is essential. BibleOL is an online learning environment that allows students to practice Biblical Hebrew/Greek grammar and translating Biblical Hebrew/Greek texts. This tool has been effective for improving students’ mastery of Hebrew/Greek. We have collected performance data of Hebrew students over the last two years at the SDA theological seminary. Our statistics show that the average student performs 11% better (≙ a letter grade) when BibleOL was utilized as a major learning tool in the course. One reason for the performance difference is that BibleOL enables students to use their learned vocabulary and grammar in real Hebrew/Greek Bible passages. In addition, students only get graded for their best exercise run. This stimulates students to repeat exercises until they are satisfied with their grade (gamification effect).
Our current work involves adding an examination mode to BibleOL. This new feature would allow English, Spanish, German speaking seminaries and institutions to automatize their Hebrew/Greek exams.
This work is a conducted by an interdisciplinary and international team. It includes Seminary and Computer Science students and faculty, as well as developers from Europe and China.
Acknowledgments
This work is supported by an Andrews University Faculty Research Grant.