Distance Learning Education

Global University (GU) is a fully accredited nonprofit Christian University, in the Pentecostal tradition, based out of Springfield, Missouri. As a worldwide online and distance education pioneer, the university integrates education and service through a network in 180 countries, including the United States. GU's presence in so many countries gives students all over the world and at all ages the opportunity to study anywhere at any time in their own pace. Distance learning is one of the most dynamic and fastest growing educational strategies. It differs from traditional classroom study in methodology, but its goal is the same: to guide the student through a systematic program of study and help him or her gain new knowledge and skills. Adult workers have found that this type of delivery provides them the opportunity to further their Christian education while keeping their employment. The three main languages of instruction are English, Spanish and French for undergraduate programs. Learning materials have been translated into several other languages and dialects as well. The University gives the opportunity to students to study Bible and theology courses at several academic levels even in different stages of life: from early childhood (3-6 years) up to late adulthood. Consequently, the forte of GU is to provide education for life-long learning seekers. Accordingly, GU offers studies for Sunday Schools from kinder to grade 6 up to doctoral degrees.

NOTE TO THOSE INTERNATIONAL

STUDENTS

Prospective students must note that GIT is a distance learning school, and students can study in their own time. There is no set date when a class starts such traditional classroom settings. However, students are required to have five contact hours for each credit. The contact hours can take place by personally meeting with a qualified instructor, in person or online, chat, and other means. Students traveling to Malta to study can benefit from the above. However, we do point out that most of the study time is done alone unless other students are studying the same module together.

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT

While studying with GIT, students are expected to grow in the following characteristics. Spiritual formation is the basis of biblical theology, and therefore, believers in Christ should strive to allow the Holy Spirit to work in them and develop the following charter traits. Commitment to Excellence - “I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord...This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind...I press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus...” (Philippians 3:8,13,14). Faithfulness - To God I give my life in worship and service in all that I am and have. I will seek first the kingdom of God. Unselfishness - For others I will gladly share and serve as God has so graciously provided for me. Truthfulness - To myself and to all others I shall be honest and truthful with fairness, giving dignity to every person I meet. Thoroughness - In all I undertake to do I shall attempt to be complete and thorough, striving always for excellence. Neatness - The quality of my life and work will also reflect beauty in the things I achieve. Promptness - Knowing that by being prompt I am conserving the time of others as well as keeping myself on schedule, I shall attempt to be prompt in keeping promises. Perseverance - Steadfastly pursuing the goals God reveals to me as appropriate for my life, my abilities, and my calling – this will be my constant aim. Consequently, GIT is committed to making quality assurance visible in the life of our students. As a tool for transparency, we strive towards making our IQA visible as possible. The main tool is a website designed for this purpose (http://iqa- 2017.git.edu.mt). At the time of writing, the website is in its initial stages.

Student-Centered Learning

With all of its strengths and improving on its weaknesses, GIT strives to be a student- centered learning institution. Our philosophy comes from the second-century sage Rabbi Judah the Holy, who articulated the well-known saying, “the world exists only to breathe the breath of school children.” We are convinced that this principle is internalized and is in the fabric of our being. We firmly believe that the focus of learning must have the students best interest in its aim; unless the students receive what we offer them, then the focus is somewhere else. We are convinced, that the strategy of making sure all that all GIT staff adhere to the designed policies and guidelines gives our students high-quality educational experiences.