Dale Pritchett
As one of the cofounders of Logos, I’ve seen and experienced every turn in the road of Bible software over the past 22 years. People often ask me if my son
The disconnect—and its solution
In simple terms, Bob and I envisioned Logos Bible Software being a powerful and comprehensive suite of digital resources that would grow with the user. Our guide was how people engage tasks and interests in real life. Beginners use beginning materials, and experts use expert materials. We presumed that users would master the software as they grew, gradually exploring books and resources that were compatible with their own advancing level of education, study habits, and application skills. In that sense, people would never outgrow the software or the library. It was a neat, clean picture in our minds. In the real world, it hasn’t quite worked out that way. We failed to anticipate the now-transparent fact that education, study, and application skills often do not progress at the same rate as product and resource tool development.
This is understandable. Logos has been focused on equipping users for Bible study. The company is fundamentally a tool maker and a data resource provider. Logos has not had instruction in biblical content as a primary goal. Logos equips you with tools and resources, but we generally leave it up to you to learn how to use those tools and mine the resources.
Perhaps an analogy will illustrate the distinction—imagine Logos as a do-it-yourself auto repair shop equipped with all sorts of clever tools. The shop would provide you with access to the right tools, but that doesn’t mean you would know how to build or repair cars. The disconnect is obvious. An array of tools does not produce a mechanic. Tools do not teach someone car repair or engine assembly. While the tools of a mechanic are related to car repair, there is little cause-and-effect relationship. Along the same lines, having the best Bible software and a huge library of resources does not provide you with a Bible college or seminary education. Having the tools does not automatically result in having a grasp of the Bible and biblical doctrine.
The time has come for us to address this problem. That’s why I am pleased to announce the launch of another Logos innovation—a brand-new division of the company: Logos Mobile Education.
Why Logos Mobile Education is unique
Logos Mobile Education offers an educational experience that takes place entirely within Logos—and could therefore be designed only by Logos. You already know Logos is a unique product—a library of digital books, databases, research tools, and primary language resources seamlessly integrated with each other. Logos recently launched the Faithlife social network, as well as iPhone, iPad, and Android mobile versions of Logos Bible Software. These decisions were strategic, and Logos Mobile Education takes advantage of all of them by offering a completely mobile education experience within Logos.
Logos Mobile Education courses include expert professors recorded in HD video. Lecture content is broken down into brief segments, usually five to seven minutes long. Our team of graphic artists add text to help viewers follow the lecture, along with images and infographics. Every video is transcribed for cross-referencing and tagging within Logos, so the video content can be discovered in searches, just like books within Logos; this makes your course part of your permanent library. Transcripts of courses are further enhanced by professional, academically trained editors who have added syllabi, course readings, course objectives, and easily navigable headings. Screencast demonstrations are added to lectures to show students how Logos can be used to validate lecture content and illustrate how Logos is the premier tool for biblical studies, theology, church history, or any subject a Logos Mobile Education course might cover.
Logos Mobile Education offers both solid content and practical training in Bible study, consciously focusing on the central role of library resources in the learning process. Integration with the Faithlife social network puts you in touch with other students with the same interests. Your mobile device and computer are your classroom and workspace.
Watch, read, search, learn—wherever you are, whenever you want, as often as you need to. No other educational environment offers a seamless, permanent, and repeatable educational experience, all at the pace of your own life. Logos Mobile Education—it’s education where you are!
Logos Staff
Jeanette Pifer
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