Using the Web in Religious Studies Courses

SUMMARY

This article describes various in-class assignments and experiments using Web-based assignments conducted in religious studies courses over the past three years. The author notes both the advantages and disadvantages of using the Internet with students. While a number of advantages accrue to teachers, some concerns remain: lack of Web literacy, cost and access for students, copyright considerations, beta-testing course assignments, and grading final results. Nevertheless, students gain practical experience using the Internet, evaluating sources, reading primary source texts, and conducting research for projects. For these reasons the author plans to continue to integrate Web assignments into courses.

Key Words:

• Internet
• religious studies
• Web
• students