How Do I register for the current class(es) being offered?

Click here to go to the listing of current classes and for instructions on how to register for classes.

What is "Distance Learning" or "eLearning"?

Distance Learning (or "eLearning") means taking a course of study via the Internet. This means that you can listen to the class lecture, interact with the class Forum, and complete assignments (those who opt for the Full Track, see below) according to your own time schedule. Our Distance Learning courses include recorded audio classes, textbook(s) and/or syllabus, writing assignments, examinations, and interaction with the teacher. Dialog among those enrolled in the class is carried on via the Class Forum restricted to the students enrolled in that particular class.

Two Tracks: Full Track & Audit Track

For all of the Distance Learning Classes, the student can choose between the Full or Audit Track. The Full track means that the student desires to take examinations (usually a mid-term and a final), to complete assignments (this may vary from course to course), and write a term paper to be sent to the Instructor at the end of the course. Those who satisfactorily complete the Full Track will receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of the course. But we realize that not everyone has the time or desire to engage in a class at this level. Thus, the Audit Track is offered for those who want to have full access to all of the class materials (audio recordings of each class, syllabus, class materials, and interaction on the Class Forum) but do not want to complete examinations or write a term paper. Those who opt for the Audit Track have all of the same privileges as those who take the Full Track, except that no Certificate of Completion will be given. Generally, there is no need to indicate which track you have chosen. This will be evident to the Instructor when examinations are returned and the term paper completed. In some cases, the Audit Track is offered free (no course fee) while the Full Track requires payment of a course fee.

What Classes are Offered?

To date we have offered seven classes (see Course Listing). For six of these, the complete class syllabus and audio recordings are available for purchase. See the Course Studies page. We continue to develop new courses which we will offer in upcoming semesters. Some might wonder what advantage there is to enroll in the class when the written and audio materials are eventually made available for purchase. The obvious advantage is two-fold: (1) those who enroll in the class have on-going interaction with the Instructor and other students through the Class Forum. Such interaction greatly enhances the learning experience by giving the student a ready source for answer to questions that may arise in the course of study; (2) those who opt for the Full Track and complete the requirements satisfactorily receive a Cerficate of Completion. Moreover, the discipline of taking examinations and writing a term paper usually results in better overall comprehension of the subject being studied.

Who is Eligible to Enroll in the Distance Learning Classes?

Generally, classes are open to all. In some cases, preliminary classes may be required before upper level classes may be taken, and in some classes a working knowledge of Hebrew or Greek may be required. But our goal is to offer the opportunity for learning to all who desire it. Generally, our courses are offered at a College level.

When Do Classes Begin?

Classes are offered for the Fall/Winter, and Winter/Spring Semesters, and occasionally during the Summer. The dates assigned to a particular class indicate when the materials will be available, and for those taking the Full Track, when examinations and term papers will be due. Since, however, the classes are recorded and the audio files uploaded to the website, students may listen to the class and complete assignments in accordance with their individual schedules. This is one of the great advantages of Distance Learning! You can complete weekly requirements for the class when it best fits your schedule. Students are strongly encouraged to maintain a weekly schedule of their own choosing that enables them to listen to the recorded lecture and complete assignments in advance of the next lecture.

What Will the Distance Learning Experience Be Like?

Once you have registered for a class, you will receive a Username and Password. These will allow you to enter the Yeshiva area of the website, and to go to your specific Class Page. You must also register in the Forums in order to have access to the Class Forum. At TorahResource, we have a number of General Forums. All registered students in Distance Learning Classes automatically have access to these Forums as well. A specific Class Forum, however, is restricted to those students registered for that class. In this Class Forum, students have the opportunity to ask questions of the Instructor and to dialog with other students over topics raised in the class. Once the class begins, the audio recordings of each class are posted on the Class Page. Students download the audio file each week and listen to the lecture in connection with the assigned readings in textbooks or following along with the syllabus. Questions or comments can be posted in the Class Forum for further clarification and application. Mid-Term and Final Exams are posted on the Class page, downloaded by the student, completed, and returned to the Instructor via email. Those completing the Full Track would choose a topic for a term paper, email the Instructor with the topic choice to make sure it fits within the scope of the course, and upon completion of the term paper, email it to the Instructor. All exams and term papers will be graded/reviewed by the Instructor and returned to the students. Those opting for the Audit Track have access to the Examinations for self-study if they so desire.

What do the Classes Cost?

Most classes will be 12-14 weeks and will include class materials (downloadable in pdf format), audio recordings of each class (downloadable in mp3 format), and in some cases, additional materials. All the materials will be available via download from the Class Page on the website. The cost for Distance Learning Classes range from $25 to $65, and some of the classes are offered free of charge.

Are the Classes Accredited?

No, currently TorahResource is not accredited, and we doubt that we will seek accreditation. Some accredited institutions may accept our classes for those who wish to receive credit through them, but this must be arranged with the individual institution. Our purpose is to provide quality educational opportunities for people in Torah Communities or Messianic Congregations, study groups, or home groups. While we recognize the relative value of accreditation, we believe that true accreditation comes not from a transcript but from the recognized ability to know and apply the truth. We hope that students who complete courses at TorahResource will show the value of our courses by humbly serving the community of which they are a part, sharing the good things they have learned.

Who are the Instructors?

Currently there are two Instructors: Tim Hegg and Rob Vanhoff. We anticipate adding additional Instructors in the near future.