Project Starling Update: First Discovery Meeting with Noodle

In an exciting first step towards the development of innovative learning resources for Project Starling, LSTC recently held its initial discovery meeting with Noodle, the instructional design company hired to assist our faculty in crafting top-tier theological educational modules that align with our commitment to broadening global access to high-quality theological resources. This first meeting served as an essential orientation and groundwork laying session, setting the stage for the collaborative journey ahead.

The session began with an orientation, followed by a comprehensive “Group Program Assessment” where Noodle’s facilitators guided staff and faculty through exercises to articulate Project Starling’s unique strengths, challenges, and opportunities. Participants discussed the initiative’s short-term and long-term goals, identified risks, and examined factors impacting goal achievement, laying a foundation for future impact. The next session focused on understanding target learners, identifying key characteristics, motivational factors, and gaps between learners and their faith communities. This crucial discussion ensured the alignment of educational offerings with the needs of diverse learner personas. The final session, “Learning Design,” concentrated on crafting impactful learning experiences, confirming objectives, developing key skills, and designing tailored learning activities.

In this first session, meeting participants included LSTC staff and faculty members:

• Scott Chalmers, Dean of Student Services
• Erik Christensen, Pastor to the Community and Director of Strategic Initiatives
• Vima Couvertier Cruz, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice
• Keisha Dyson, Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications
• Rhiannon Koehler, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications
• Craig Mueller, Auxiliary Faculty
• James Nieman, President
• Cassandra Olivier, Director of Admissions
• Rafael Malpica Padilla, Damm Chair in Leadership and Director of Latine Ministry and Theology
• Charles Sansone, Director of IT
• Christian Scharen, Associate Professor and Gordon Braatz Chair of Worship
• Tim Snyder, Consultant, Crieve Hall Research & Learning Design
• Sara Trumm, Director, A Center of Christian-Muslim Engagement for Peace and Justice
• Peter Vethanayagamony, Professor of Modern Church History
• Marvin Wickware, Associate Professor of Church and Society and Ethics

This initial discovery meeting with Noodle sets the stage for the next phase when Dr. Marvin Wickware, Dr. Peter Vethanayagamony, and Craig Mueller will begin working on the first set of learning resources that will be available Spring 2025.