BI Online Protocol

1. What is BIONLINE?

BIONLINE is the distance/online learning platform through which Church of the Firstborn of Jamaica  COFB BI) offers its courses and programmes. The main learning management systems (LMS) that the Institute uses to offer its courses and programmes online are Zoom, Google Meet and Google Classroom. 

2. What are the normal requirements to do an online course or programme at BI?

Prospective students will be considered for admission or acceptance upon the completion and submission of all the following documents:

• The official BI application form

• Letter of recommendation from the prospective student’s pastor and/or pastoral supervisor

• In the event the applicant is a pastor, a letter from his/her pastoral supervisor

• Two (2) reference forms- academic and professional

• The financial information form 

• Copies of all qualifications obtained

• An official transcript/s (where applicable)

• A computer-generated statement of conversion and Christian experience

• A non-refundable application fee of J$ 500 (for Jamaican applicants) or US$3.41 (for international applicants)

3. What are the technical requirements for access to Bible Institutes'  online courses and programmes?

There are some essential technical requirements that prospective online students must meet before they are cleared to register for any BIONLINE course or programme. These requirements are as follows:

• A working laptop or desktop with any of the following operating systems: Windows 10 or Mac OS X (the latest versions)

• Knowledge of Microsoft WORD or any other Word Processing Software capable of reading and generating WORD formatted documents (.doc/.docx)

• An updated, modern web browser, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Edge

• Consistent internet access with download speed of at least 15 Mbps and upload speed of at least 5 Mbps

• Microsoft PowerPoint or any other related presentation software

• Latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader for documents in portable document format (PDF)

• A good quality microphone for use during live Zoom and Google Meet sessions

• A high-quality video camera connected to a computer to facilitate viewing during live Zoom and google meet sessions.

4. Will I be able to pay my tuition and fees online?

BI is working on having an online portal for the online payment of tuition and fees. The portal will be accessible soon. International students are required to make payments via money order or international wire transfer or via the online portal when it becomes available for use. Proof of payment must be submitted to the Office. Jamaican residents are required to make payments at any branch of the National Commercial Bank. Account numbers may be obtained from the Institute.

5. Will I be able to take examinations online?

Students will be able to do quizzes via the Google Forms platform for most BI courses. Specific instructions will be given by the respective course facilitators. The Institute is in the process of determining the way forward regarding the administration of written final exams.

6. Is there someone with whom online students can communicate about the online programmes and related technical issues?

Yes, students may contact the following offices via email or telephone ((876-923 9068) OR Cofbbibleinstitute@gmail.com.