LEARN - Local Education and Renewal Network
The Local Education and Renewal Network (LEARN) provides local access to the learning resources of the Andover Newton community. LEARN is a partnership initiated by Andover Newton in order to provide education and renewal experiences for both laity and clergy. It tailors its offerings to meet specific needs related to both topic and delivery.
Our current offerings include:
Enrichment seminars —These four-week on-line experiences are offered at three different levels to meet the needs and interests of those just beginning to explore these issues to those who have significant education and experience. Basic seminars are open to anyone. Intermediate seminars suggest specific education or experiences as a prerequisite. Advanced seminars assume a M.Div.- level of knowledge of the topic. All the seminars include weekly reading assignments and on-line discussion opportunities under the leadership of a skilled instructor. Each also offers the option for a project that will receive personalized feedback from the instructor.
Empowerment seminars —These four-week on-line experiences are for advanced learners. They offer the unique opportunity to share a learning experience with an acknowledged expert in the field. These seminars include weekly reading and participation in on-line discussion. There is also the option for a project that will receive personalized feedback from the instructor.
The Project Option —Both enrichment and empowerment seminars offer a project option with an additional fee. Selecting this option provides the opportunity for personal consultation with the instructor in addition to the on-line discussion board. You submit a paper or project based on the course material. You instructor will return it to you with comments and suggestions. When you have received those you may contact the instructor once again for clarification and follow-up.
Conversations —These one-week on-line experiences offer the opportunity to dialogue with an author or faculty member about important issues for ministry.
In addition to these we are continually seeking partnerships with denominations and other groups in order to provide locally based learning for personal and congregational renewal.
Sample Seminar — A sample seminar is available that allows you to experience many of the features of a LEARN seminar. To access the seminar:
- Go to https://connect.ants.edu/ics.
- Enter student1 in the spaces provided for both user name and password.
- On the next page click on the My Courses link toward the bottom on the left side of the page.
- On the drop-down menu click on the course link.
That will take you to the sample seminar site. Once there simply follow the directions that are provided.
To explore these possibilities further contact:
Jeff Jones
Director of Distance Learning
Updated August 21, 2007