LEARN - Local Education and Renewal Network
On-line seminars for enrichment and continuing education
Looking for opportunities to learn with reasonable tuition, a distinguished faculty, and a convenient schedule? Try a LEARN on-line seminar.Created to meet specific needs of working clergy, involved laity, and other church leaders, the Local Education and Renewal Network (LEARN) provides universal access to the outstanding learning resources of the Andover Newton community via an internet-based, on-line approach. These noncredit seminars are aimed at a variety of specific needs and educational levels and are open enrollment. You do not have to be a matriculated Andover Newton student to attend.
Thinking of a theological education but don't have the time to travel to classes? A LEARN seminar is the perfect place to begin.
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
Empowerment seminar
These seminars are offered jointly with the Alban Institute and have Alban authors as instructors. They are four-week, on-line courses for church leaders, intended to equip them to respond to important and pressing issues in congregational life. They assume that participants have experience in and knowledge of the topic. These seminars include weekly reading and participation in on-line discussion. The primary audience is pastors seeking continuing education, although that is not a requirement for participation.
Engagement seminars
These seminars offer the opportunity for participants to interact with the author of a significant book related to ministry. They are four-week, on-line courses for church leaders, intended to equip them to respond to important and pressing issues in congregational life. They assume that participants have experience in and knowledge of the topic. These seminars will be limited in number and offered by noted leaders in the field.
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.
The Project Option
Many 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. Your 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.
Contact
To explore these possibilities further, take a look at the LEARN seminar pages on this website or contact Jeff Jones, director of distance learning, .
We are continually seeking partnerships with denominations and other groups in order to provide locally based learning for personal and congregational renewal.
