The Specialist Training Center, Moscow, Russia has been honored for excellence in Programming by the Learning Resources Network (LERN), an international association in lifelong learning. LERN members offer hundreds of exemplary programs annually, as well as exceptional ideas for marketing, programming, and brochure and web page design.

LERN is proud to say that over our history, programs from seven countries have won International LERN Awards. We truly showcase the best in the world in continuing education and lifelong learning. This award demonstrates that. In the midst of a recession and a time when travel time is not just a cost but is also time-consuming, this program created webinars as a program option. But here’s what’s unusual: the webinars are united with the usual class training sessions. Webinar participants get voice contact with the trainer, and labs and practice sessions are provided online together with class students. The advantages: course trainings by the best specialists, decreased expenses for students, webinars that are up to 50% cheaper than class trainings, access to recordings of webinar sessions, and the synergetic effect with in-class students. The economic efficiency grows 30% for the program, the elearning or webinar income has doubled in the last year with total sales up more than 200%. A truly pioneering award winner! The submission was sent by Danil Dintsis.

LERN’s primary criterion in selecting exemplary programs was the quality of being at the leading edge of the field of lifelong learning. In addition, the following criteria are considered: originality, innovation, appropriateness and adaptability as a model for other programs, replicability, and measurable outcomes. Julie Coates, Vice President of information services for LERN, said that this year’s award nominees were among the highest quality ever submitted. Ms. Coates also noted that there were more winners selected this year than in any previous year, due to the excellence in quality of the nominations. The Specialist Training Center ‘s submission was selected from a field of more than 80 entries from four countries.

For more information about LERN or the LERN Awards, please contact Nancy Hulverson at nancyh@lern.org or call 1-800-678-5376.