Subject Line Tips

Here are the 3 top tips for writing creative and effective email subject lines. They come from Lisa Robertson, York Maine, and Tawana Flood, Bermuda for their presentation at the LERN Annual Conference. 1.For Subject Lines, write 6 to 10 words. 2.Subject lines that use a number get opened 17% more.If there’s a question in

 Flip Your Instructor Recruitment

 Recruiting instructors is the top concern among programmers in the field right now. Top practitioner Michael Seppi says he has more success flipping the instructor recruitment process.  Do not start with having prospective instructors fill out your application form, he advises. These days, many people are not interested in filling out a cumbersome form with

Digital Marketing KPIs

   New! A committee of top LERN leaders has been formed to develop Digital Marketing KPIs for the field of lifelong learning programming and continuing education.    Yes, there are KPIs for business and organizations. No, there are no benchmarks or standards for our unique field.    From the hundreds of KPIs professionals look at,

Do It Today

  “Ask LERN” your toughest, most immediate question. Do it today. It is FREE if you are with a LERN member organization.    Before you make a decision, check with us. We have the data and experience of programs like yours across the country. So just Ask LERN.    Email info@lern.org  Subject line: Ask LERN

The Answers: No, NO, and HECK NO!

   Here’s the top 3 questions from members about cheaper alternatives to the print brochure. The Answer: NoQuestion: Regarding a second mailing to best customers list…what about one full catalog/brochure and the second mailing is a postcard with a QR code (with text such as “Register now!”)? Paper and postage are pricey; curious about spending

Best AI Advice

“Ask AI to do something that you have not asked it to do before,” advises Dan Belhassen, the foremost authority in AI for the field of lifelong learning programming and continuing education.   Whether you are new to AI, or have used it for a year, Belhassen says to ask AI to do something new

New AI Certificate

   A new AI Certificate will be offered by UGotClass for your community starting in September, Brendan Marsello, Vice President of LERN, has announced.    The new program is “AI ChatGPT Certificate,” taught by Fortune 500 consultant Betsy Flanagan of San Francisco. It will be 3 one-month classes, with a certificate awarded.    “AI Certificate,”

Workplace Development Events

  Workplace development for higher skilled, higher pay jobs is becoming a top priority for society right now.   Two workplace training events taking place this spring will address this issue. 2026 Contract Training and Workforce Development Conference   Sessions for open enrollment workforce development programs will join the advanced, latest how-to sessions on contract training this

Emerging Formats Summit

    A number of different online formats are being developed by programs.   This is an exciting development for the field.   But institutions currently have no common names and definitions for the different emerging online formats.   As a result, the general public is confused. Programs are also confused. Summit   A one-hour online summit is being held

Enjoy Springtime in Savannah

   With an average daytime high of 71 degrees, and the city’s famous azaleas blooming, enjoy springtime in Savannah.   LERN people rave about the city. Which is why the 2026 Leadership Conference March 2-5, 2026, will be there.    Camellias and azaleas usually start to bloom in late February. The temperature rarely gets below 55. 

First Watch Party

Here’s the first news from the most exciting week of the year in lifelong learning. First Watch Party   Chicago Botanic Garden hosted the first ‘Watch Party.’  People gathered in-person to both watch the Live Online Conference, and then participate in informal discussions with others in the room. Chair of the LERN Board Beth Pinargote hosted

Leadership Big Issue

Leadership in the field is a big issue for 2026. The 3 driving forces:1.The more visible, central role your program now has in your institution;2.The generational turnover and need to develop young leaders;3.A society-wide demand for greater leadership. Continuing education and lifelong learning programs are emerging as both course developers of leadership and also as

What You Say

Here’s the latest on what you say, from polls at the 2025 LERN Annual Conference. The top challenge for programs for 2026  Your top challenge is again Marketing, polling 33% of the attendees.Programs still don’t have a good handle on social media, for example.-The second top challenge at 29% is Operations and procedures, including –or

First YouTube Ads

 The lifelong learning program in the wonderful country of Bermuda is the first program to report success with YouTube advertising for the field.    Tawana Flood, head of the program says, “Based on expert recommendations highlighting that video content is more memorable and emotionally engaging than static media. We hired the services of a local

First Targeted Discounts

   The first report of a targeted discount for only specific classes will set a new trend in targeted discounts for the field.   We’ve had Early-Bird Discounts in our field forever.  And forever, they have worked. In fact, any Discount works if you design it correctly.   But what’s new is Forest Hills Public Schools Community

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