Christians in magazine publishing have a new outlet for training through Magazine Training International’s (MTI) self-guided online courses where they can gain professional training on a variety of publishing subjects—anytime, anywhere.

For 12 years, MTI has offered instructor-led online courses twice a year. But once the four-week course was over, so was the reach of the material. Then, the editor of the Kenyan Timazi magazine requested access to a prior online course in an on-demand version. It is a format MTI staff had discussed for years. But the interest of Timazi and other publishers as well as the new capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, gave staff the impetus they needed and the self-guided program was launched.

“The new opportunity to provide a self-guided program gives valuable resources new longevity,” says Sharon Mumper, president of MTI. “Because we have limited the sizes of trainer-led online courses, only a few hundred people have been able to take advantage of the 22 online courses we’ve offered over the years. The new self-guided format opens valuable lectures and class material to many more people.”

Each course repackages the material presented in live online courses led by industry experts. This includes video lectures, downloadable resources, and practical assignments. Students may take the courses on their own or participate as a part of a group sponsored by a local organization. If purchased for a group, the course also includes trainer instructions with discussion questions. AI tools are used to generate comprehension quizzes that conclude each session. All participants receive a certificate on completion.

Students can study at their own pace and on their own schedule—making the courses ideal for busy professionals and publishing teams alike.

The topics cover magazine design, management, editing, and writing, and vary from foundational to a deep-dive into the subjects. Sessions are practical with tools participants can use immediately in their work.

Offered at a minimal cost but with maximum convenience, MTI’s self-guided online courses allow more Christians in magazine publishing to benefit from the ministry’s more than three decades of experience in training magazine professionals.

For more information or to enroll, visit https://magazinetraining.com/product-category/online-course/.

by Jennifer Howard, MTI communications director