U3A online courses

You will think I am a course junkie and maybe I am – but I live in an isolated part of Rodney District and for me, discovering the U3aonline courses was magic!

I have done two courses with the on line university (www.u3aonline.org.au ) – without broadband – and have signed up for a third.

I will admit these courses are extremely useful for my research and work but it was being part of a global community which I loved. On the last course, there were seven other students – from Australia, Canada and UK – and the tutor split his time between Canada and UK during the 8 weeks. I had to take a week out to teach in Wanaka, then go to Japan for 4 weeks during course time, and graciously the tutor allowed me time to complete upon my return.

Each week the next topic would be available on U3AOnline, with readings, directed websites and books to check out. Questions were sprinkled through the lecture, and these were answered and sent via email to the tutor. He would respond with comments, ideas and suggestions for further considerations. The students talked to each other on the Discussion Board and everyone’s answered questions were emailed back to you at the end of each topic. Although you may be sitting alone in your part of the world, you could see what the other students thought, and were seeing in their locale, as many incorporated digital images into their work – still all possible without broadband!

Currently there are 10 topics available as small group study, and 20 as “go it alone”. These are independent study topics where you go at your own rate, when it suits, over the course of one year. The site is powered by Griffith University in Queensland, and the U3AOnline support staff are scattered globally. The courses are low cost, accessible anytime and from anywhere. They are designed for older or isolated people who have an interest in the outside world – no entry degrees required or given. Very helpful and clear instructions are given in the week prior to starting so you are confident you will know how to open, work and respond to each topic.

“Design in your Life” covered design in architecture, packaging, items for older people, graphics – everything we touch and see on a daily basis. I was introduced to new concepts even though I have been researching and learning about easy living ideas for the 50plus age group for 4 years. I met a Professor Ageing in Japan; made contact with interest groups in UK; and found new avenues of research around the world; felt connected and in touch – all for $A20! It has got to be good value – try it some time soon. New courses start on August 6.

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