Thanks to the efforts of OLLI volunteer instructors in collaboration with OLLI staff and I.T. support, we have several new courses available for distance learning this spring. You can sign up via the RSVP link for each course section below. And stay tuned for more to come as we work with additional instructors to develop more distance learning options.
Title:
Anthro is Fun: Dogs and Denisovans
Instructor:
Victoria Leo
Description:
The Ice Age was a pivotal period of human prehistory: in the period from 100,000 to 10,000 years ago, dogs were domesticated, forever changing human society, and the human genome was irrevocably changed by the admixture of DNA from both Neandertals and Denisovans. Dogs (and cats and chickens), as well as non-human DNA, have immeasurably enriched our biology and our civilizations. One click into the class website allows you to enjoy all the videos, text and photos, presented step-by-step. You are encouraged to email the instructor with questions. There will be live phone call-ins via Zoom every week. If you have Internet access, and can click on a link, you are tech-savvy enough for this class!
Start Date:
April 6. Approximately seven sessions. The schedule of Zoom sessions will be announced in the virtual classroom, and there will be a post-Zoom video for anyone who can't make it.
Distance learning methods/tools to be used:
Email, text, video, and Zoom. (Please note, course materials are incompatible with FireFox, but work with other browsers.)
Maximum number of students:
Unlimited
Title:
Energy in the Age of Climate Change
Instructor:
Jeff Wyatt
Description:
Six 90-minute lessons that cover basic climate change science followed by an in-depth look at coal, oil & natural gas, nuclear, and renewables. The last session will run an interactive MIT climate change simulator to better understand how key variables influence temperature and CO2 levels. The medium is PowerPoint and the mechanism is Webex Meetings.
Note:
A 30-minute tutorial on the online Webex tool will be required prior to the first session.
Start Date:
April 7 at 10:00 am. Seven sessions including a 30-minute tutorial on the online Webex tool prior to the first session. If needed, Jeff will work with students one-on-one after April 7 to get them familiar with the webex tool.
Distance learning methods/tools to be used:
Webex. (Mac computers and IOS devices are preferred for students.)
Maximum number of students:
10
Title:
Estate Planning 101 in the age of COVID-19
Instructor:
Cheri Elson
Description:
This three-session course introduces you to estate planning, looking closely at the components that make up a comprehensive plan. We will examine how Wills and Trusts work together, along with powers of attorney and advance directives for healthcare. We will explore how an estate plan may also come into play during our lives and not simply at death. This class will provide you with a thorough understanding of what an estate plan is and why it is important. We will also discuss how COVID-19 and Social Distancing affects our ability to execute an estate plan. No previous knowledge is required.
Start Date:
April 22 at 11:00 am. Three sessions.
Distance learning methods/tools to be used:
Email, supplemented with PowerPoint slides shared via video conferencing (or emailed handouts).
Maximum number of students:
Unlimited
Title:
Exercise fundamentals for older beginners
Instructor:
John Jacob
Description:
The American College of Sports Medicine, American Heart Association and Human Health Services guidelines for improving muscular strength and endurance, cardiovascular endurance, joint flexibility and balance are recommendations based on years of research and form the basis for the class outline. By understanding and applying the principles involved you will become stronger, have more energy, move freely and avoid falls.
Start Date:
May 4. Classes will be offered Mondays, 10:00–Noon.
Distance learning methods/tools to be used:
Email, may include pre-recorded video.
Maximum number of students:
Unlimited
Title:
Introduction to Nonfiction Writing
Instructor:
Paul Steinle
Description:
Intro to Nonfiction Writing offers training to enhance nonfiction writing skills. Storytelling techniques are emphasized and are applicable for memoir, historical articles, long-form journalism, and book-length nonfiction. Class materials include readings that demonstrate key writing techniques. Using content derived from personal experience, students submit, for analysis, (4) 500-1,000 word writing samples by midnight, Fridays. Students examine each other’s work and share constructive criticism via
Zoom
. The instructor also critiques each exercise. Expect to spend 4-6 hours a week reading assignments and writing. Due to the current situation, the schedule may be adjusted.
Start Date:
April 6, 2020
Distance learning methods/tools to be used:
Moodle, Zoom
Maximum number of students:
15
Title:
Mindfulness, Meditation and Creativity
Instructor:
Victoria Leo
Description:
Mindfulness, meditation and creativity are all well-studied techniques that can enhance your problem-solving ability and allow you to maintain a joyful, playful heart in difficult times. The videos and text in this three-week class introduce you to fun, easy creative explorations, as well as mindfulness and nine different forms of meditation. Try everything and find what activities work best for your specific needs. Weekly interactive videoconferencing via Zoom allow you to ask questions, while you work at your own pace and in your own time. Email is always available, for immediate questions and for learners who prefer anonymity.
Start Date:
April 15. Three Zoom sessions. The schedule of Zoom sessions will be announced in the virtual classroom, and there will be a post-Zoom video for anyone who can't make it.
Distance learning methods/tools to be used:
Email, text, video, and Zoom. (Please note, course materials are incompatible with FireFox, but work with other browsers.)
Maximum number of students:
Unlimited
