OLLI volunteer instructors have stepped up to offer several more distance learning classes. You can sign up via the RSVP link for each course below. And stay tuned for more to come as we work with additional instructors to develop even more distance learning options.
Title:
Be Safer on the Internet
Instructor:
Steve Weyer
Description:
Are you glued to your devices more these days, and concerned about the privacy and security of your personal information? Learn preventive strategies, trade-offs and practical steps to reduce your risks (even from the NSA!) for computers, tablets, and smartphones.
"Offline" topics: software updates, local & cloud backups, WiFi and router setup.
"Online" topics: browsing, encryption, email, messaging/chat, malware, ad blocking, VPNs, social media.
Specific settings will be demonstrated only for latest macOS and iOS (iPad/iPhone) systems, Safari browser and selected apps. However, users of Android, Windows, and other/older devices/apps are welcome to find and then apply analogous changes to their own system and browser settings.
Start Date:
Monday, April 20/Wednesday, April 22/Friday, April 24/10:00–Noon (3 sessions)
Distance learning methods/tools to be used:
Zoom (video & screen sharing)
Maximum number of students:
12
Note: Only one person per household may sign up for this class even if more are interested as the spouse/partner could share the same video/audio connection.
Title:
Classical Music for the Pandemic
Instructor:
Peggy Evans
Description:
Classical Music for the Pandemic: a look at relatively short classical music works (e.g., a movement of a symphony, not the whole work), which may speak to students at this challenging time.
Students will be contacted by email twice a week to the end of the term. Each email will include several works. Each work would be described (history, musical style, form) plus there would be links to recordings and a score (if available). The works would come from western European classical music and its several historical periods, including music for the church. Students will be encouraged to suggest works to be included and to email questions which will be answered privately or in the next class email. Students will work through this material at their own pace.
Start Date:
April 10, at 9:00 am. The class is self-paced.
Distance learning methods/tools to be used:
Email
Maximum number of students:
Unlimited
Title:
Constructing Crosswords
Instructor:
Steve Weyer
Description:
Have you wondered about what goes on behind the scenes for designing and publishing a crossword puzzle?
- Understand formats, conventions, tools
- Brainstorm and place theme entries
- Arrange grid blocks (black squares)
- Fill-in other words
- Craft imaginative, challenging clues
- Revise, submit for publication.
Focus: US newspaper-style, symmetric, themed 15 x 15 puzzles, e.g., New York Times (NYT)
Examples include an OLLI-themed puzzle!
Start Date:
Monday, May 4/Wednesday, May 6/Friday, May 8/10:00–Noon (3 sessions)
Distance learning methods/tools to be used:
Zoom (video & screen sharing)
Maximum number of students:
12
Note: Only one person per household may sign up for this class even if more are interested as the spouse/partner could share the same video/audio connection
Title: Creative Writing
Instructor:
William Lawson
Description: Each session will introduce a different type of Creative Writing, which will be emailed to students. After each mailing, the instructor will accept emailed questions, and will respond, sending both the questions and my responses to others in the group. Then, when invited, students may share their writing by emailing copies to everyone in the group. After a time for reflections, others may email their responses. In all emails, the instructor will list how much time students may take before responding. Submissions will be entirely voluntary, as all writing assignments are optional, should students wish only to participate in the lecture Q&A.
Start Date: Tuesday, April 14. When students are on board with the program, lectures will be emailed out at 3:30 PM each Tuesday thereafter until June 5, covering eight topics.
Distance learning methods/tools to be used:
Email
Maximum number of students:
12
Title: Crosswords: Sites & Solving
Instructor:
Steve Weyer
Description:
Would you like to find crossword puzzles that might distract, entertain or challenge you, and improve your solving skills?
- Discover web sites with crossword puzzles to print or solve, and applications for solving offline.
- Learn about vocabulary, clues, themes, tools.
- Practice solving crosswords together.
Start Date:
Monday, April 27 and Wednesday, April 29 at 10:00–Noon (2 sessions)
Distance learning methods/tools to be used:
Zoom (video & screen sharing)
Maximum number of students:
12
Note: Only one person per household may sign up for this class even if more are interested as the spouse/partner could share the same video/audio connection
Title:
Mindful Movement: Energizing T'ai Chi and Qigong
Instructor:
Nando Raynolds
This class is an introduction to T'ai Chi and Qigong. Movements will be taught both as physical and energetic exercises and as methods for improving present moment awareness. No special clothing or experience required, come as you are, ready to have fun with others! Although T'ai Chi and Qigong can be studied for a lifetime, in this brief series you will learn a set of simple movements you can integrate into your daily routine.
Classes consist mostly of standing, active movement. Students need to be able to move comfortably and be ready for exercises that challenge and enhance flexibility, balance and coordination. Students will sign a liability waiver prior to the first class.
Start Date:
Tuesdays, April 14 – May 5, 10:30-Noon. Four sessions.
Distance learning methods/tools to be used:
Zoom, including use of breakout rooms.
Maximum number of students:
Unlimited
Title:
J.D. Salinger's
Nine Stories
Instructor:
Peter Arango
Description:
This course encourages close reading of eight of J.D. Salinger's short stories collected in 1953 under the title
Nine Stories
. Each of the stories has a tonal relationship with the others although the subject matters differ. The format of the course demands specific description of Salinger's compression of circumstance word-by-word.
Start Date:
April 8, at 11:00 am.
Distance learning methods/tools to be used:
Messages, Zoom
Maximum number of students:
15
Title:
P@s$w0rdz
Instructor:
Steve Weyer
Description:
Do you finally have the time to strengthen the security of your accounts?
- Understand what makes passwords strong -- or weak (like the course title).
- Discover if an account has been hacked, and when to change its password.
- Generate strong memorable passwords for your devices
and random passwords for online accounts.
- Reduce stress and declutter your brain by remembering just one master password;
a "password manager" app can store, encrypt and fill-in all of your online logins;
in particular, I will demonstrate 1Password (and discuss others).
- Amp up security for sensitive accounts: provide unique secret answers,
add recovery information, and enable 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) via phone or app.
Start Date:
Monday, April 13/Wednesday, April 15/Friday, April 17/10:00–Noon (3 sessions)
Distance learning methods/tools to be used:
Zoom (video & screen sharing)
Maximum number of students:
12
Note: Only one person per household may sign up for this class even if more are interested as the spouse/partner could share the same video/audio connection
Title:
Transforming Your Inner Critic Into An Inner Coach
–
Practical Self-Compassion
Instructor:
Nando Raynolds
Come deepen your self-compassion with a group of others interested in having a more positive attitude. Most people struggle with internal negativity, self-criticism and perfectionism from time to time. This course is an opportunity for students to explore their automatic habits of self-directed negativity and criticism and to methodically develop new habits of self-compassion. Working through this material can be tremendously freeing. The classes will meet on Zoom and will be a combination of lecture, discussion and experiential exercises. Although this is a brief class, it will provide you the tools for making very meaningful change.
Start Date:
Mondays, April 13 – May 4, 10:30-Noon. Four sessions.
Distance learning methods/tools to be used:
Zoom, including use of breakout rooms.
Maximum number of students:
Unlimited
In addition to the new classes above, the following classes are still open:
Title:
Anthro is Fun: Dogs and Denisovans
Instructors:
Victoria Leo and Rick Baird
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:
Although the class officially began on April 6, most of the work is self-paced and students are welcome to join now. 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:
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:
Week of April 6 (register before April 10)
The class meets asynchronously (wherever you like) for 9 weeks (ending June 5).
There will be four, 90-minute, online Zoom sessions at 10 a.m. on the following Tuesdays: April 21; May 5; May 19; and June 2.
Distance learning methods/tools to be used:
Moodle, Zoom
Maximum number of students:
15
Title:
Mindfulness, Meditation and Creativity
Instructors:
Victoria Leo and Rick Baird
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
