ElderCollege launches online courses

REGIONAL — After a successful Autumn 2020, Canterbury ElderCollege is launching its Winter 2021 series of online courses for folks aged 55 and better.

Funded by a grant from the Windsor-Essex Community Foundation, with funds from a federal Community Foundations of Canada program, Canterbury ElderCollege offered 13 free online courses by way of experiment in Autumn 2020.

Several hundred people, including persons from Victoria, B.C., Parry Sound, Ontario and Bloomington, Indiana, registered for ElderCollege’s online courses.

Gordon Drake, Principal of Canterbury College, described the widespread interest in ElderCollege’s courses as “a tribute to the idea of offering a quality educational opportunity for seniors to the world”.

On Monday, January 25, Canterbury ElderCollege launched registration for its Winter 2021 Semester with over 20 free online courses.

“There are no travel restrictions in virtual learning,” said Program Manager Catherine Fettes. ”You can enjoy the opportunity of learning from anywhere in the world.”

Courses tend to be short, informative and without any tests, exams or assignments. While intended to be educational, many also can be fun.

Among the many courses being offered through February and March, are courses by an ex-submariner of life and living on a submarine. And, coincidently, there is a course on submarine warfare in the St. Lawrence basin.

There is also a course for those enduring the Covid-19 isolation and lockdown, “Coping with Isolation and Loneliness”. Or how to Age Gracefully.

There is a series of four courses which can be taken together or individually offered by the Chatham-Kent Alzheimer’s Society on coping with Alzheimer's. And courses on delivering medical assistance to remote places in distant countries.

History buffs might enjoy a course on China’s history or one on the American Civil War, or even one on former Prime Minister John Diefenbaker and his experience with Bomarc missiles and a flying dying Arrow. There’s even a course on a significant 1934 all-black baseball team, the Chatham All-Stars.

There are travel courses, including a visit to Russia on two widely time spaced trips and a tour with some history somewhat titled “Up the Panama Canal Without a Paddle”.

Finally there is a course offered by a gentleman with the personal experience of coping with acquired disabilities.

All ElderCollege courses are instructed by knowledgeable volunteers. Until the end of March, course and membership registration are free. Registration is required to attend ElderCollege courses.

You can register online at our new website: www.eldercollege.ca, or call Catherine Fettes at her new isolated home office (519) 564-0683.