Just because the college days are long gone does not mean we lose our need to learn.Many women and men still long to be in the intellectual arena of a classroom years after receiving a diploma.And for some, continuing education for adults is the answer.
To better understand why adults feel the need to return to the classroom one online learning program called Capella University conducted a study they call “Degrees of Opportunity”.According to their study, more than half of the men and women surveyed reported they would like to pursue further education.In terms of our entire population, that statistic could equal more than 70 million adults.
A program that has quickly been gaining popularity is called One Day University.With a no-strings (no homework or research required) policy and a high caliber list of professors coming from school like Harvard and Yale, One Day University offers adults the Ivy League experience.Well, the Ivy League experience without all the red tape like entrance exams and annoying dorm mates.
Since many cite work and time constraints as a reason for not returning to school, it is easy for adults to say yes to One Day U.The program takes place in only one day, either a Saturday or Sunday.There are four 70-minute courses offered for the day taught by some of the country’s best professors from the top schools.
One Day U. has something for everyone with subjects ranging from a history class that explores theories about where we came from to an international affairs class on Iraq and Iran’s future.Most of the program’s students are of the Baby Boomer generation with kids and grandkids in college themselves.One doctor specializing in Alzheimer’s, Gisele Wolf-Klein, reported to the New York Times after spending a day at One Day U., “We are a group that are eager to be taught.Give me a lecture on art, anthropology, anything.I don’t care what it is.”
To find out if a One Day University event is coming to your area you can visit http://www.onedayu.com.
Do you ever feel the need to return to the classroom?
If you have already taken part in a continuing education course, what was your experience like?
I am going back to school right now and I would not have been able to finish up my Associates Degree if not for on line school. Your job and the schools all say they will make time for you to get to school or have night school classes similiar to the ones in the day time but its not true. I needed to a couple more requirements and trying to find a school that offered a Science in the evening was next to impossible once you factor in travel time and all the last minute things at work that need your attention so on line was the best solution for me.
Two more classes and I have my degree. I recommend it for anyone, be it to get your degree or just for personal enrichment. The opportunity to share ideas and met people in a new way on line is great and all the differences that are going on now from when I was in school in my 20's is amazing. Leaning keeps you young and informed about yourself and the world.
Nette
the_royalfamily::
on Aug 25, 2008
this is a great idea, as long as you don't burn out!
linda_answer::
on Aug 28, 2008
I recently decided to finish my degree after 29 years!! I have always had a thirst to learn and the internet has kept me abreast of new topics and new ideas. I cannot wait to get back in the classroom though. There are so many people middle aged going back to either finish that degree, or to just to take a class or two I like this idea. I would have to look into it further but sounds fun. I bet my older sisters would like this too. I tihnk people who keep their minds sharp by learning any way they can stand less of a chance to get alzheimers and other memory related problems. My mind is constantly active and is more so now than when I was young, although I certainly do not consider myself old yet. My body may give out someday but I want to make sure my mind will be spry. My Dad always stayed so alert even when he hit old age. That is the way I want to be.
lancelin::
on Aug 31, 2008
I actually went back to school five years ago at the age of 45 and received an advance degree online. It was great! A person should never stop learning at any age. Those neurons will thank you and be there firing away when you need them later on as a result of Continuing Education. One should think of it as exercise for the brain. I especially like this concept because it takes away the stress of thinking about test or homework. Great Idea and much success.
TriosMom::
on Sep 09, 2008
I do hope this program is coming to my area it would be great.! And just as marya61 said, I too am looking at finances-but this would still be great. Thanks for the info.
MyEmptyCanvas::
on Sep 26, 2008
I'll definitely check out the One Day University site.
