RootsChat.Com
General => The Common Room => The Lighter Side => Topic started by: carmay on Thursday 03 February 11 11:55 GMT (UK)
-
I wasn't sure where to post this, so if it belongs in another more appropriate section, will a moderator please move it?
I'm looking into an online course at Oxford titled, "Using the Victorian Census". I was wondering if anyone had taken it, or was planning on taking it? The details are here:
http://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/courses/details.php?id=O11P319LHV&Category=100
I'd be interested in opinions on this before spending the money :)
Thanks,
Carole
-
Looking at it, this is a course for studying social and economic history of the time based on the census information.
There was a lot going on in the years 1841 - 1901 the Victorian times. The industrial revolution was taking place and there was a move from the country to the cities, with the decline and movement of cottage industries to factory work, and a reduction in agricultural work due to machinery. So there was demographic movement towards available work aided by the rise of the railways and canals. And then there was immigration into the UK and emigration out on a large scale.
I think it's going to be looking at these sort of aspects of information, the course overview talks about 'stayers and movers' and 'migration and mobility'.
Sounds very interesting actually. If you're interested in how people lived try a very readable book, Victorian London by Liza Picard which deals with everything, from sanitation, houses, food, clothes, transport, work, income, etc for all classes of society. Although it's based on London it's easily applicable to any large city, as everywhere caught up.
just had a look and book available on Amazon http://www.amazon.co.uk/Victorian-London-Liza-Picard/dp/0753820900
It's very good.
-
The Open University has a free section of courses called Open Learn. (These websites from the OU are massive though)
See this from openlearn (these are free)
http://www.open.ac.uk/openlearn/history-the-arts/history/what-are-you-looking-identification-investigation
http://www.open.ac.uk/openlearn/history-the-arts/history/heritage/ten-commandments-research
-
Looking at your other posts I'm wondering if you've got ancestry, and traced your family through it first. It might be better not spending on this course, and getting ancestry and doing your family tree. I have found that I google all sorts of things to get background information, and there's a lot of it about. Maps, mines, ships, clothes, pictures of houses etc ; on here I've found pictures of bricklayers (and got permission to use for my write-ups). You find that you naturally start to be interested in how people lived and look for information. And it leads on into the history of why travel happened or jobs changed. Think of the workers on the canals (navvies) or the rise of the railways. If you've got people in these jobs you start to look into the history of it all.
-
Thanks, everyone.
Exactly what is the Open University? Are their courses recognized as being scholarly? I am thinking of developing a series of continuing education courses for people in my local community who are searching for their UK ancestry. As for me, my family up to know has all been in the Salford area. I am presently reading "Salford The Classic Slum". There doesn't seem to be a whole lot written on the history of Salford.
I will take a look at that book by Liza Picard that you mentioned, Silvery. Thank you for the recommendation.
Carole
-
Are there any other places in the US or UK that people know of where I can take online courses in the History of England? I've checked all my local universities and there is nothing. I saw two courses on the Oxford website, one on Henry VIII and one on Elizabeth I which are exactly what I am looking for. They are a bit pricey for those of us living on this side of the pond, so if there are other colleges or universities out there who might offer courses, I'd love to take a look at their offerings.
I need courses that are accredited as I am seriously thinking about doing a Master's degree in History and would be inclined to focus on the Tudor era as I find it fascinating. I'm retired now, and really need to find something to do with all this extra time I have :)
Carole
-
The OU is very well regarded. But it can be a bit pricey. It's a mammoth website, and the open learn that I put a link to is their free section. There's a lot of work in the OU courses.
http://www.rootschat.com/links/0bnw/
this site below has been going for years, very good too
http://www.tudorhistory.org/
another one.
http://education.exeter.ac.uk/dll/details.php?code=DLH10A
If you google I've no doubt you'll find out lots. You'll find lots of history online.
-
http://onthetudortrail.com/Blog/resources/tudor-history-online-courses/
http://www.history.ac.uk/ihr/Resources/Geographical/britainIreland.html
this site recommends the tudor history by Lara Eakins site, which I've already given you, tudor history.org. she really has been doing it years, and it's very comprehensive.
-
Hi Carmay - the Open University is , if I remember correctly, the biggest university in Europe! It offers only distance, part-time, learning in a wide variety of subjects. Undergrad and postgrad. You get learning materials through the post and a personal tutor - although if you live overseas arrangements will be different and you will have to ask about that. Increasingly they use the www and teach online. The fees are high , although I believe many Brits are thinking of learning thru the OU now we are to be charged for attending traditional unis. I think the website is open.ac.uk, and you can probably get an email contact address there where you can ask questions. It may be worth looking at the website to see what they can offer. Openlearn is their free taster programme, and there is also an introductory programme of courses that are shorter and cheaper than the full-blown undergrad courses. You can build up points and get awarded a degree, after a lot of hard work. It might also be interesting to see what books are recomended for the courses you are interested in.
Harlemswife
-
The online courses at Oxford make mention of furthering one's education at the Open University. I will have to look into it. I know it's expensive. Any course I take online is expensive since I don't live in the EU (wish I did). I can't find anything in the US that would let me focus on British history. I can take Chinese history or South American history, but nothing on British history. I'm thinking way ahead here, but I think perhaps I'd like to find a program where I could do much of the coursework online, and then perhaps attend a summer school session in England. I can well imagine that there are so many more resources available over there.
I keep saying I want to return to Salford and go to the Salford Historical Society. There are so few books written on Salford. Since that is where my Mom was born and where the majority of my family tree is located, I would love to learn more about the city itself and its history. I was there when I was 11, before they rebuilt it all and still remember the bombed out buildings. I have to search through photographs that I have here to see what I can find :)
Carole
-
Unfortunately, one cannot take courses at the Open University if you live in the US. I was looking at their Master's in Local History, but it's not offered to students in the US. So I'm still looking for an online university where I can do coursework towards a Master's in History specializing in the history of England.
Carole
-
Hi Carole, let us know if you find what you are looking for. I think there must be quite a demand for online accredited courses for master's degrees.
The numbers of retired people in the population of UK, USA, Canada, & Australia etc must present great opportunities for Universities, one would think, to expand their online offerings. Many retired people will want to study for personal growth and satisfaction, and I am sure many will want scholarly, accredited, and, hopefully, affordable courses.
Re Victorian London
'London Labour and the London Poor' by Henry Mayhew, is an excellent work packed with information. There are several volumes and they have wonderful old engravings in them. I found a couple of volumes in a 2nd hand book shop.
I haven't explored this online version, but it might be of interest: http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/webbin/book/lookupid?key=olbp23257
-
Carole, I don't think you can take that Oxford Uni course unless you live in the UK or Europe - nor any UK based Open Uni courses as you've discovered.
I did have a look for courses a while ago but as I'm in Australia I wasn't eligible to enrol in anything in UK. Like you I'm interested in Brit based learning and courses ....
-
Have you looked into the offerings of the University of Phoenix? My late husband used to teach online classes for them.
http://www.phoenix.edu/
Susan
-
If you want to get started on knowing about the Tudor period you could make a start on non-accredited courses. It would interest you and keep you occupied, as you say.
This sounds as though it may fit the bill
http://onthetudortrail.com/Blog/2010/12/01/online-tudor-courses/
and the link for the course (the link is also on the page of the above)
http://www.suite101.com/course.cfm/17123/seminar
You could also get the books by Antonia Fraser and Alison Weir, The six wives of Henry VIIIth. I read them both together one year, to see how they differed. They are $8 and $12 each from amazon.
The Lara Eakins site is excellent. I think she is based in Texas.
Exeter takes international students.
-
Exeter takes international students.
I couldn't see any mention on their website that they have online courses for international students?
-
Hi Ruskie, mmmh maybe I just read 'international students' and misunderstood. Just looking for something now, and it may be that it's information for students going there from another country. Sorry to mislead anyone.
(found it) This is what I saw
http://education.exeter.ac.uk/dll/pages.php?id=223
but looks like the courses are non-accredited.
-
Carole, I don't think you can take that Oxford Uni course unless you live in the UK or Europe - nor any UK based Open Uni courses as you've discovered.
I did have a look for courses a while ago but as I'm in Australia I wasn't eligible to enrol in anything in UK. Like you I'm interested in Brit based learning and courses ....
I can take the ones at Oxford. I just have to pay almost twice what someone in the UK would pay.
Carole
-
Hi Ruskie, mmmh maybe I just read 'international students' and misunderstood. Just looking for something now, and it may be that it's information for students going there from another country. Sorry to mislead anyone.
(found it) This is what I saw
http://education.exeter.ac.uk/dll/pages.php?id=223
but looks like the courses are non-accredited.
Yes, Exeter is cheaper, but they are non-accredited. So it looks like I'll be saving my pennies and taking the ones at Oxford. I get my pension in a few months, so I'll use it to further my education.
Just for the record, retirement is BORING. So if you haven't started planning for yours now, you might want to start thinking about it. :)
Carole
-
Just for the record, retirement is BORING. So if you haven't started planning for yours now, you might want to start thinking about it.
Sorry have to disagree, always have loads to do. Taking early retirement was one of the best things I ever did. ;D
-
Hi Carole
There are a number of very good online courses offered at various UK universities & other organisations. I was unclear though if you were specifically looking for a course to do with the Victorians, use of the Census or just a course that would benefit your research with your English ancestors. Also, I was unsure if you were looking for a course that gave you some sort of accreditation transferable to the US. I afraid with the Uni course you may have to pay as an oversees student. However, for the price of a phone call I always think it is worth asking for clarification if you are not sure. Anyway here are some other options:
Strathclyde University www.strath.ac.uk/genealogy
This is a post grad. certificate course in Family History
University of Dundee www.dundee.ac.uk/cais
This is a postgraduate certificate course in Family & Local History, although they do run short course called Beyond the Internet. Two six week online course in how to find and use records etc.
IHGS based in Canterbury. - I think they do a correspondence courses (with a residential course?) Think it depends which course you choose to do.
Pharos www.pharostutors.com
This organisation offers a large variety of courses online, varying topics all lead by specialists in their field. Good prices that won't break the bank. You can choose to do some of the courses working towards a certificate or just do the course for interest. Pharos is now affiliated with the Society of Genealogists.
Hope this information is useful and that you may be able to find a course that suits you.
Kind regards :)
-
Sorry have to disagree, always have loads to do. Taking early retirement was one of the best things I ever did. ;D
You must be in good health. There are a LOT of things I'd love to do, but I had to retire at the age of 54 due to congestive heart failure that I got when I virus attacked my heart. So while there are many things I'd love to do and my brain would love to do, my body just runs out of energy too quickly. I'd love to go back to school for another Master's degree, but I know that going to school, parking, walking to the building, etc. would wear me out before the class even started. That's why I'm searching online for courses that I can take on my own time from my home :)
Carole
-
Hi Carole
There are a number of very good online courses offered at various UK universities & other organisations. I was unclear though if you were specifically looking for a course to do with the Victorians, use of the Census or just a course that would benefit your research with your English ancestors. Also, I was unsure if you were looking for a course that gave you some sort of accreditation transferable to the US. I afraid with the Uni course you may have to pay as an oversees student. However, for the price of a phone call I always think it is worth asking for clarification if you are not sure. Anyway here are some other options:
Strathclyde University www.strath.ac.uk/genealogy
This is a post grad. certificate course in Family History
University of Dundee www.dundee.ac.uk/cais
This is a postgraduate certificate course in Family & Local History, although they do run short course called Beyond the Internet. Two six week online course in how to find and use records etc.
IHGS based in Canterbury. - I think they do a correspondence courses (with a residential course?) Think it depends which course you choose to do.
Pharos www.pharostutors.com
This organisation offers a large variety of courses online, varying topics all lead by specialists in their field. Good prices that won't break the bank. You can choose to do some of the courses working towards a certificate or just do the course for interest. Pharos is now affiliated with the Society of Genealogists.
Hope this information is useful and that you may be able to find a course that suits you.
Kind regards :)
Thank you so much for all of this! I am going to look into all of them and see which are a good fit for me. I'd like to work towards some type of certificate. And then I thought I could offer courses at our local library just to keep me occupied. I had to retire from teaching and I do miss it terribly. Being able to teach genealogy to adults would be great as I know my students would be interested :)
Thanks again!
Carole
-
It may help if someone who has taken an Oxford distance learning course contributes. As opposed to a course on a specific aspect of history such as the Victorian period, on retiring I undertook the Advanced Diploma in Local History. It is in effect a part of a degree course. Specific aspects of history are covered, mostly by reference to Oxfordshire or at least Thames Valley examples but the main foci are on things with a wider application such as the information available in Poor Law, window tax etc records; and on practice in the use of the technical aids such as databases and spreadsheets that help to turn data into intelligence.
Certainly I had fellow students from the US and Australia on the course and it was great to meet them in person at the graduation at the end of the course. By then some were well known in a virtual sense as, in addition to direct contact with a tutor to whom essays were submitted and from whom marks and comments were received, each tutor had a group of students linked such that we could discuss and debate what we were doing or anything that took our fancy on a daily basis. There was a cost differential between UK/EU students and those who did not meet those criteria so the utility of the course compared with others available round the world is a matter of judgement. For my part, I found it stimulating as a challenge, informative as to the detail of the matters that shaped local history over the past four hundred years or so and flexible enough for me not to get corralled into a focus on matters local to Oxford when my interests are with Gaelic Scotland. I hope this helps.
-
It may help if someone who has taken an Oxford distance learning course contributes. As opposed to a course on a specific aspect of history such as the Victorian period, on retiring I undertook the Advanced Diploma in Local History. It is in effect a part of a degree course. Specific aspects of history are covered, mostly by reference to Oxfordshire or at least Thames Valley examples but the main foci are on things with a wider application such as the information available in Poor Law, window tax etc records; and on practice in the use of the technical aids such as databases and spreadsheets that help to turn data into intelligence.
Certainly I had fellow students from the US and Australia on the course and it was great to meet them in person at the graduation at the end of the course. By then some were well known in a virtual sense as, in addition to direct contact with a tutor to whom essays were submitted and from whom marks and comments were received, each tutor had a group of students linked such that we could discuss and debate what we were doing or anything that took our fancy on a daily basis. There was a cost differential between UK/EU students and those who did not meet those criteria so the utility of the course compared with others available round the world is a matter of judgement. For my part, I found it stimulating as a challenge, informative as to the detail of the matters that shaped local history over the past four hundred years or so and flexible enough for me not to get corralled into a focus on matters local to Oxford when my interests are with Gaelic Scotland. I hope this helps.
Thanks, Angusm. I have been looking the program over and have decided to go for it. It is a lot more expensive for those of us on this side of the pond, but there is nothing offered at universities here that is comparable. I am going to start with their course on Henry VIII in May, and then either do the Elizabeth I course or the one on Victorian census. Financially, I can't start the Advanced Diploma in Local History until September, 2012. So I thought I'd dabble in other courses just to get back into the swing of things. The University of Dundee also has two courses Beyond the Internet 1 and 2, and then they have a postgraduate certificate in family and local history.
I've always dreamed of going to Oxford, so perhaps this is my chance :) I'm sure being able to meet everyone at the end of the course will be fun and most enjoyable. My ancestry goes back to Salford and Manchester. Mom said it would eventually go back to Scotland, but I haven't found that link as of yet, so I have to keep looking.
I saw that the course goes from September to July. When do they hold graduation? I have to plan this all out so that I can save enough money to come to England for that. I wouldn't want to miss it!
Thank you again for letting me know of your experience. It sounds like what I am looking for at this point in my life :)
Carole
-
Hi Carole
There are a number of very good online courses offered at various UK universities & other organisations. I was unclear though if you were specifically looking for a course to do with the Victorians, use of the Census or just a course that would benefit your research with your English ancestors. Also, I was unsure if you were looking for a course that gave you some sort of accreditation transferable to the US. I afraid with the Uni course you may have to pay as an oversees student. However, for the price of a phone call I always think it is worth asking for clarification if you are not sure. Anyway here are some other options:
Strathclyde University www.strath.ac.uk/genealogy
This is a post grad. certificate course in Family History
University of Dundee www.dundee.ac.uk/cais
This is a postgraduate certificate course in Family & Local History, although they do run short course called Beyond the Internet. Two six week online course in how to find and use records etc.
IHGS based in Canterbury. - I think they do a correspondence courses (with a residential course?) Think it depends which course you choose to do.
Pharos www.pharostutors.com
This organisation offers a large variety of courses online, varying topics all lead by specialists in their field. Good prices that won't break the bank. You can choose to do some of the courses working towards a certificate or just do the course for interest. Pharos is now affiliated with the Society of Genealogists.
Hope this information is useful and that you may be able to find a course that suits you.
Kind regards :)
I'm still looking at all these different places and wondering which is the best option for me. After giving it more thought, I'm thinking that perhaps a second career as a genealogist would be fun. I'm retired so I have the time to devote to it, and I can vary my hours accordingly.
Is the Society of Genealogists the group that one would want to be a member of to be considered a professional? Or are there others?
At this point, I'd like to do the advanced diploma in local history at Oxford, and then I'm also looking at the courses at the University of Dundee which appear to lead to a Master's degree if one so chooses. They have a certificate, a diploma, and a Master's degree. I need to do more research as to how the different programs would make me proficient enough to become a genealogist.
Is there a group in the UK that certifies genealogists?
Thanks,
Carole
-
You could start by having a go at a few queries on this site ? See how you get on.
-
I just got an email message that said, "A topic you are watching has been split into two or more topics by Berlin-Bob." What does that mean and where did it get split into two? Where do I find the other half?
Carole
-
Is there a group in the UK that certifies genealogists?
Thanks,
Carole
I was looking at this site yesterday - but there entry requirements are very high...
http://www.agra.org.uk/
Milly
-
I was looking at this site yesterday - but there entry requirements are very high...
http://www.agra.org.uk/
Milly
Thanks, Milly! They certainly are! I was surprised to see the two examples they gave of schools. I wasn't sure how highly the IHGS was thought of, but I guess they rank highly in the profession. I have been leaning more towards doing an MLitt at the University of Dundee in Scotland. I found Strathclyde University to be a lot more expensive, especially for those of us who are non/EU.
I think perhaps I will just stick to taking the local history diploma at Oxford and then taking a few courses here and there on subjects that interest me. I'd like to put together a couple of courses to teach at the local community college in the evening.
Carole
-
Well good luck with whichever you do...
And keep us posted on how it goes. I would be very interested in hearing about good courses.
At the moment I am doing a short evening course to prepare to teach adults - and in a few weeks I have to teach a 30 minute session on anything of my choice - so I am going to do beginners family tree research. Never done any teaching before so fingers crossed :o
Milly
-
I'm sure you will do fine, Milly. My BA is in Education. I also have a MA in Religious Studies. I still remember my first day in my own classroom. Of course, I had student teaching as part of my degree requirements, but when you are standing in front of the room on day one of your first class, it's something you never forget. I remember as soon as the bell rang, the students went silent, and I had to start by telling them my name and informing them that I would their teacher for this course. Of course, when it's your own class, you can do a bit of an ice breaker on day one. But you might want to start off by asking them how many of them have ever done any work on their family trees, and then go from there.
I am looking for courses now that will enable me to help others find their families as I have been finding mine. I've been working on mine on and off since 1997. When I lived in NY and was a teacher, I'd go to England for the summer, stay with various relatives, and work on the family tree. Since moving to Washington in 2003, I have only been back to England once and didn't have a lot of time to work on things. So I do it all online now.
I will certainly be happy to report back on any courses I take. Not sure which forum subject that would go under, but I guess if I post it in the wrong place, a moderator will move it :)
Good luck and let us know how you go on with your course!
Carole
-
It's only a half hour session which we teach to a small group of our other class members so should be ok - and I am doing it on family tree research so with my enthusiasm for the subject I should be able to get over some of the basics - just will be hard limiting it to half an hour as I could probably talk all day on it! I know one of the class at least is looking forward to it.
It has been a very interesting course so far. I may do another course afterwards - possibly a history one like you.
Milly
-
Hi, I noticed that Amazon was mentioned as a source of 2 particular books (history). This is fine, but a site which is always worth a visit for books is betterworldbooks.com. Based in US, many new and used books, if you're lucky you can pick up what you're looking for. PLUS for each book sold they contribute to various world literacy charities.
I studied with the Open University for 7 years and had to buy sometimes quite expensive recommended extra books each year, so was always on the look out for 2nd hand books, damaged copies which were related to my study (history).
The thing about the OU is that all the basic study material for a course is included in the course fee, and the OU say that this is everything needed to pass the course. But the courses stimulate interest, and I found myself reading widely around the subject. I could often make library requests to get particular works sent from elsewhere if not to hand and this saved some money.
-
It's only a half hour session which we teach to a small group of our other class members so should be ok - and I am doing it on family tree research so with my enthusiasm for the subject I should be able to get over some of the basics - just will be hard limiting it to half an hour as I could probably talk all day on it! I know one of the class at least is looking forward to it.
It has been a very interesting course so far. I may do another course afterwards - possibly a history one like you.
Milly
Where do you take the course, Milly? Is is somewhere local?
Carole
-
Hi, I noticed that Amazon was mentioned as a source of 2 particular books (history). This is fine, but a site which is always worth a visit for books is betterworldbooks.com. Based in US, many new and used books, if you're lucky you can pick up what you're looking for. PLUS for each book sold they contribute to various world literacy charities.
I studied with the Open University for 7 years and had to buy sometimes quite expensive recommended extra books each year, so was always on the look out for 2nd hand books, damaged copies which were related to my study (history).
The thing about the OU is that all the basic study material for a course is included in the course fee, and the OU say that this is everything needed to pass the course. But the courses stimulate interest, and I found myself reading widely around the subject. I could often make library requests to get particular works sent from elsewhere if not to hand and this saved some money.
Thank you for that link, Zanette. I did not know about that website. I'll check it out. I always go to Amazon as I never buy new books unless they are cheaper than the used ones. I can't believe that some sellers sell new books for less than other sellers are selling their used ones! But I will check out betterworldbooks. I had to order a few books from Amazon.co.uk as they weren't available in the US, and the shipping is a lot of money.
I wish I could take courses at the Open University but they do not allow non/EU students. I wish they would open up their courses to the entire world. Some are, but many of the ones I wanted to take were not :(
Carole
-
Yes, shipping costs are the real downside. I live in Greece now (UK expat) and there are lots of things I can't get here, and postage certainly puts the cost up. Books are expensive - even greek ones, and there are few english books available. I still read a lot, in fact I have more time now I am retired. Betterworld have now decided to give 'free' shipping. This means that the weight of the book has been considered in with the price. they do have regular sales, and I have found them to be very efficient. The books I get from them still work for their living as I pass them on to friends here, and put them in a charity book sale too.
The course fees for OU are high. I worked all the time I studied with them but tried to cut costs on the extra books.
-
I like to get my books (2nd hand) from here www.abebooks.co.uk
Not sure what the overseas charges are but they do have sellers in both USA and UK (and possibly elsewhere) so might be useful.
Carole - my course is at a local college but they do them all over the UK at Further Education Colleges, and also private one week courses. This is the course (details from the awarding body that all colleges have to follow)
http://www.cityandguilds.com/45858.html
UK Government have made this the recommended minimum qualification people should have if they want to teach adults, do training sessions etc. it then grows the the certificate (1 year plus teaching 30 hours a week) and then the Diploma which I think is qualified teacher status - although I could have got that wrong. I am just doing the first "preparation" course for now. I can't see me getting the 30 hours a week of teaching I would need to do the next one ::)
But it has been very interesting - all about planning sessions to include interesting activities, writing a schemes of work (for a course over a number of weeks) and how to do an individual lesson plan with a breakdown of activities within the session. Plus lots of the usual stuff about diversity and health and safety of course ::)
I will be doing week 7 next, then in week 9 I have to do my 30 minute teaching session, then it ends on week 12.
Milly
Milly
There are distance learning courses but I don't know how the teaching practice session works in that case
-
Yes, shipping costs are the real downside. I live in Greece now (UK expat) and there are lots of things I can't get here, and postage certainly puts the cost up. Books are expensive - even greek ones, and there are few english books available. I still read a lot, in fact I have more time now I am retired. Betterworld have now decided to give 'free' shipping. This means that the weight of the book has been considered in with the price. they do have regular sales, and I have found them to be very efficient. The books I get from them still work for their living as I pass them on to friends here, and put them in a charity book sale too.
The course fees for OU are high. I worked all the time I studied with them but tried to cut costs on the extra books.
I just checked out Betterworld and ended up ordering a book on genealogy and another on British History. They were both in the Bargain Bin section so I got them for $3.98 each :) :) That's quite good!
I can imagine you run into the same problems getting books in Greece as we do here in the US. I have been looking at a number of online courses at Oxford, and have started trying to find the books. Most I did manage to find on Amazon.com, but a couple I had to go to Amazon.ca (in Canada) or Amazon.co.uk (in England). But I figured if I got the books used now, then I could start reading them to see what the course would really be about before I spent the money on the class itself. And it also wouldn't be a large layout of monies to buy the books when the courses started.
From now on, I will check Betterworld first though as I like the idea that some of the monies go to charities. Oh, and I too pass on my books that I no longer want. Our local library accepts donations. If they don't have a book in circulation, they put it there. If they do, it goes into the book sale, and whatever monies they get for the books goes to buying new materials for the library. Our local library has Ancestry.com, so I figure that my donations help to pay for that :)
Carole
-
I like to get my books (2nd hand) from here www.abebooks.co.uk
Not sure what the overseas charges are but they do have sellers in both USA and UK (and possibly elsewhere) so might be useful.
Carole - my course is at a local college but they do them all over the UK at Further Education Colleges, and also private one week courses. This is the course (details from the awarding body that all colleges have to follow)
http://www.cityandguilds.com/45858.html
UK Government have made this the recommended minimum qualification people should have if they want to teach adults, do training sessions etc. it then grows the the certificate (1 year plus teaching 30 hours a week) and then the Diploma which I think is qualified teacher status - although I could have got that wrong. I am just doing the first "preparation" course for now. I can't see me getting the 30 hours a week of teaching I would need to do the next one ::)
But it has been very interesting - all about planning sessions to include interesting activities, writing a schemes of work (for a course over a number of weeks) and how to do an individual lesson plan with a breakdown of activities within the session. Plus lots of the usual stuff about diversity and health and safety of course ::)
I will be doing week 7 next, then in week 9 I have to do my 30 minute teaching session, then it ends on week 12.
Milly
There are distance learning courses but I don't know how the teaching practice session works in that case
I have also bought books at abebooks through Amazon.com. They often list their used books there and their service is quite good. I've also gotten a few through bookdespository.com. They also have excellent service, although they do not have used books. At this point, I'm going totally for used books to save money. I was going to get a Kindle or a Nook, but I find that often those ebooks are a LOT more than buying a used book. And I guess I'm still rather old fashioned and I like to curl up on the couch with a book where I can write in the margins and underline facts that I might want to go back to once I have to start writing papers on these topics :)
Carole
-
Well, I did it!! I just registered at Oxford University for their online course called "Using the Victorian Census". It starts April 27 so that gives me some time to start reading the book. Then when the assignments come up, I can just re-read those sections :) It's a ten week course and for the duration I have free access to Ancestry.co.uk, so I'll be spending a lot of time trying to find out more about my family members.
I'll let you all know how it goes :)
Carole
-
Welll done.. hope you enjoy it.
I would be very interested to know how you get on. I am having trouble imagining just how an online course wit "online discussions" might work.
Milly
-
Welll done.. hope you enjoy it.
I would be very interested to know how you get on. I am having trouble imagining just how an online course wit "online discussions" might work.
Milly
I have taken other online courses and the discussion work the same as they do here. Everyone logs on at times that are convenient for them, and you participate the same way you do here. :)
I have ordered my textbooks. I managed to find used copies on the internet, so I saved a bit of money. I have decided that I will put aside two hours per day to work on the course material. I am going to go to the library every day so that I have no distractions. They have a quiet section which happens to be near the genealogy books, so I'll just stake out a space there every day. I've taken all the junk off my old laptop so that I could use it for my courses. Then I'll just copy the files to my iMac when I get home :)
Carole
-
Did my half-hour teaching session today - part of the assessment for my evening course.
I did "Beginners Famiky Tree Research - getting to know the census" and I quite enjoyed it. Thought my mind would go blank and I would forget what I was supposed to be saying - but it actually went quite well and the class seemed to stay awake so that was good.
Only a couple of assignments to do and one last lesson and that will be it. 12 weeks has gone incredibly quickly. Now I'm wondering what else to do - it has been quite good to stretch my brain a liitle.
Milly
-
Congratulations, Milly! I bet you were terrific! :) There is nothing like getting up and talking about a subject that you love.
I know how you feel about wondering what to do next. I was at that point as well, and I had taken everything at the local colleges that interested me. That's when I went looking on the internet and found Oxford's continuing education courses. I start my class on April 27 :) They also have courses at the University of Dundee that look good, so I may take one of their courses in the fall.
There are a lot of opportunities out there, Milly. Just find things you love and keep learning :) I had a teacher once who used to say that you had to learn one new thing every day :)
Carole
-
Not sure how good I would be at online learning. I like the going to the class aspect of it but I am not great at settling down to do my homework and tend to leave it till the last minute. If I didn't have to go to the class to hand it in I am not sure how much I would actually settle down to do. I admire those who are more diligent than I am (like you!)
The teaching was quite good fun. Like most people on rootschat I could talk for hours about genealogy ;D ;D ;D
Milly ;D
-
Carmay,
You should find this book interesting, it is called "The making of Victorian Salford" and was written by R.L. Greenall.
Published by Carnegie Publishing Ltd. - in Lancaster, United Kingdom. (www.carnegiepub.co.uk)
Book ref: ISBN 1 - 85936 - 077 - 7
Happy reading! Bill
-
Nice link, but pub dishwashers is what I got. :)
The book is on sale at amazon uk £8 or so, and amazon usa $14. Just google it + amazon and you'll get the links.
-
Not sure how good I would be at online learning. I like the going to the class aspect of it but I am not great at settling down to do my homework and tend to leave it till the last minute. If I didn't have to go to the class to hand it in I am not sure how much I would actually settle down to do. I admire those who are more diligent than I am (like you!)
The teaching was quite good fun. Like most people on rootschat I could talk for hours about genealogy ;D ;D ;D
Milly ;D
To do an online course, you kind of have to treat it like a job. When I start the one at Oxford, I will go to the library for 2 hours a day - 5 days a week. There are too many distractions at home so this way I can find myself a nice quiet space, and just take my books and laptop and get my work done :)
Yes, teaching is fun especially when you are teaching those who want to learn. I was a teacher for 17 years before I retired and I enjoyed giving adult ed classes the most as the adults wanted to be there :)
Carole
-
Carmay,
You should find this book interesting, it is called "The making of Victorian Salford" and was written by R.L. Greenall.
Published by Carnegie Publishing Ltd. - in Lancaster, United Kingdom. (www.carnegiepub.co.uk)
Book ref: ISBN 1 - 85936 - 077 - 7
Happy reading! Bill
Thanks, Bill! I just ordered it from Amazon.com. I hadn't heard of that title before. I have a number of books on Salford as my Mom was born there. I love the cover. When I visited the Lowry museum I bought a copy of that as it shows St. Simon's church where my Mom attended :) It's hanging on my wall.
Carole
-
Well I have not decided exactly what to do with my lovely new qualification yet - but the teaching was nowhere near as traumatic as I thought it would be so you never know ;D
Milly
-
Well I have not decided exactly what to do with my lovely new qualification yet - but the teaching was nowhere near as traumatic as I thought it would be so you never know ;D
Milly
See if you can give a beginners course in genealogy at your local library :) Once I take the courses at Oxford, that's what I intend to do :) It's especially good if your library has Ancestry.co.uk on their computers :)
Carole
-
That's what I was wondering about doing it. I will look into it when I finish the course and see of they already offer anything (although I have not seen anything advertised)
..I am sure lots of people would be interested.
Milly ;D
-
That's what I was wondering about doing it. I will look into it when I finish the course and see of they already offer anything (although I have not seen anything advertised)
..I am sure lots of people would be interested.
Milly ;D
You go, girl!!! :)
Carole
-
So much for excitement and anticipation. I just got an email from Oxford that not enough people signed up for the "Using the Victorian Census" course and it's been cancelled :( I am so upset right now as I bought the textbooks and have been doing background work so that I'd be able to do a good job. The options they gave me were to wait for the course in September and see if that runs, take another course, or get a refund.
I really don't want to have that kind of money just sitting there waiting for September as it was £285.00, which is about $465 in US dollars. And I really wanted to go back to study. So my only two options are to either take another course - the only one I was interested in was the one on Henry VIII, or get a refund and sign up for the genealogy courses at the University of Dundee. They have two called Beyond the Internet I and II, which if I sign up for both at the same time are only £175 and cover various aspects of genealogy. At this point, I am thinking that if I take the ones at Dundee, I could possibly teach an adult ed class here. There isn't a whole lot I could do with the Henry VIII course.
Carole
-
That is such a shame... but you have probably learnt something from reading the books...no learning is wasted!
The genealogy course sounds quite good value as long as it is teaching you things you don't already know. And it would be good background for the adult ed class.
Good luck with the adult ed class idea. I finished my little teaching course and before I knew it my friend had stuck me in front of a class of 16-19 year old college students every tuesday till the end of summer term. Bit of a shock - but seems to be going ok. ...Well only half turned up for the second week but I don't think that was particularly anything to do with my teaching (at least I hope not)
Milly
-
That is such a shame... but you have probably learnt something from reading the books...no learning is wasted!
The genealogy course sounds quite good value as long as it is teaching you things you don't already know. And it would be good background for the adult ed class.
Good luck with the adult ed class idea. I finished my little teaching course and before I knew it my friend had stuck me in front of a class of 16-19 year old college students every tuesday till the end of summer term. Bit of a shock - but seems to be going ok. ...Well only half turned up for the second week but I don't think that was particularly anything to do with my teaching (at least I hope not)
Milly
Yes, I was upset yesterday. I kind of felt like the wind had been taken out of my sails. I had ordered the books and started doing the reading, and then yesterday received the email.
I've been seeing a trauma specialist (I had a horrific car crash last September, when a huge truck, or as you would say lorry, crashed into my car and tore the entire passenger side off). I talked this all over with her yesterday afternoon at my appointment and we both agreed that I should go for the Henry VIII course. When I first found the online classes at Oxford, it was the course I was going to take. Then when they added the Census course, I decided to go for that. But I've always found the Tudor period fascinating and we agreed that since I was looking so forward to taking the course at Oxford, I should do it and just choose the other course. I can re-apply for the Census course in the fall and hopefully there will be enough registrants. In the meantime, I can just enjoy learning more about one of my favorite historical periods and it will give my mind something positive to focus on.
So Oxford U, Henry VIII, and I will be spending ten weeks together :)
Carole
-
I just read all teh Philippa Gregory Books (The Other Boleyn Girl etc) and loved them. They are basically fiction but do have lots of facts in there too. I was never particularly interested in this period of history but learnt a lot. I never knew I didnt know so much!
Enjoy the course
Milly
-
I just read all teh Philippa Gregory Books (The Other Boleyn Girl etc) and loved them. They are basically fiction but do have lots of facts in there too. I was never particularly interested in this period of history but learnt a lot. I never knew I didnt know so much!
Enjoy the course
Milly
Thanks, Milly. One of the important things I've learned from reading proper history books on Henry VIII is just how many facts were left out of the movies. Or how things were embellished.
I saw the Philippa Gregory books at the library and I think once I finish the course, I'll give them a read. Maybe I'll even write a novel :)
Carole