RootsChat.Com
General => The Common Room => Topic started by: groom on Monday 14 March 16 11:04 GMT (UK)
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An interesting new Genealogy course with FutureLearn will be starting in March:
Genealogy - Researching your Family Tree
run by the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.
These courses are online and entirely free, although you can purchase a certificate of completion at the end, if you wish.
Here is the link for anyone who might be interested:
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/genealogy
I see this course is opened a week at a time, which is better as people can't race ahead too much.
Moderator Comment: Topic continued from: http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=737139.0
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Thanks Nanna52 and Wiggy. :)
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Well I'm on it, - but I registered under my name off here!
Perhaps all we Rootschatters should put a little symbol on our Profiles or something?
Romilly ;)
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Well I'm on it, - but I registered under my name off here!
Perhaps all we Rootschatters should put a little symbol on our Profiles or something?
Romilly ;)
I've just created a simple logo and added it to my course profile. If it's allowed, I'm happy for anyone else to use it ....
Edited: the original RC was a bit small so I've made it RootsChatter now....
Moderator Comment: Great idea! We've uploaded one using the RootsChat logo that you are free to use too (see below).
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Well I'm on it, - but I registered under my name off here!
Perhaps all we Rootschatters should put a little symbol on our Profiles or something?
Romilly ;)
I've just created a simple logo and added it to my course profile. If it's allowed, I'm happy for anyone else to use it ....
Edited: the original RC was a bit small so I've made it RootsChatter now....
Many thanks Deirdre,
The only way that I could see to put it on was to put in the photo section of the Profile on there; which I've now done! (Easier to see as well I guess:-)
Romilly.
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I've used the avatar I used to have on here, the one of my aunt as a small child. ;D I've saved your logo though, thanks Deirdre, and may use it later.
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Thanks for the logo Deidre. I have added it as a photo. Let's see how easy it is to follow each other.
Rishile
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That is one draw back about the FL site - it is difficult to follow people at times. It is a pity that you can't type in a name and it then brings up all that person's posts.
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That is one draw back about the FL site - it is difficult to follow people at times. It is a pity that you can't type in a name and it then brings up all that person's posts.
Agreed, and there is already so much on there. Perhaps we can stick to discussions on here instead!? ;D
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Deirdre, Thanks for the logo.
I, too, have updated my profile.
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Thanks for the logo Deidre. I have added it as a photo. Let's see how easy it is to follow each other.
Rishile
Thanks all :D
Hopefully it will help as we are only likely to mention we are RCers in our intro, and profile, not every post.
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Added it to mine now as well.
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Added the logo to my profile as well ;) :D
Thanks Dierdre. :D
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That is one draw back about the FL site - it is difficult to follow people at times. It is a pity that you can't type in a name and it then brings up all that person's posts.
Agreed, and there is already so much on there. Perhaps we can stick to discussions on here instead!? ;D
You can choose to see only the discussions of the folk you are following.... ;)
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I have updated my profile too. As far as I can see you can only view the discussions section by section... and if this morning is anything to go by I think I am going to have to upgrade my broadband allowance!
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I have updated my profile too. As far as I can see you can only view the discussions section by section... and if this morning is anything to go by I think I am going to have to upgrade my broadband allowance!
Makes me thankful for son's home office uncapped dsl ;D ;D ;D ;D
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You can choose to see only the discussions of the folk you are following...
That's what I mainly do. I also look if I get notification that someone has replied to one of my comments and sometimes look at the most liked to see why! ;D ;D
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Well I'm on it, - but I registered under my name off here!
Perhaps all we Rootschatters should put a little symbol on our Profiles or something?
Romilly ;)
I've just created a simple logo and added it to my course profile. If it's allowed, I'm happy for anyone else to use it ....
Edited: the original RC was a bit small so I've made it RootsChatter now....
Thanks Deirdre, have added the logo to my profile
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You can choose to see only the discussions of the folk you are following...
That's what I mainly do. I also look if I get notification that someone has replied to one of my comments and sometimes look at the most liked to see why! ;D ;D
Me too ;D
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So, what's the 1st week's topic?
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So, what's the 1st week's topic?
Join us and see ;D ;D ;D
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Am interested in this, but work lots. Have done my fair share of study in past. Will I learn anything?
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Am interested in this, but work lots. Have done my fair share of study in past. Will I learn anything?
Difficult to tell at the moment, as it is starting with the basics ie things we all know on here, such as checking sources, not taking everything at face value, accepting that family stories may not always be completely true etc.
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Thank you groom, I love for something to make me think, something that I don't know makes me ponder, or even open an new avenue of thought, l love learning, but it has to be an interest..
Enjoy all :)
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Have a look at some of the other free Future Learn courses - I loved the one on England in the Time of Richard III, and also the one about Hadrian's Wall.
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I love for something to make me think, something that I don't know makes me ponder, or even open an new avenue of thought, l love learning, but it has to be an interest..
I am hoping that next weeks will be ;D
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Thanks both have added the future learn to my desktop, will have a browse, looks good!
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It does seem a bit superficial so far. Among examples of primary records given were census records, but the records shown were actually the enumerators books, which to my mind would be a derived primary record. The householder's schedule (if it still existed) would be the primary record. I have seen more than one census record where there has been a mistake which I doubt that the head of household would have made. e.g transposed his own forename with that of his eldest son (neither had a middle name), got the names of his children muddled up. But it is something an enumerator after a long day might do when copying records by candlelight. The point that BMD certs might be transcribed or could be a scan / photocopy from the original register was not made - that could affect their value as a an accurate record. I have two slightly different marriage certs for my late MIL (age different). One we sent for from the RO in the district where she married (transcribed by a registrar's clerk). Then the one given to her at the time of marriage turned up among all her documents. Both supposedly a transcription of the original marriage entry.
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Just to add in the past I transcribed from FreeBMD it was not always straightforward or easy.
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I though that was covered in 1:9 Lizzie. when it says:
"However, the main thing to realise is that any time someone copies information from one source to create another source (as in a transcription of a birth certificate) there is the chance that mistakes will be made. With the best will in the world wrong information can be copied and unless you can check the original document, there is no way to be totally assured that the transcriber has not made a mistake."
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I though that was covered in 1:9 Lizzie ...."
And it was in the video of 1.8 :)
STG
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I wasn't expecting to learn much from Week 1, but I did learn some new terminology :)
STG
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Yes, they make the point that the a transcribed copy could have errors, but then give an example of an 1872 marriage cert (a transcribed copy made in 2005) and say it is a primary source.
If you look at transcript of 1.8. The paragraph under 3:26, line 5.
To be fair they do mention it is a copy made at a much later date. But it would have been good to have also had an example of a certificate which was a photocopy of the register.
I think it has left the beginner thinking that a cert copy made close to the event could be more accurate than one made 130 years later.
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So have you all done 'week 1' then? Only just home from work and need my dinner first (otherwise i may not get it if i get engrossed in (i) the course (ii) rootschat and (iii) my own tree (had a death cert in the post this morning with the informant a previously unknown married daughter - had the daughter as a child but not later and can't immediately see her marriage). ;D
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No, I've only finished up to 1:9. I dont want to rush through it too quickly, otherwise you miss a lot of the comments made by other people.
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So have joined, still getting my head around thou
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I'm the same as Deirdre, only just finished my day's work and activities and sat down to have a quick catch-up on RC before delving into the course. It's to be expected that some would be more advanced than others, so with my daily schedule I'm resigned to being towards the tail end on most weeks. Off to see what's what now; be back later.
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Thanks for the RootsChatter logo Deidre, I'll try putting it on my profile later. I'm glad that the course only opens one week at a time; I was dreading it opening all at once as I'm sure I would have been overwhelmed. As it is, I'm trying to pace myself with it, pretty straightforward so far, up to 1.9 as well, same as you groom! I'll look at the rest over the next few days.
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No problem Rainbow Quartz :) it certainly does identify us (and may get more members if everyone wants to know what it stands for!!).
I went through to 1.12 so half way. Not keen on all the discussions though, way too much for me, though i am reading the comments from those I'm following. :)
Forgot I'm also doing a 30 day trial of Family Historian 6 at the moment too ::)
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I'm the same as Deirdre, only just finished my day's work and activities and sat down to have a quick catch-up on RC before delving into the course. It's to be expected that some would be more advanced than others, so with my daily schedule I'm resigned to being towards the tail end on most weeks. Off to see what's what now; be back later.
Hi Mogwood, hopefully we'll manage the first few weeks quite quickly so at least get into the course before it gets more involved / interesting :)
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Joined the course! ;D
Hopefully this should be fun and interesting!
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I have also used your logo Deirdre! :)
I have just seen a comment on 1.9 mentioning Rootschat! :)
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I have also used your logo Deirdre! :)
I have just seen a comment on 1.9 mentioning Rootschat! :)
I've just commented on that, using the RootsChat logo!
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I have also used your logo Deirdre! :)
I have just seen a comment on 1.9 mentioning Rootschat! :)
I've just commented on that, using the RootsChat logo!
It seems another Rootschatter (I presume is KGarrad) has commented on the post below this one also using the logo so hopefully a few people will see some kind of connection and come looking! ;D
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That logo was a brilliant idea, Deidre. It certainly makes it easier to spot fellow Rootschatters.
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It's not difficult to spot me - I never use pseudonyms!!
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It's not difficult to spot me - I never use pseudonyms!!
It certainly was not difficult, I 'followed' you yesterday ;D
Rosie
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I've added a logo that you're free to use on your profile there if you like, so you can spot each other and to help spread the word. :)
Trystan
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Thank you Trystan :)
Now I am feeling guilty as I have just swapped from Deirdre's to your logo. ::) ;)
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Thank you Trystan :)
Now I am feeling guilty as I have just swapped from Deirdre's to your logo. ::) ;)
LOL... I was thinking of putting them both on! ;)
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Thanks Trystan, I think we've already attracted more people to this site.
If you mention RC in a comment on there and put it as www.rootschat.com it comes up as a pink link so people can be directed straight here. ;D ;D
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I have just joined above course but could someone tell/show me how to put Trystan's Roots Chat Logo on it. Thank you, Lookin2
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I've now got Trystan's logo and I've changed my name to Jen Miller(Rootschatter)!
Jen
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I have just joined above course but could someone tell/show me how to put Trystan's Roots Chat Logo on it. Thank you, Lookin2
Go to your profile and it gives you the option to add a photo. Save Trystan's logo to a file and then copy from there.
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That logo was a brilliant idea, Deidre. It certainly makes it easier to spot fellow Rootschatters.
Thanks; i'm sure someone else would have had the same idea ;D
But yes, esp as most are using 'real' names.
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:) ;D
To download the "I go on RootsChat" image you can just click on this link here:
http://www.rootschat.com/links/01h9o/
You'll then find it in your "Downloads" folder of your web browser, so you can probably then drag it with your mouse to the profile picture on FutureLearn.
Trystan
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Thank you Trystan :)
Now I am feeling guilty as I have just swapped from Deirdre's to your logo. ::) ;)
Me too ::) :-\ ;D But it was a brilliant idea...
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All I did was copy Deidre's idea I wouldn't have thought of it, she's has indeed come up with a great idea! Her idea goes on!
Trystan
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That certainly was a brilliant idea. Someone (probably from here ;D) has just followed me and when I looked at who else she was following all 17 had the RC logo. ;D ;D
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I've just added the logo to my FL profile too :D
Taking it very slowly, trying to take in some new terminology :-\
Carol
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Now I am feeling guilty as I have just swapped from Deirdre's to your logo. ::) ;)
I don't mind; I didn't know if we could use an official RootsChat logo so just came up with my own (it only took 2 mins, and then another 2 when I changed it ;D as the first one was too small).
Trystan's is much more identifiable with the site :)
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Now I am feeling guilty as I have just swapped from Deirdre's to your logo. ::) ;)
I don't mind; I didn't know if we could use an official RootsChat logo so just came up with my own (it only took 2 mins, and then another 2 when I changed it ;D as the first one was too small).
Trystan's is much more identifiable with the site :)
No disrespect intended Deirdre... I have just changed mine to Trystans, as so many other RC'ers seem to have changed theirs... and it makes it easier to spot people!
I've just picked up the 2 suggested Course Books from the Library here, and will try to skim through them later.
Romilly :)
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Sorry Deidre but I've just changed as well :D
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I think I am now following most people on this thread and am using the rootschat logo...great idea ;D
Still trying to decide whether to stick with my real name or change to my Rootschat name though
Milly
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It's not difficult to spot me - I never use pseudonyms!!
Just found you - and am now following you with my Rootschat name ;D
Milly
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Sorry Deidre, I've swopped to Trystan's logo too, mainly because it has the website on it, but thanks for having such a great idea :D
I'm now following a few more people, I think!
Will try and make some more progress with the course later (after tea and with a glass of wine to help stimulate those little grey cells ;)
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I was going to follow everyone when I first joined the course but I never head the time to go through all the introductions and find everyone. The logo has made it a lot easier. ;D Thank you very much.
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Hi all
Not sure if I am more proud of completing week 1 in a day or uploading the newest Rootschat logo!
I'm getting a little tired of reading all the comments I just haven't the time but I don't want to miss anything important to me. I wish you could filter the comments, anyone else feel the same?
Linda
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Hi all
Not sure if I am more proud of completing week 1 in a day or uploading the newest Rootschat logo!
I'm getting a little tired of reading all the comments I just haven't the time but I don't want to miss anything important to me. I wish you could filter the comments, anyone else feel the same?
Linda
You can filter them Linda, - or you can turn them all off! (I turned them off, but look in manually from time to time).
Romilly.
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So you can! Many thanks Romilly
Linda
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Hi all
Not sure if I am more proud of completing week 1 in a day or uploading the newest Rootschat logo!
I'm getting a little tired of reading all the comments I just haven't the time but I don't want to miss anything important to me. I wish you could filter the comments, anyone else feel the same?
Linda
Me too ;D ;D ;D Just been reading through the comments, but there are a lot of them!!! Quite squint now ;D ;D
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Hope I am not being too vain by saying that I have actually appreciated receiving a few "like" notifications! Given it is only day two I suspect there are a lot more comments to come.
William
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I'm another one who finished the first week last night, didn't expect to but just kept reading and clicking through, with the occasional flurry into the conversations, and reached the end before I knew it. I plan to go back again tonight, have a quick re-read of everything, and catch up with some of the comments, and with any Rootschatters I haven't found yet.
Last thing I did was to add your logo, Deirdre, so I guess I'll change it to the official one so that it matches everybody else, though I feel a bit guilty same as others. Thanks very much for the inspiration though, because there's no way I was ever going to remember everybody's names :)
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I agree it isn't the easiest of sites to negotiate when it comes to following comments. It is nice to get "likes" and find at one time that your comment is amongst the most likes. ;D ;D
Good to get full markss on the quiz first time, but not difficult for anyone here as it deals we stuff we are always mentioning. ;) ;)
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Compare the comments on this course where people are being courteous, helpful and supportive to the comments sections on online newspapers where people are often rude and abusive. So refreshing!
William
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I must admit as well, that people on this course do seem friendlier than on some of the other courses I've done. Occasionally on those you get "know it alls." On one course I did there were a group of people who knew each other from other courses and ganged up on people, making disparaging remarks and veiled comments. They were reported to the Educators and some of the remarks were removed. I'm sure this course wont be like it.
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Just found this and jumped right in...thankee kindlye, Mysftrefse Grenesleves ;D
Got the logo...now, where's the t-shirt? ;D ;D ;D
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Thou getteth notte ye t-shirt untill thou haft finished ye courfe, Myftrefs Chyna ;D
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Verilye, I looke for-warde to yt!
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Signed up earlier in the week, but just started this afternoon. Done 10 of week 1 so far, so still a way to go.
I was under my own name, but now changed it to Jeanne Jaybelnz and added the Rootschat Logo!
Having a bit of difficulty navigating the discussions etc, haven't even found a familiar name yet, there are so many, but I might have another go at that tonight, after some brain food and before I tackle the rest.
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Have changed my profile picture to Trystan's logo, and changed my name to Spidermonkey Rootschat - don't mind changing it back to my real name, but thought it would be easier to 'know' me using my RC name.
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I have also changed my profile to Sue 3sillydogs and the Rootschat logo. ;) :D
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Isn't it funny how some people with non gender specific names on RC...
Turn out to be the opposite gender to where you had placed them mentally (off here)!! (But perhaps that's just me:-)
Romilly. :)
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Not just you ;D I thought the same
And some names that you think are gender specific, they turn out to be the opposite as well - possibly have used the name of an ancestor they're searching for as their screen name
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Not just you ;D I thought the same
And some names that you think are gender specific, they turn out to be the opposite as well - possibly have used the name of an ancestor they're searching for as their screen name
That's what I've done - Groom is the name of my great x 3 grandparents. I got caught by surprise when I joined RC and was asked for a user name. That was the branch I was working on at the time and so I used that. ;D
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Not just you ;D I thought the same
And some names that you think are gender specific, they turn out to be the opposite as well - possibly have used the name of an ancestor they're searching for as their screen name
That's what I've done - Groom is the name of my great x 3 grandparents. I got caught by surprise when I joined RC and was asked for a user name. That was the branch I was working on at the time and so I used that. ;D
Oh... and I thought you were a (male) equine specialist!
Romilly ;D
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I'm getting a bit lost already.
When I see that there are thousands of replies on a 'discussion' topic, then read over most of the replies on the first page, note that most of them are saying the same thing, it doesn't seem worth continuing. (I am thinking specifically about the discussion 1.11 The Nature of Documentary Evidence").
Does anyone read them all? ::)
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I very much doubt that anyone reads them all Ruskie!
Except possibly the Forum Mod? (If they have them?)
Romilly.
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NO! I tend to read those of people I'm following, plus perhaps those most liked.
I think the difference between this course and others I've done is that the others were historical and dealt with facts etc. So the way people discussed them was different and answers gave links to articles etc. On this course people ( and I'm probably just as guilty) seem to just be giving examples from their own families. That may change as the course develops.
Another thing I've noticed, which is a shame, the Lead Educators don't appear to be contributing to the discussion. On the Hadrian's Wall course, they were always adding bits and correcting mistaken ideas etc.
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Another thing I've noticed, which is a shame, the Lead Educators don't appear to be contributing to the discussion.
I noticed that too, but I did start the course at 6.30 am GMT Monday morning when there weren't so many posts on the discussions. I saw one person thought that ages were rounded UP on the 1841 census, perhaps that's been corrected by now.
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I also noticed where someone said that witnesses on a marriage would be the bestman and bridesmaid or someone known to the couple. I pointed out that if you looked at Parish registers often the witnesses were the same on several marriages, so were probably just connected to the church.
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I also don't read all the posts, just the ones I'm following. You can filter it so you only see those responses. Perhaps as we go along the responses will get more specific.
I think most of us are familiar with the sections in this first week if you have been doing research for even a short time ;D
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Thanks everyone, now I feel OK that I've just skimmed over a couple and not bothered with the rest. It almost seems that any comments you do make, no matter how pertinent, will probably just be ignored. I've also noticed that people are citing examples in their own trees. :-\
Groom, if the lead educators do comment are their comments featured somewhere obvious or just mixed in with all the others?
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......Good to get full markss on the quiz first time, but not difficult for anyone here as it deals we stuff we are always mentioning. ;) ;)
Well much to my surprise, after having genealogy as a hobby for some 30 odd years, I didn't get full marks the first time on the quiz. Made me realize I approached the first week with a bit too much of an 'already know it all' attitude. That in itself was a good lesson to learn.
Going to have an attitude adjustment for the second week ;)
sami
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Groom, if the lead educators do comment are their comments featured somewhere obvious or just mixed in with all the others?
I'm following them, so any comments they make should show. They are just mixed in with all the others.
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The FL Site just crashed:-(
Annoying, - I had just composed a Post; which I imagine is now lost in the ether...
Romilly :(
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I love their page telling you "Something's not right" with the picture of the tortoise on its back. ;D ;D
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The FL Site just crashed:-(
Annoying, - I had just composed a Post; which I imagine is now lost in the ether...
Romilly :(
Must be all the Rootschatters ;D ;D ;D but their page is cute...........
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I've just dipped into the discussions so far, and most of the ones I read were from people commenting on their own experiences, so not much of a discussion there ::) I think the discussion topic(s) need to be a bit more structured and specific, especially as there are so many of us doing the course, and it would be helpful to have the tutors more involved, perhaps they are overwhelmed with the number of participants too? Good idea to follow them, I'll do that now, if I can get on the site.
I've had a few surprises with the gender of fellow RootsChatters too Romilly :o A lot of us do have non-gender specific user names, but I sometimes put 'Mand' at the end of my posts (short for Mandy and so I'm female :P)
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I've had a few surprises with the gender of fellow RootsChatters too Romilly :o A lot of us do have non-gender specific user names, but I sometimes put 'Mand' at the end of my posts (short for Mandy and so I'm female :P)
Snap... so am I ;D
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I think sometimes, even with non gender specific names, the avatar is a clue to gender. ;D ;D
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I think sometimes, even with non gender specific names, the avatar is a clue to gender. ;D ;D
Yes, mine, (currently) is a one-eyed female cat. (20 yrs old now!:-)
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I wonder if the people running this course are thinking they have bitten off more than they can chew.
To try and teach a course with students from all over the world a considerable number of whom appear to be complete beginners will I think be impossible.
How are they going to cover the fact that every country has it's own system, many countries having little online?
How are they going to explain things like privacy laws being different from country to country?
I think the fact that there are this week hundreds of posts about name changes I don't think bodes well.
I hope I am wrong but I do think there may be trouble ahead.
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Will be interesting. There have been learners from all over the world on the other courses, but as they have been dealing with one specific topic or time in history that hasn't mattered. As you say, this one has learners from probably all continents, each country having different laws and records. I think, as it is being run by a Scottish University, a lot of the records we see will be from Scotland, England and Wales. If learners have British ancestors that will be fine, but those without may be disappointed.
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It's a MOOC, the M stands for Massive. The course relies on peer interaction/learning, so they won't talk about privacy laws all over the world, but would talk about what privacy laws are and get students to talk about the specifics of their country's laws.
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It's a MOOC, the M stands for Massive. The course relies on peer interaction/learning, so they won't talk about privacy laws all over the world, but would talk about what privacy laws are and get students to talk about the specifics of their country's laws.
OK In theory that's a good idea but I honestly don't think a large number of the students are experienced enough to know about things such as privacy laws.
Also I think you have to be wary of relying on other students, what check is there that they are knowledgeable enough to advise more inexperienced students?
I will reserve final judgement until another couple of weeks have passed but I am nt convinced at the moment.
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Also I think you have to be wary of relying on other students, what check is there that they are knowledgeable enough to advise more inexperienced students?
Surely, to a certain extent that applies to any forum, even this one? I've seen some dodgy advice and information given here, but there are usually others that point out it is incorrect. I think the same thing will happen on that course once it settles down.
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Also I think you have to be wary of relying on other students, what check is there that they are knowledgeable enough to advise more inexperienced students?
Surely, to a certain extent that applies to any forum, even this one? I've seen some dodgy advice and information given here, but there are usually others that point out it is incorrect. I think the same thing will happen on that course once it settles down.
In my mind the difference is that this forum isn't run by a university.
Being run by a university I worry that people may think they are being advised by the university not by people who know, well there is no knowing what they know.
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Also I think you have to be wary of relying on other students, what check is there that they are knowledgeable enough to advise more inexperienced students?
Surely, to a certain extent that applies to any forum, even this one? I've seen some dodgy advice and information given here, but there are usually others that point out it is incorrect. I think the same thing will happen on that course once it settles down.
In my mind the difference is that this forum isn't run by a university.
Being run by a university I worry that people may think they are being advised by the university not by people who know, well there is no knowing what they know.
There are educators and mentors who will look at posts, so misconceptions should be picked up, but it is about students sharing experiences with educators giving starter topics.
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The FL Site just crashed:-(
Annoying, - I had just composed a Post; which I imagine is now lost in the ether...
Romilly :(
I have done on line courses before and learnt the hard way that it's good to type your post in a word document and then copy /paste into the forum. Doesn't matter so much if it's only a few words, but certainly frustrating to lose something important or well thought out :)
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Also I think you have to be wary of relying on other students, what check is there that they are knowledgeable enough to advise more inexperienced students?
Surely, to a certain extent that applies to any forum, even this one? I've seen some dodgy advice and information given here, but there are usually others that point out it is incorrect. I think the same thing will happen on that course once it settles down.
In my mind the difference is that this forum isn't run by a university.
Being run by a university I worry that people may think they are being advised by the university not by people who know, well there is no knowing what they know.
There are educators and mentors who will look at posts, so misconceptions should be picked up, but it is about students sharing experiences with educators giving starter topics.
I do hope the educators pick up on misconceptions, time will tell, and as I have said before I worry that a large proportion of the students don't have enough experiences to be of any use.
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I think one of the problems for this course is the sheer number of participants. Reading all the comments becomes a chore (even if you are looking for the RC logo) Some comments may be helpful, some misleading. Stick with the information given by the course material if you are not sure, but on the other hand don't hang back from giving help based on your own experience.
And thanks, Trystan, for the logo and instructions. It was a bit of a struggle but I finally achieved it.
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Gill,
My instructions weren't the best really, so I'm sorry if it was a bit tricky. :)
Trystan
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I think one of the problems for this course is the sheer number of participants. Reading all the comments becomes a chore (even if you are looking for the RC logo) Some comments may be helpful, some misleading. Stick with the information given by the course material if you are not sure, but on the other hand don't hang back from giving help based on your own experience.
And thanks, Trystan, for the logo and instructions. It was a bit of a struggle but I finally achieved it.
Gillg I agree, I think they are overwhelmed with the number of students, but as people had registered in advance the numbers were there and they should have realised what the possible problems would be.
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All of the MOOC courses are like that though, with thousands of people taking part. As I said earlier, I think the main difference is that people are relating their own experiences, whereas on some of the courses such as Hadrian's Wall or Richard III you can't do that!
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Isn't it funny how some people with non gender specific names on RC...
Turn out to be the opposite gender to where you had placed them mentally (off here)!! (But perhaps that's just me:-)
Romilly. :)
Lol, I'm curious to know now whether I appear male or female!
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Groom, if the lead educators do comment are their comments featured somewhere obvious or just mixed in with all the others?
I'm following them, so any comments they make should show. They are just mixed in with all the others.
Thanks groom. I'm following them too but haven't received any notifications of any comments.
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I think numbers will dwindle as the weeks pass, in fact I will be interested to know how many sign up and how many complete the course.
I read some of the introductory comments and think some of them might be expecting too much regarding breaking down brick walls, which seems to be the reason lots of people have joined the course. Time will tell.
Regarding the 'discussions' - they are really just personal comments/opinions, however in asking questions like "what would you most like to see online" you are generally going to get the same handful of personal responses rather than any discussion or debate ...
I thought I had completed all the reading exercises for this week, but I can't see the quiz some of you mentioned. Sorry to be a pest, but can someone please point me in the right direction? Thanks. :-[
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Isn't it funny how some people with non gender specific names on RC...
Turn out to be the opposite gender to where you had placed them mentally (off here)!! (But perhaps that's just me:-)
Romilly. :)
Lol, I'm curious to know now whether I appear male or female!
You are a girl Spidermonkey. ;)
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I thought I had completed all the reading exercises for this week, but I can't see the quiz some of you mentioned. Sorry to be a pest, but can someone please point me in the right direction? Thanks
It's at 1:19
I knew Spidermonkey was female as I cheated and looked at her profile on here. ;D ;D
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Isn't it funny how some people with non gender specific names on RC...
Turn out to be the opposite gender to where you had placed them mentally (off here)!! (But perhaps that's just me:-)
Romilly. :)
Lol, I'm curious to know now whether I appear male or female!
You are a girl Spidermonkey. ;)
Oh good! When coming up with a username, I didn't consider whether it was gender neutral - I was following the rule of the General Teaching Council that I wasn't to bring the profession into disrepute ::) so needed to hide my real name (cos you lot are such a corrupting influence!!!)
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Opps I have forgotten my user name so will have to ask for it.
Have had so many appointments that I have not commenced yet, will have to start this w/e.
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Yes, - where is the Quiz? I must have missed it...
Spidermonkey, - I guessed right!
Romilly :)
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Yes, - where is the Quiz? I must have missed it...
Spidermonkey, - I guessed right!
Romilly :)
1:19 ;D ;D
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1:19 - Thanks groom. :)
Maybe I should have scrolled to the bottom of the page. :-[
Added: I completed the quiz - I was expecting many more questions ..... bit disappointed there were so few.
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1:19 - Thanks groom. :)
Maybe I should have scrolled to the bottom of the page. :-[
Added: I completed the quiz - I was expecting many more questions ..... bit disappointed there were so few.
It's more to see that you have read and understood the text, rather than a test :)
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Yes, that was a quiz rather than a test, that may come later. In the quiz you can have as many goes as you like and it doesn't count towards your final score. If there are tests you only have 3 goes at each answer and get 3 points for getting it right first time, 2 for second and 1 for third.
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Yes, - where is the Quiz? I must have missed it...
Spidermonkey, - I guessed right!
Romilly :)
1:19 ;D ;D
Many thanks, - I must have whizzed past it without noticing!
Romilly :)
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When you get to the end it shows if you have missed something. I thought I had finished the week but it showed I still had 3 to go. When I checked back it was the first 3 introductions and I had not realised I had to tick them before moving on to the next.
Rosie
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Thanks again for the explanation groom. :)
I thought I had finished the week too Rosie but hadn't clicked on the big dot to say I had completed each section.
I haven't been able to help myself and I'm afraid I have commented on a few people's posts, and then they comment back so there are a few new comments to read every time I go online - and there have been a number of 'likes' too. I can imagine it could get a bit overwhelming.
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I've found the first week quite basic with practically nothing to learn and the number of comments so overwhelming (too many to read!) that I haven't made one myself (nothing useful to add!). Maybe as the course progresses I'll find there's something I can speak up about and not be a silent witness :)
I know I'm rubbish about writing up sources and one thing I would like to know is how you document censuses etc you've found online. I just put which site I found them on as I'm never likely to need anything else being an armchair searcher but I've seen people citing the actual reference no, piece no, folio, page which I'm sure you're supposed to do. What do you lot do?
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I am keeping quiet on there for the moment. ;D
I do look at some of the posts by rootschatters that I am following, it is quite easier to separate those from the rest. I must follow the tutors though. ::)
Sustev - I was also rubbish at recording sources though initially my research was all done from PR's at the local familyhistory centre. Census I always put the reference and town as it is the easiest way to find it again
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When you get to the end it shows if you have missed something. I thought I had finished the week but it showed I still had 3 to go. When I checked back it was the first 3 introductions and I had not realised I had to tick them before moving on to the next.
Rosie
Glad I'm not the only one then, I did that with the first 4 probably just thinking that it was part of intro. and not really noticing those big pink buttons! ... realised though once I'd got to 1.11
I am keeping quiet on there for the moment. ;D
Me too for now ;) ... and haven't updated my profile yet either, using own name though.
Groom, if the lead educators do comment are their comments featured somewhere obvious or just mixed in with all the others?
I'm following them, so any comments they make should show. They are just mixed in with all the others.
Thanks groom. I'm following them too but haven't received any notifications of any comments.
I did same at the beginning, other than that decided not to try following anyone else as I could see how many participants and comments there were and way too many to keep up with.
With 1.11, instead of a requested comment, I just scrolled down to the nearest one that reflected my thoughts at that moment and liked it and moved on. Have only been looking in on short bursts really and fitting in with other activities, will see how it goes over the weeks.
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Ooops, that was rather too long a post, as if you don't already have enough to read :P ... but should have made it 2 with all that quoting!
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I'm thinking many people on the course have not read the course introduction:
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/genealogy/1
"This free online course will help you develop an understanding of the basic genealogy techniques and how to communicate your family history. We will consider how to effectively find and analyse sources and explore the potential of DNA testing as applied to genealogy. We’ll help you add historical context to your family history and discuss how to record and communicate research findings in a clear fashion."....
I've signed up for the bits in bold and although I don't think I'd ever use it I'd like to know about the potential of DNA testing.
Jen
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Thanks Rosie. I'm sure it's what suits you best but I bet Tahitia would say there is a proper way to do it!
Sorry my broadband connection is pathetic at the moment. Have tried several times to send this :-[
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Thanks Rosie. I'm sure it's what suits you best but I bet Tahitia would say there is a proper way to do it!
How do you record them :-\
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So far, I've only done the first half of week 1 as I've been spending time (having fun :) ) using a trial version of Family Historian 6. I'm afraid that i won't be reading the huge amount of comments (only from those I'm following), but hope to get more into the course as it goes along.
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So far, I've only done the first half of week 1 as I've been spending time (having fun :) ) using a trial version of Family Historian 6.
That must be a challenge if Version 4 is anything to go by. ;D
I think you could easily complete Week 1 of the course in a very short time. There are only about three new terms I need to remember a-n-d .... I've forgotten them already. ;D
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.... I've forgotten them already. ;D
And if you know the difference do you need to know the names they are using anyway ;D ;D
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.... I've forgotten them already. ;D
And if you know the difference do you need to know the names they are using anyway ;D ;D
Nah. ;)
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Rosie - I just write down the site I got them from - Anc*y or FindMyPast or FreeR. It's then just a question of typing names into a box and hey presto there they are! I think proper genealogists would frown on that though. Should I be more professional?
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Rosie - I just write down the site I got them from - Anc*y or FindMyPast or FreeR. It's then just a question of typing names into a box and hey presto there they are! I think proper genealogists would frown on that though. Should I be more professional?
I write down references - just so that I can find them on any website in the future!
With census records, that's Class, Piece No., Folio, (Book if it's the 1841 census), and Page no.
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So far, I've only done the first half of week 1 as I've been spending time (having fun :) ) using a trial version of Family Historian 6.
That must be a challenge if Version 4 is anything to go by. ;D
Well my ancestry tree (5000+ people) transferred happily and i've been trying out the reports and books, and tree design. Have looked through a lot of the tutorials and videos and like the way Ancestral Sources works so have decided to go with it ;D
Currently tempted to start again, tidy up as i go and add all the certs and census records.
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Well I can't put any (Paternal side) Tree onto paper, - because I still can't find my Wilson Grandfather:-(((
It's very downheartening.
Romilly.
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Rosie - I just write down the site I got them from - Anc*y or FindMyPast or FreeR. It's then just a question of typing names into a box and hey presto there they are! I think proper genealogists would frown on that though. Should I be more professional?
I write down references - just so that I can find them on any website in the future!
With census records, that's Class, Piece No., Folio, (Book if it's the 1841 census), and Page no.
Yes thank you. That's the way it should be done but isn't it easier to just type in the info into the boxes? That way you usually get referred to other linking censuses and bmds. In other words, do we still really need the references?
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Easier for who :-\ ;D
Using the reference is more accurate and universal. I sometimes wish that when people post on here that they have Joe Bloggs living in London they would post the reference as it often takes a while to find who they are referring to.
It is however up to each of us to do as we like with our trees and not do as others think we ought to. ;D
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Hmm. I get your point but I don't think there is much opportunity for using the references when inputting details into searches on Ancestry or FindMyPast is there? I mean where are the boxes? They may be there but they're not obvious to me.
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I used to know where they were on Ancestry on the old search but I haven't found them since it was changed.
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1841 Ancestry - it is there on the other years too
http://search.ancestry.co.uk/search/db.aspx?dbid=8978
1841 FindMyPast -also on other years
http://search.findmypast.co.uk/search-world-Records/1841-england-wales-and-scotland-census
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Ah thank you. I wondered where they were.
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Rosie - I just write down the site I got them from - Anc*y or FindMyPast or FreeR. It's then just a question of typing names into a box and hey presto there they are! I think proper genealogists would frown on that though. Should I be more professional?
I do the same as you sustev, hoping this course will make me more organised :)
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Yes purplekat. I'm too eager to write down my findings. Hopefully this course should sort me out!!
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Yes purplekat. I'm too eager to write down my findings. Hopefully this course should sort me out!!
We should let each other know how it worked out at the end of the course :)
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I'm not very organised when noting sources either :P so I'm hoping that whatever is recommended on this course will encourage me to stick with that and be more disciplined ::)
I know that for most of the sources it's only me that needs to know most of the time, so I suppose I can please myself how I do it, but I do like to do things 'properly' if I can ;)
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Well there's properly and properly...
Think I saw that one of the recommended books was Helen Osborn's. She gives examples of 3 levels of recommended standard citations. If there was a law enacted that the most rigorous had to be used, then I think this would soon be a less popular hobby!
The lesser levels don't require too much extra work, though, and, as has been said earlier, would be useful if you ever needed to explain where you got a piece of information when posting on here
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I gave up on the 'Live Google Hangout', - the sound kept breaking up, - too difficult to follow.
Romilly:-(
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Well, I've just been trying to listen to the Google hangout and it is dire! It buffers, freezes and the sound isn't in synch with the picture. I pity anyone from outside the UK who stayed up or got up early. I checked into FL in case it was me doing something wrong, but everyone is saying the same.
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Pretty awful wasn't it? I also felt she didn't quite know her stuff either too many ums and ahs.
Linda
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Pretty awful wasn't it? I also felt she didn't quite know her stuff either too many ums and ahs.
Linda
I agree with that as well, a lot of silences while she looked at her notes.
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It was awful, we have fast broadband and even after adjusting the cog thingy to lower the quality it didn't improve much. It was better on You Tube but not much. Wonder if it will be any better watching it delayed.
Agree, it did seem as if she was unprepared or didn't know her stuff all the ums and ahs were distracting.
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Obviously the sound quality wasn't her fault and I hope they get it sorted before the next one in a couple of weeks. However, for someone who is an experienced lecturer, the presentation was poor.
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I gave up too, but I'm in the US and wasn't surprised at the sound quality. But I am surprised that it was no better for the UK :P
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I gave up too, but I'm in the US and wasn't surprised at the sound quality. But I am surprised that it was no better for the UK :P
I think it was a worldwide problem no matter where you were. We have very fast broadband and it was still bad. :-\
Just had a listen to the uploaded one on YouTube and it's better than the live one. Here is the link if anyone wants to have a relisten/watch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-3F-J2igtc
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I can't get the Youtube to open, it just says it will be starting shortly.
Added: Got it, it doesn't start until about 3 minutes in.
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Sorry, life's too short to waste time trying to follow that, hopefully they will issue a transcript.
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Oops...Groom I was about to give you a LIKE!
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Oops...Groom I was about to give you a LIKE!
But in Groom's defence it is rather difficult to follow with the sound as it is :-\ ;D
Ah well and so week 1 of our course ends. Let's see what next week has in store for us ;) ;D
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It's a shame as the end bit, where the person from the university thanked people for taking part, was really clear.
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Groom, I was about to give you a 'like' as you do on the course but remembered you can't - that was my oops moment ;D
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Groom, I was about to give you a 'like' as you do on the course but remembered you can't - that was my oops moment ;D
I guessed that's what you meant. ;) We need a like smilie on here, a thumbs up don't we?
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I've done quite a few other Future Learn Courses, which have had Live Google Hangouts, and this is the only one which has been problematic... The problems must have been with Strathclyde, - but fingers crossed that they will have ironed out the issues before another one takes place.
Romilly.
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Thumbs up on iPad 👍👍👍. That's for everyone who's doing the course!
I haven't seen the You Tube thingie yet.
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Rosie - I just write down the site I got them from - Anc*y or FindMyPast or FreeR. It's then just a question of typing names into a box and hey presto there they are! I think proper genealogists would frown on that though. Should I be more professional?
tl;dr Life's too short to develop an anxiety complex over a source citation. :P
I basically work from Elizabeth Shown Mills' Evidence Explained but to tell you the truth, I'm not that strict at following the templates. I just adapt stuff so it makes sense to me and add enough that I can find the original source again. I'll usually make a note identifying whether it is just an index/database entry, transcription and/or whether it includes the original image. I also know that 20 years from now, the same sources/repositories/databases etc may no longer exist (such as findmypast or FreeBMD) so it is good to know where & when you found information.
I don't like to make things too difficult for myself so just copy a previous source citation and change the details. As a lot of information comes from the same sources (parish records, census, FreeBMD etc) this makes it pretty easy and just takes seconds. If the site I download from provides citations, I just use theirs and tweak a bit, if I think it is necessary (but usually don't as I'm lazy). ;)
When it comes right down to it, I want to have fun with my research and don't want to be weighed down. However, I know that citations are important to support and validate your research. So I do just enough that it doesn't become a burden and a joykiller. ;D
I'm curious. What does everyone else do? For e.g., Use the templates in your FH program, metadata in digital files, handwritten on back of hardcopies, notebooks or spreadsheets, bits of paper? Do you follow a particular format or just wing it?
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So, for example, for the 1871 UK census I have:
"1871 England Census," database and image, findmypast.com.au (http://www.findmypast.com.au : accessed 28 February 2016), entry for James Smith (age 45) & family, Bury St Pauls, Bury, Lancashire; citing PRO RG 10/3958, folio 40, p. 5; Bury registration district, Bury subdistrict, household 27.
For FreeBMD:
"England & Wales, FreeBMD Index: 1837 - 1983," database, FreeBMD (http://www.freebmd.org.uk/cgi/search.pl : accessed 29 February 2016), birth entry for Nancy Diggle; citing September [quarter] 1844, Bury, vol. 21, p. 273.
Online Parish Clerks:
"Baptism records for St Mary the Virgin, Bury, Lancashire, England," transcriptions, Online Parish Clerks for the County of Lancashire (http://www.lan-opc.org.uk : accessed 28 February 2016), entry for Richard Diggle baptised 4 May 1804; citing "LDS Film 559157, Register: Baptisms 1799-1808, Page 72, Entry 6."
For Family Search or Trove:
I just use their citations & add bits for clarification if necessary.
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Yes, that was what I was referring to when I said it would do my nut
Mine would be
1871 Census
Census 1871 Hayes, Middlesex, England RG10/1311/60/20 GOODALL, John Repository: Ancestry
BMD
BirthRegisterYeovil1861Q4WalterJuke Repository: GRO
Reference : 5c 483
Online Parish Registers
Baptism Welshpool, Montgomeryshire, Wales 7 MAY 1859 William Evan Breeze
Reference 2171
Repository FindMyPast
Family Search
BaptismRecordHayes1815HenryWhiffen
Reference 992523
Repository: Family Search
TroveMelbourne1862CalebBooth
Reference: Melbourne Argus 23/8/1860
Repository: Trove
The first and third is mainly generated by the data entry into the FH software itself
The others are where I have to do my own :)
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I'm with StevieSteve on simplicity. If I have an image I will just note where I got it from (most have a ref attached anyway) otherwise just a simple note saying where I found it. I use the tree programme on my pc and attach information to each person with a simple notation.
That being said, I do like to keep "hard copies" and have a file of information kept on templates downloaded along with copies of any images I may have (in case of pc failure even though I have backup)
It's supposed to be fun so don't want to get too bogged down with "proper" ways of doing things. To each his own I say, whatever works for you is the right way ;D ;D
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Just to say that the Welcome to the Course article 1:1 has been updated with a more detailed summary of what is going to be covered in the remaining weeks.
William
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Just to say that the Welcome to the Course article 1:1 has been updated with a more detailed summary of what is going to be covered in the remaining weeks.
William
I think from reading some of the comments on there and on FB, quite a few people went into the course thinking it would help them break down individual brick walls. I can't see how such a course can do that, all it can do is show different records etc. Even then, people who are researching from countries such as India are going to be disappointed.
It would be interesting to know what the drop out rate is.
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I wonder if anyone could recommend a few threads that illustrate how brick walls have been knocked down here at Rootschat. It would be useful to illustrate how Rootschat operates given I'm plugging it shamelessly ;D
Jen
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Any course will have a drop out rate. Having read a large number of the comments I prefer to look at the positives. All I can see is great enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. That so many people in this first week, those new to the subject and those more experienced, have realised that it is crucial to look at sources in a critical fashion has to be a good thing.
Jen keep up the good work!
William
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I wonder if anyone could recommend a few threads that illustrate how brick walls have been knocked down here at Rootschat. It would be useful to illustrate how Rootschat operates given I'm plugging it shamelessly ;D
Jen
Jen Look at some of the Scavenger Hunts.
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=358572.0
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I think they will try to keep it as general as possible so that everyone no matter where you are can learn the techniques needed to accomplish what you are trying to. They obviously will have to use the UK versions of BMD's, but we all have them in one form or another. Each country's archives work differently but ultimately all have the same contents.....
I think what I want is a more structured technique and how to put it all together once I have found it. ;D
But there will obviously be folk who along the way decide that it is not for them or what they wanted from the course. :-\
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Just to say that the Welcome to the Course article 1:1 has been updated with a more detailed summary of what is going to be covered in the remaining weeks.
William
I think from reading some of the comments on there and on FB, quite a few people went into the course thinking it would help them break down individual brick walls. I can't see how such a course can do that, all it can do is show different records etc. Even then, people who are researching from countries such as India are going to be disappointed.
It would be interesting to know what the drop out rate is.
I wondered the same. I think some people may be expecting too much, or maybe this is their last desperate try to find whoever they are looking for. I think as each of these will present a specific challenge there is no way the course can help out with them all .... :-\
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Well week one certainly given me food for thought, and reviewing some of my earlier research has highlighted several things that I should have noticed then… Which is a good thing as this may be the snippet of information etc that will help to break one of my brick walls!
When I started to researching my hubby’s family 6 years ago, I didn’t quite envisage what it would entail, I now realise that I sooo need to finally turn my spare room into a working study/office… And become much more organised in all aspects, such has filling documents into order, sorting out my family tree on my computer, so I’ve have noted all the various sources and citations.
Not sure what I expected from the course, I do hope that it will help me pull my work together in a much clearer manner, but if at the end of the day it only gives me the ability to look at any document/source with enquiring mind then for me that will be a good thing…
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I started the course after doing another one last year, very interesting look forward to next week .
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Thanks for sharing your referencing techniques.
Looking at the summary in 1:1 I think weeks 2 and 6 will be most interesting but I'm sure I'll learn plenty from the other weeks.
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Well folks, the little grey cells held out to the end of week one. Haven't had time to join in the discussions (not really my thing). Interesting bits though.
My dearly beloved OH was rushed to hospital this morning with sepsis. Hospital done the trick and he is now on a ward hopefully recovering quickly.
Aquilegia18
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That sounds nasty, Aquilegia, hope he gets better quickly.
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Thank you for your kind reply Groom- very much appreciated.
Hopefully, his recovery will be swift now that he is on a ward.
Aquilegia18
By the way, I used Deirdre's RC logo on my profile on FL. Thanks D.
Where are all the other RChatters? and where can I find the recommended reading list please?
Until OH became very ill I was over the moon at completing week one AND getting every question on the quiz correct the first time round!!!!!!!!!!!! Doesn't take much to please me nowadays.
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Chin up Aquilega, I hope OH has a swift recovery.
Linda
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Many thanks for your kind remarks Linda. Love the cat photo.
Just had a "cremated" jacket potato for my tea!!! Forgot to put the timer on the oven.
Aquilegia18
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Where are all the other RChatters? and where can I find the recommended reading list please?
If you find one of us on there by looking for Deirdre's logo or the one Trystan made, then see who we are following, you should be able to find quite a few.
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Thank you Groom - will have a go. Have never spent so much time on my computer in one evening. Feeling lost here on my own and trying to divert my mind from constantly worrying about my dear OH
Must switch off now and get some work done.
Aquilegia18
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Hi Everyone,
I heard of this offer through rootschat, joined and sped through the first week, enjoying Q&A immensely.
Then came the Google hangout to discuss the course. Firstly I had to join google plus which was a trial in itself and then when I finally got going on it, there was no legible sound...cutting in and out, and the picture was pixilating badly.
I know I'm a long way away in Aus but I couldn't sit through it.
Has anyone else had problems?
Cheers,
Chris
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Hi Chris
I've merged your topic so that someone on the course might be able to help further
Dawn
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Hi Chris - if you read through this thread or look at section 1:18 on the course, you'll see that everyone, no matter where they were, had the same problems with sound etc and most of us gave up.
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Hi Everyone,
I heard of this offer through rootschat, joined and sped through the first week, enjoying Q&A immensely.
Then came the Google hangout to discuss the course. Firstly I had to join google plus which was a trial in itself and then when I finally got going on it, there was no legible sound...cutting in and out, and the picture was pixilating badly.
I know I'm a long way away in Aus but I couldn't sit through it.
Has anyone else had problems?
Cheers,
Chris
You can also watch it through YouTube - although that version was also a bit garbled.
sami
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I've started a new thread for week two
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=744400.0