Free Online Genealogy Course with FutureLearn

[groom]

What I like about these courses is that lectures have comment threads where students give opinions on.

I think that is one of the best things about the courses, the interaction and discussions with other learners. Those who are more experienced help others and people are not worried about asking questions. It is often the learners who give links to other sites, books etc that they have found interesting and useful.

[Greensleeves]

I too enjoy reading the comments of other students on these courses: a lot of people are incredibly knowledgeable and are happy share their thoughts/experiences/knowledge, which beautifully augments the course content.

I remember when we were doing the England in the Time of Richard III course with FL, I happened to discover that my ancestors came from a village in County Durham owned by Cecily Neville, Richard III's mother.  When Richard travelled to London to claim the throne, many of the men from the village accompanied him.  It was exciting enough for me to have discovered that, but even more so because of the timing, which meant  I was able to share something of relevance to the course with my fellow students.

That is in my opinion one of the strengths of these courses: it's not just the course content which is important but also the role played by the students.

[Gillg]

The  Future Learn MOOC courses are terrific.  I've done several and enjoyed them all, though I think you need to spend more time on them than they suggest (or is it just that my brain doesn't work a fast these days?).

Make sure that when you introduce yourself to others you mention RootsChat.  it looks as though there will be lots of us doing this.

[Greensleeves]

I agree about the amount of time, Gill - with all the courses I've done I have spent far more time than they estimate.  It could be that I read a discussion on the discussion thread and then have to go off and read up about it, and then there's another hour gone.  But as you say, the FutureLearn MOOC courses are terrific.

I've managed to identify some of the Rootschat crowd who have signed up for the course and have 'followed' them.  Plenty of time to ID all the others.  I just wish the course started sooner.  Am really looking forward to it.

[3sillydogs]

it does look as if we are going to be a  merry band doing this course and I myself can't wait from what has been said on this thread it looks as if it is going to be very informative and lots of fun.

[groom]

Make sure that when you introduce yourself to others you mention RootsChat.  it looks as though there will be lots of us doing this.

Gill, I'm following you now!

[Historycat]

I've signed up as well

[Greensleeves]

Great, Historycat!  Could you PM me with your 'real' name so we can find you!  Ah, not necessary, I've found you on there!

Regards
GS

[Historycat]

I see you have followed me as well! I have one of my U3A group joined up, I'll have to get her to introduce herself.  We appear to have quite a number of chatters on there