Free Online Genealogy Course with FutureLearn (Week 3)

[groom]

You can catch up on Youtube.

[jaywit]

Just tried to watch it on You Tube


Err Hmmm  Err  Hmmm  I couldn't watch her live in the flesh I would scream.

[Gillg]

I've just received an email from Quizlet, an online set of exercises which were connected to at least two of the MOOC courses I did earlier on.  They were attached to the end of each section of these courses and consisted of several different kinds of mini-tests.  It didn't matter if you got the answers right, as you could have lots of tries till you did, and it wouldn't have made any difference to your "score" if you wanted to buy a certificate at the end, but at least it made you think and get a feeling of achievement if you did get them right. 

The email was simply informing me that they were now available as an app on smart phones or android.  I don't have either, and I'm sure we would have been informed if Strathclyde had organised some kind of extra test connected to this course.  The fact that their end of section quizzes were so feeble suggests that the topic would perhaps have been difficult to treat in this way. 

[groom]

A few of the courses I've done have had tests rather than quizzes. In those you get 3 tries, so 3 points if you get it right first time, 2 second time and 1 the third time. Then you get a percentage at the end of the test. They are usually harder as well.

[ThrelfallYorky]

I'd thought of trying this course, when it was mentioned ages back, but I have the quirk that if I start something I HAVE to finish it, trudging doggedly through even if I hate it - so I'm really glad I'd decided I hadn't the time to do it!
So I was interested to read through this thread.
Having read all these comments, doesn't it come back to - the best resource outside of magical access to tons of original records is the wonderful help, guidance and advice provided on here?
Also free, possibly repetition, largely relevant, often witty and entertaining, rarely hesitating, ummm'ing or err'ing.....

[Ruskie]

I managed to complete week three. Phew. I nearly gave it away.

Once again the comments about the course this week are SO amazingly positive. People who have been doing their trees for 30 years have learned so much this week. 

I think the only thing new to me were the Glasgow soldiers records mentioned early in the week. Interesting, but shame I have no Scottish ancestors.
(I have done a bit of research for friends and family who do though)
Oh, nearly forgot - I didn't know that Scottish censuses noted numbers of rooms with windows. Now that is interesting. 

I found most of the information given to be quite repetitive - lots of 'recaps'.

I am actually quite surprised at how little information they are giving - I think the limited time they have could have been much better spent.

Before signing up I thought we may have been given challenges or 'assignments' on which we would be assessed (obviously not possible with the huge numbers taking the course), and I expected to be given some research tasks.

Oh well. I shall plod on ................ 

[jennywren001]

I'm afraid I just had to correct the man who claimed the Scottish census was counting windows for tax purposes - he heard it from a tour guide apparently!

I'm thinking for next week there must be masses of threads on Rootschat that would help illustrate  ways to establish proof and evaluate evidence. Mind, it might help if they didn't come from me as I'm sure some folks must think I'm on commission!

Jen (Miller on Futurelearn)

[groom]

Just realised who you are Jen! You're doing a great job on there, keep it up. Perhaps we need to try and find some threads for next week, I'm sure between us we could do that.

.   Before signing up I thought we may have been given challenges or 'assignments' on which we would be assessed (obviously not possible with the huge numbers taking the course), and I expected to be given some research tasks.                     

I wondered that as well, perhaps not so much the assessing, but tasks designed to help you use different sites. They'd obviously have to just use the free sites and be available to everyone, but I'm sure it could have been done. The answers could then have been posted at the end of week 6.

[millymcb]

Well here is a reason to go visit Scotlands People Site..... they are giving away free credits again

http://www.scotlandnow.dailyrecord.co.uk/lifestyle/heritage/find-your-scottish-ancestors-free-7658198


I have not done any of the course this week... made the mistake of signing up for a wordpress webdesign course (not on Futurelearn) and it is so intense...  The amount of information and the speed the tutor is going is incredible! Is only for this week so will try to catch up on the geneAlogy then... Although I have also signed up for a Futurelearn journalism course and still havn't got through creative writing yet!

Milly (keeping busy!