With COVID-19 requiring physical distancing, self-isolation and remote learning, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, otherwise known as OLLI at UNL, has adapted the delivery of its educational programming for seniors to meet a changing environment. OLLI at UNL is an adult learning programs designed for people 50 years of age and older. OLLI offers non-credit courses with no tests or grades for the joy of learning because curiosity never retires. Seniors across Nebraska can now participate in OLLI courses and events.
Courses are being streamed live on the online platform Zoom and programming is available on demand. Registration for the winter term begins on Tuesday, January 12. Classes start on January 25 and run through March 6.
A mid-year new or renewing membership is $50 and is valid for the 2021 winter, spring and summer terms. A one-time class is $5 and a six-week course is $30. Over 45 hours of programming on demand is offered at a single cost of $30.
“The coronavirus pandemic has presented OLLI at UNL with challenges and new opportunities,” said Bob Michl, OLLI curriculum coordinator. “Virtual learning has been new to our OLLI members and to our staff,” said Michl. It took some adjustments to take OLLI programming online, but Michl said that he has been pleasantly surprised with how members have adapted.
“One of the more common stereotypes about older adults is that they do not want to learn to use technology,” said Michl. “Although some people still resist the idea of online learning, a larger percentage of older adults want to be engaged in online activities, especially during this pandemic situation,” Michl stated.
Going online has meant that OLLI has broadened its reach to a larger audience across the entire state. “The benefit of virtual learning is that anyone can take OLLI courses and attend events online whenever and wherever they live in the state,” Michl stated.
A Variety of Courses
A wide variety of courses on Zoom awaits OLLI members during Term 3. Among the 50 courses to be offered are:
- Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity/Expression, a look at the world of LGBTQA+;
- Equality Before the Law: Exploring Some of America’s Most Famous and Infamous Court Cases, an exploration of some of America’s most celebrated court cases;
- Black Women Journalists, a study of trailblazing journalists and their reporting efforts;
- How to Be an Anti-Racist and Anti-Exceptionalist, a long-overdue discussion at this critical time in our nation’s history;
- American Religious Liberties, different court cases that have considered ideas such as religious freedom and religious choice;
- Boosting Memory and Lowering Dementia Risk, how to protect your brain from memory loss and age-related mental decline;
- Promoting Health & Preventing Disease;
- American Harvest: God, Country and Farming in the Heartland, author Marie Mutsuki Mockett tells the story of her journey across the Midwest with a team of evangelical wheat harvesters
The 45 hours of programming on demand includes:
• All Shook Up: America in the 1950s
, a review of historical events such as the Cold War, the emergence of rock and roll, the early Civil Rights Movement and others events that made the 1950s such an influential period in our history;
• A Slice by Slice Exploration of the Human Brain, explores how the brain works
• How to Manage Money During the Coronavirus
• I Didn’t Know My iPhone Could Do That
• Virtual Tours
of Far Away Places
The OLLI Showcase
The OLLI Showcase videos are still available to watch for free online. The video highlights examples of OLLI courses.
"Fall Bulb Planting" (18 Minutes)
Sarah Browning, extension educator, Lancaster County Nebraska Extension
https://use.vg/0iapkv
"American Author Willa Cather" (21 Minutes)
Andrew Jewell, professor, UNL Libraries
https://use.vg/wa3bhV
"The First Amendment” (25 Minutes)
Charlyne Berens, professor emeritus, College of Journalism and Mass Communications, UNL
https://use.vg/kIrMJV
"A Universe from Nothing" (18 Minutes)
Skip Morris, retired science teacher
https://use.vg/85cC88
For More Information
Get more information, view a complete schedule of courses and register at https://olli.unl.edu
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The College of Education and Human Science supports the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at University of Nebraska-Lincoln (OLLI at UNL). OLLI at UNL is a member-driven organization committed to providing and promoting superior-quality, high-appeal learning experiences, events and travel opportunities designed for adults age 50 years and over who believe that "curiosity never retires."
More details at: https://olli.unl.edu/