Courses June 2023

[smallhobbit]

I've done my Open Learn courses from the Open University this time, but am continuing to learn all sorts of different things, which is good for the brain!

Railway History: The Rise of the Railway Station (University of Strathclyde)  A new course which looked at the history of the railway station from the point at which railways began carrying passengers and not just freight up to the early 1900s.  It was very interesting as it covered the buildings themselves, the people who worked there, the different facilities provided for passengers and also how the railway station featured in art and literature.  An excellent social history course.

Literature in the Digital Age (University of Basel)  Despite the broadness of the topic this was really looking at a much narrower reflection, with a lot of time being taken up with close reading (something I dislike) of a two line poem by Ezra Pound.  The main educator had a particular way of emphasising words, so that in the end I was reading the transcript of the videos and then watching them on mute.

Moons of Our Solar System (Open Learn)  I took this one because I quite like earning badges.  It was quite hard going, but at the same time it was interesting.  I was tempted to give up half way through, but scored well enough on the compulsory test that I kept going.  I doubt I shall do any more with it, but it definitely broadened my understanding and although I couldn't talk about the subject, if I hear anything about space exploration I do understand rather more.

Get ready for beginners' French (Open Learn)  Again a badged course, which was basically preparation for learning French.  I did A-level French a long time ago, and can manage some basic conversation, but it inspired me to spend the summer working through some more of their French courses.

Getting Started With French 1, 2 and 3 (Open Learn)  Three short courses, covering basic introductions, food likes and dislikes and directions.  All very good revision points and helpful since I should be in France for a couple of days in September.

Comments

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

I think the train one would be very interesting. Good luck with the French!

[smallhobbit]

The train one was definitely one I enjoyed. And thank you!

[sallymn]

Oh yay, go you! Studying is very rewarding for itself, isn't it?

[smallhobbit]

Thank you! Definitely - and it keeps my brain active and out of the tramlines.

[debriswoman]

Excellent:-)
I used duolingo prior to French and Spanish trip, but now get an email from a sad owl if I don’t keep up with daily practice…

[smallhobbit]

I used Duolingo for German in the past, but don't want to feel obliged to do it everyday or face the sad owl.

[rusty_armour]

You certainly take some interesting courses! The one on railway history sounds really interesting, though I think I'd also struggle with Moons of Our Solar System. I keep thinking that I should brush up on my appalling French -- if I ever find the time. I have a number of French Canadian students, so it would definitely be useful.

[smallhobbit]

The one on railways history was interesting, and the presenters did a really good job with it. I certainly don't remember the specifics of Moons, but as a general introduction I now have a better grasp of how they are so different.