Other Learning Opportunities

U3A Online – a Virtual University of the Third Age   |   GEMS for Enquiring Minds   |   Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)

U3A Network Online Courses

From time to time U3A Network Victoria offers online courses that may be of interest to U3A Banyule members, some through other U3A groups.  Go to https://u3avictoria.org.au/online-courses to see what is available.  Search by category, e.g. computers, history, mindfulness, and register yourself to participate. This is an easy way to expand your access to a great range of U3A courses and you can attend from your own home.

U3A Online – a Virtual University of the Third Age

U3A Online is an independent and autonomous U3A, delivering online learning. To undertake a course with U3A Online you need to become a member of U3A Online, the cost is $30 per year. You can then enroll in as many courses as you wish as independent study, without further cost, throughout your membership period, which commences on the date you join.

All courses are run online only, to study you need a computer, tablet or other device with an internet connection.  Some courses run with a Course Leader (additional $5), others are self-paced for independent study. The courses are informal, there are no exams or assignments and no certificates issued. You can also participate in the social forums in the Members’ Lounge and other member-based online activities.

See www.u3aonline.org.au for further information.

GEMS for Enquiring Minds

GEMs is a free monthly email newsletter sent by U3A Online to any interested person in any country. You don't need to join U3A Online to receive GEMs.  Links to brief, readable research summaries, published in the last 30 days, that may help to improve your quality-of-life, such as  Research GEMs, Information GEMs,  Fun GEMs and Technical GEMs.  https://www.u3aonline.org.au/content/gems

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)

MOOCs are free university-level online courses offered by a wide range of universities around the world, including Harvard, Boston, Cambridge, Oxford, London School of Business and many Australian universities. Access to the online courses is facilitated by companies such, as Coursera and edX.

Once enrolled, you have free access to lectures, discussions and course materials. Some courses commence on a set date, some run on a regular basis, eg monthly, and others are flexible, self-paced and can be commenced any time. As a non-paying student, you do not have assessments. However, you can choose to complete assessment tasks (a small fee applies) and receive a certificate of completion if they are completed satisfactorily. 

There are more than 40 subject category areas and over 1700 courses starting in just one month!  A list of available courses can be viewed on https://www.mooc-list.com/ and you can register and enrol in courses, by linking to this website.