TGIF – It’s Back To School Daze

As the week winds down, we wind down with some tidbits for your information, education, health, and enjoyment.

Quote of the Week: “You don’t need fancy highbrow traditions or money to really learn. You just need people with the desire to better themselves.”  Unknown

Humor Break:

Al: These kids today have it made.  When I went to school I had to walk 5 miles … uphill … both ways.

Bev: Al, you lived across the street from the school.

Al: Yeah, well I walked the long way.

Stat of the Week: 121.  That’s the number of courses offered by new website Coursera (also see Wednesday’s post).  Coursera offers us a first glimpse of online learning 2.0.  The upside: These university level courses are taught by some of the finest professors in the world from (currently) 19 of the best universities around the world; it is all online; and it is FREE.  More upside: It makes world-class learning available to anyone with access to a computer; it holds the potential of lowering educational costs at on-site institutions.  The downside: It doesn’t substitute for courses requiring face-to-face interactions; there is no interaction with the professor; and there is no degree awarded.  But if it is LEARNING you are after, it can be very rewarding.  I am following my own advice and have enrolled in three classes.  I will report on the process in coming Fridays.

Action Tip: Please take time to watch this TED Talk video to learn about the education of the future.  You will feel both good and amazed.  Promise.

Check It Out: I have already signed up for my first course.  Check it out and if you decide to take the course let me know.  I would love to know someone in my class!

Bill Bradley

Bill Bradley (mostly) retired after 35 years in organizational consulting, training and management development. During those years he worked internally with seven organizations and trained and consulted externally with more than 90 large and small businesses, government agencies, hospitals and schools.