online learning for seniors
Online learning had its origins with correspondence education. Read about the history of online learning in Canada. Check out the CALL programs that are offered using Zoom.
“The world is a university and everyone in it is a teacher. Make sure when you wake up in the morning, you go to school.” — T. D. Jakes
History of Online Learning in Canada
Online learning had its origins with "correspondence education" which began in 1889 in Canada with the Canadian Encyclopedia correspondence courses. These were not online but provided through print materials. Initially developed for rural teachers, they expanded to include education programs for children and adults.
In 1919, the B. C. Elementary Correspondence School offered printed courses to students living in rural areas.
By the 1940's print materials were augmented by delivery of information via radio. By the 1960s, students were purchasing audiotaped lectures to augment print courses.
"When I was in high school I had an extended illness that prevented me from attending classes. I was very grateful when we found correspondence courses that I could take. This allowed me to graduate on time." Maureen Osis
What is "Correspondence Education?"
EduBizHub describes correspondence education as:
... a form of distance education where all the coursework and communication between the student and the institution is carried out via mail. The student does not physically attend classes. All study materials, assignments and exams are sent to them.
The first correspondence or 'distance' education course in the modern sense was provided by Sir Isaac Pitman. Pitman was an English publisher and teacher of the English language. He is best known for his development of a system of shorthand.
In the 1840s, he taught his system of shorthand by mailing texts transcribed into shorthand on postcards and receiving transcriptions from his students in return for correction. This was made possible because of the introduction of uniform postage rates across Britain.
The development of the internet provided a new method for education at a distance. Initially met with some skepticism, online degrees from accredited institutions were slowly accepted by the public and employers.
Here in Alberta, Athabasca University, founded in 1970, was the first Canadian university to specialize in distance education.
CALL Online
During the pandemic, Calgary Association of Lifelong Learners, CALL, moved many of its programs online using Zoom. The organization quickly developed a Zoom team for technical support. Zoom was chosen because it was easy to learn to use, provided high-quality audio and video and would run on various devices.
Do Seniors Like Online Programs?
“As we get older, we may not be able to be as independent as we once were for instance, driving, shopping, going to movies, theatre, seeing friends, but having online learning we will be able to continue being active and learning new ways to keep a healthy brain."
F. age 81. Quoted in: "Generations. American Society on Aging. Online Learning - An Important New Component for Older Adult Well-Being and Quality of Life.
In a survey of its members, CALL asked about using Zoom for program delivery. In general, the responses were very evenly distributed.
Pie Chart showing results of preference for program delivery. Used with permission.
CALl has two main types of programming: monthly Speaker Events and regular Interest Group meetings. The results were different for each type of program.
For Speaker Events, 35% of respondents indicated they preferred these sessions to be on ZOOM. Almost the same percentage (37%) preferred to attend Speaker Events in-person with 28% indicating they had no preference.
For small Interest Group meetings, the majority preferred to meet in-person. What emerged from the survey were the following recommendations.
- Alternating Zoom: ongoing programs alternate between in-person and Zoom. One month they meet in-person, the next they meet on Zoom.
- Seasonal Zoom: the program meets in person during the fall and spring but moves to Zoom during the winter months; accommodates those who travel and removes concerns about having to attend meetings in bad weather.
- Emergency Zoom: the program meets in-person but if there is a problem (e.g., weather, venue problems, high level of illness among members) the meeting can be converted to Zoom.
- Mostly Zoom: the group meets regularly on Zoom but on occasion meets in-person, so members can meet and socialize with others in the group.
In actual practice, some of CALL's Interest Groups and Speaker Events have remained online. Some meet regularly online with periodic opportunities for in-person gatherings.
CALL Online Programs
CALL members can enjoy many programs that are offered online. Some are small groups that use the Zoom meeting where everyone is on the screen and able to interact with each other. Other programs are delivered by webinar with opportunity for the participants to ask questions.
The programs are grouped together in areas of common interest. These areas are:
Activities & Brain Games
Arts & culture
current events
social sciences & philosophy/religion
written word
Activities & Brain Games
Stay physically active - stimulate your brain
Bridge Intermediate
This friendly bridge group has players at intermediate and advanced skill levels. Some participants meet in-person at cSPACE Marda Loop while others prefer to meet online using BridgeBase Online (BBO) and Zoom. People can play online or in-person depending on what is best for them in a given week.
Wednesday Improvers Bridge
Wednesday Morning Bridge (also known as Improvers Bridge) is a friendly group of intermediate bridge players working together to improve our game in a social online setting. All tables play the same hands so we can debrief together. After each 4 hands, we switch partners. Throughout the year we organize review sessions and play with pre-dealt hands to practice certain aspects of our game. You're welcome to play with us anytime to see how you like it or join us to watch and listen as a kibitzer.
This interest group uses BridgeBase Online (BBO) along with Zoom. New members with at least some bridge experience are welcome.
Arts & Culture
This area covers a variety of interest groups touching on "arts" in the broad sense: traditional visual arts; technology-supported media and performing arts.
CALL members enjoy sharing arts experiences with others through activities such as concerts, films, theatre or art exhibits.
CALL to the Cinema
A group of film lovers meet on the second and fourth Tuesdays online via Zoom to intensely discuss the best films currently showing in Calgary theatres. Discussion centres on both the literary aspects of film such as character, story, symbolism and theme as well as the cinematic elements of music, costume, lighting and camera work. The goal of the group discussion is to bring out subtleties that individual members might have missed.
Digital Photography
CALL Digital Photography is ideal for those CALL members who are interested in developing their photography skills. We focus on in-camera technique and software processing of digital images. We encourage artistic expression. Our meeting format is informal, and participation is open to all experience levels and digital camera formats.
During the Zoom meetings, group members have an opportunity to describe their images in detail, including why and how the images were taken. Other group members may offer their assessments and suggestions.
The group has many experienced photographers who are eager to share their expertise.
Current Issues
Discussion groups focused on a wide variety of topics including current events at the international, national or local level and/or personal experiences, challenges and concerns of the participants.
Alberta and Quebec: Two Solitudes or a Stronger Canada?
Quebec and Alberta probably do their 'things' more differently than any other pair of Canadian provinces. These contrasts can lead to engaging and stimulating discussion as well as enhanced understanding. Participants from the Calgary Association for Lifelong Learning (CALL) and from MCLL (McGill Community of Lifelong Learners) will compare their societies and look for alternative approaches to issues. Participants will be encouraged to research materials for discussion.
Current Events Discussion
"The group has been going for at least 10 years. It must be doing something right."
Participants discuss national, local and international current events. The group provides a place where people can explore ideas and express points of view in an educated and non-confrontational way.
The sessions are fun, and a great opportunity for some intellectual stimulation, together with socializing with interesting people from a variety of backgrounds.
The sessions are offered with Zoom and in-person at cSPACE Marda Loop.
Hags and Crones 2: A Conversation Group
Hags and Crones 2 is a women’s discussion group that meets on the third Tuesday of the month. We share our stories, experiences and opinions on a wide variety of topics. Our conversations range from current issues to personal concerns; from family to feminism, from activism to ageism. We are an open and welcoming group of peers where your voice will be heard and valued.
World Events Discussion Group
World Events Discussion Group focuses exclusively on international current events and related background issues. Members seek to broaden knowledge and understanding about all regions of the world in a friendly, informal atmosphere. The group is peer-led and each member agrees to present a topic related to a specific recent world event.
Recent topics have included: Climate change/crisis; Russian war against Ukraine; Ongoing world migrant and refugee crisis; Guatemalan election; US-China critical technology competition; Four-day work week; Israeli ultra-right government; Turmoil in Haiti; Risks and benefits of AI; BRICS importance and expansion; Race to find water on the moon.
Social Sciences & Philosophy/Religion
The core of CALL's Humanities programming, includes offerings as diverse as legal issues, human conflict, Alberta's elections, art history and groups on Islam and Buddhism.
Not So Common Law
This monthly interest group explores the historical and social background of some of the intriguing, interesting and important legal cases which have had lasting impact on our society and affect our lives today.
Each month the facilitator, retired lawyer Jim Conway, presents some of these famous and fascinating cases. The participants have lots of opportunity to ask questions. Legal issues and law cases are based on current events and participants' interests.
Written Word
A variety of interest groups that appeal to those who love reading, writing and performing.
Book Clubs Online
CALL has many popular book club Interest Groups. During the pandemic many of these moved online. Subsequently, some groups decided to remain online; they liked the format and the convenience. Read our May Blog Post "Seven Reasons to Join a Book Club" and download a list of all of the book clubs, held in-person and online.
Science and Environment
The Science and Environment Speaker Series runs from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month from October to June using the Zoom Webinar format. The on-line format allows large numbers of CALL members to participate and access to a wide range of speakers.
All participants can post questions for the speaker, which are addressed in a curated Q & A session at the end of each presentation.
Because of the online format, experts from across Canada can present. A quick look at the webpage shows the wide variety of topics presented in recent years.
Choosing Online Learning
Some people prefer to join in-person education for the direct contact. This might reflect their learning styles or their preference for face-to-face interaction.
Others appreciate some of the advantages of online learning: no concerns about driving, parking, or managing bad weather. They enjoy the value of satisfying the pursuit of their unique interests and interacting with others online.
About the Author
Maureen Osis
Maureen retired from her career -- first as a Gerontological Nurse and then a Marriage/Family Therapist in private practice working with mid-life and older adults. Maureen has published numerous articles and books, related to her professions. She is a member of CALL because she is passionate about learning. She is a volunteer with CALL, doing social media and the primary author of the blog, because she likes to face new challenges.
Learn more about membership in CALL.
Questions/Feedback? Please contact us.
blog@calgarylifelonglearners.ca
Follow us on Facebook
