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| My students in a 2011 class. |
The new session begins Jan. 24, and continues for
six consecutive Fridays. Registration is Jan. 17, starting at 8 a.m. in the
Student Union East Conference Center on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors
will open at 7 a.m. The fee for Panama
City participants is $88, which includes four classes
on each of the six Fridays.
(Classes are also offered at the GCSC Port
St
“The goal of Education Encore is to provide a
learning environment that is fun, lively and offers diversity, insight and
wisdom — in which adults explore new ideas,” said Jim Barr, coordinator of
Education Partnerships. “If you have been to college, this is an opportunity to
re-live the college experience. If you have not attended college, this is an
opportunity to live the college experience. Just as exercising the body keeps
one physically fit, exercising the mind keeps one mentally fit.”
The program’s enrollment spiked in the spring session
of 2013 with a record 525 enrollees, Barr said.
Many of the courses evolved from suggestions by
students; each semester, GCSC surveys participants to learn what worked and
what should be added or changed next time. As a result, courses are diverse,
including bridge, digital image editing, drawing, farming, watercolor painting,
digital photography, jewelry, learning to use new tablet and laptop technology,
car maintenance, zumba, politics, religions, the Bill of Rights, ancient
histories, linguistics, financial planning, local marine biology, acrylics,
yoga, line dance, film discussion, conflict resolution, a capella harmony, tai
chi, storytelling, local history and many more.
Students can choose among 10 or more classes in each
of four 75-minute instructional periods. The schedule includes an hour-long
lunch brea k,
but even that can be educational.
“While eating lunch, (the students) have the
opportunity to participate in what we call ‘lunch-and-learn’ sessions,” Barr
told The News Herald. “They’re special programs for students during that hour
with speakers on specialized topics of interest to this age group.”
To browse the selection of classes offered, visit
GulfCoast.edu/EducationEncore; for more information call the Corporate College
Since 1991, Education Encore has offered non-credit enrichment
classes for adults under the motto, “No Stress! No Tests! No Grades! Just Fun!”
— although I have been known to send students home with homework.
Peace.
I will be teaching a class called "Writing/Life," which I'm really looking forward to. I generally teach a creative writing/short fiction course, but this time I'm making it personal. We'll still be crafting short stories, but we'll be talking about the bigger picture. Why we write. What it means in our lives.
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