Leaning into Learning: Expanding Your Mind

Local and Online Learning Opportunities for Seniors

 

Getting to retirement means finally having time to learn new things about the world or about yourself. Fortunately, you have a number of educational options available to you in the Utica, NY area. You’re only a few miles away from classes for advancing your knowledge and expanding your horizons. Moreover, because online learning has become a popular and convenient way to take a class, you aren’t limited to just what’s in the local area, but also what’s available across the world. 

 

Utica has Opportunities for Learning and Growing

 

Here in Utica there are two convenient opportunities for in-person learning located near The Neighborhoods of Acacia Village campus. First, you have the Madison-Oneida Board of Cooperative Educational Services (MOBOCES), which has a diverse line of adult education classes held year round. You can learn more about the world, one of your hobbies, or start a new one. They have classes on cooking, quilting, guitar lessons, water colors, woodburning, ballroom dancing, gentle yoga, or learn more about how to be a more creative writer. Classes are low in cost and give you an opportunity to learn and connect with other people who are interested in similar subjects and activities.

The other local source of extended education in the Mohawk Valley Community College Community Education Program. They also have an array of classes you can take to improve your knowledge or skills in the topics of your choosing. You can start learning some conversational Spanish for your upcoming trip to Mexico or find out more about the mushroom population you find in the fields and forests of the Mohawk Valley. There are classes on meditation, reiki energy, and journaling that can help you with you enrich your inner life. You can even take a class on how to get the most out of your retirement years. The possibilities are limited to your curiosity. 

The Mohawk Valley Institute for Learning in Retirement (MVILR), is a special program within Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC), offering a wide range of educational opportunities for retired and semi-retired individuals in the Mohawk Valley. With courses spanning diverse categories such as Art, Music, Language, Literature, Financial & Legal, Health & Wellness, and more, MVILR provides enriching experiences tailored to the varied interests of its community of learners. In addition to regular classes, the institute hosts special programs like the “Retiring to Rewiring Series” and workshops on topics such as mystery shopping, voice acting, and fiction writing. MVILR also fosters partnerships with MVCC’s Cultural Series and Corporate & Community Education (CCED) to further expand its course offerings. A dedicated Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity (DEI) committee ensures that MVILR remains committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all learners, reinforcing its mission to offer equitable educational opportunities.

 

Learning On-Line From the World’s Experts

If the local Utica choices aren’t enough for you, there is a world of online learning that is worldwide and filled with master teachers and in-depth curriculums that are among the finest in the world. Renowned universities like MIT and Harvard are making classes available to anyone with a device, Internet access, and a yearning to learn. The two largest online learning companies, Udemy and Coursera, alone have over 50,000 different subjects available in their combined curriculums. You can learn about nearly anything you can think of—from the latest trends in technology to the fascinating history of art. You can learn how to give a public presentation with confidence or how to start your own small business. 

If you are looking for a curriculum geared towards retirees and their interests, check out AARP’s Senior Planet classes. You’ll find classes that will help you start your day with a morning stretch, stay up to date on new technology, or find some fellow crafters to talk to while working on your latest WIP (work in progress). You can even take an online class on how to take an online class!

Getting Ready to Be a Lifelong Learner Online?

 

Here are some things you can do to get ready for your online studies:

Make sure you have a reliable computer or tablet with a camera and a microphone. You’ll also need a solid Internet connection for viewing and broadcasting video signals. You’ll want to make sure that you are meeting your online school’s required browsers and operating systems. 

Study Room and Time

Designate a spot as your study area and let your housemates know that you are going to be busy during study or classroom time. Take good notes, use the resources available to you, and implement a time management system to get your work done in a timely manner. (You can find classes on note taking and time management if you’re struggling with this.) 

Learn, Communicate, and Connect

Staying motivated while learning could be a challenge for you. A good way to stay motivated is connecting to your fellow class members, they can help make it easier for you to feel supported. Together, you can help celebrate accomplishments, share your struggles, and exchange insights into the work you’re doing. Having a teacher to work with is a privilege, so make sure to use it to your full advantage. When you have finally finished a course of learning, you’ll get a distinct feeling of accomplishment and pride in overcoming the challenges and having learned some new information, skill, or self improvement. 

Explore and Expand

Whether you prefer the camaraderie of a local classroom or the flexibility of online learning, there are countless opportunities to continue your education and enrich your life. Acacia Village is a community committed to fostering a culture of lifelong learning, providing residents with the resources and support they need to explore new interests and expand their horizons. So why not take the plunge and embrace the joy of learning? Your mind will thank you.