Study: A Matter of Course
One aspect of Dominican life that so appeals to me is the
passion for study. While I’ve always been an enthusiastic student, my
idea of study has expanded considerably under the guidance of the
sisters. Not only has “study” become broader than academics, but I
recognize a deeper way of absorbing—and integrating—what I learn.
I still get that adolescent, ego-driven satisfaction from
earning an “A” grade, but I have a richer appreciation for the simple pleasure
of being exposed to new and interesting ideas. As a “traditional
learner”, I find well-prepared lectures hugely gratifying—just let me
sponge-it-up without the distractions of response and interaction! I
understand that this passive mode of learning is an “old school” model (no pun
intended), but I love it nonetheless.
This is probably why I’m so smitten by Coursera, an online
“MOOC” (Massive Online Open Course) platform that provides access to a vast
array of freely available academic courses. I regularly scan the course
offerings and find interesting subjects to dabble in. Moreover, the
lectures are usually top-notch, offered by institutions known for academic
excellence. My most recent courses include:
·
“Soul
Beliefs: Causes and Consequences” from Rutgers University,
·
“Journey
of the Universe: The Unfolding of Life” from Yale University,
·
“Buddhism
and Modern Psychology” from Princeton University, and
·
“Confronting
the Big Questions: Highlights of Modern Astronomy” from the University of
Rochester.
Tools like Coursera make it easy and fun to be a life-time
learner; I can “attend” lectures at my convenience. I may not retain many
of the details I hear, but exposure to something new stretches me just a
tad—and it’s SO much healthier than binging on Netflix! There’s also a
social justice component, too, with open access to education for anyone with
the time and gumption.
Quincy Howard
Denver, CO
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