Summer Learning: Try Universal Class!

Posted by Staff

Summer is a great time to try something new. The library has many options to help you improve your skills or find information about new ones, but have you thought about trying an on-line class?  Universal Class, one of our on-line databases, offers hundreds of continuing education classes, covering topics in business, science, self-help, computers and more.  Each class description includes a lesson plan and course objectives.  An instructor monitors your progress, answers questions and grades homework (what, homework?!). You'll need your Edwardsville barcode to access this website, then you'll have to create an account to save your progress.  You have six months to complete a course and you can sign up for five at a time.

Since summer is a time to have fun, we've highlighted a few classes on the light-hearted side.  Of course, there is a time commitment involved - these are real classes - but the point is to have fun while learning something new. Give one try today

Wildlife Rehabilitation For Beginners.  You'll learn how to tell if a wild animal really needs help, and what to do if help is needed, as well as what not to do.  The class covers transporting problems, health concerns, dealing with wild animals that become urban pests, and more.  It is devastating to attempt to help an animal in distress only to discover you made matters worse.  Enroll and gain the correct knowledge.

How To Write A Short Story 101.  You'll go through the entire process - preparing your mind, getting ideas on paper, and help you through the editing and proofing process. You'll learn new skills, and find new ways to express yourself.  More than that, you're going to learn the aspects of a good short story and learn to create your own wonderful works.

Bird Watching 101. This self-paced online course covers bird identification and location, feeding, types of birdhouses, equipment, emergency care and behavior and habitats.  Whether you are a casual backyard bird watcher or a serious enthusiast, you'll soon discover that the more you watch birds the more you will want to learn about them.

Dream Interpretation 101.  Across cultures and over the ages, dreams and their interpretation have both intrigued and bewildered people. After completing this course you will have the knowledge to make basic sense of your dream and the ability to begin interpreting them correctly.

How To Can, Freeze, Dry and Preserve Food.  This course describes the tradition of canning and preserving, how to get started, deciding what to can and preserve, the various methods, tools, as well as how to make jams, jellies, condiments, and beverages.  In addition, you will learn how to preserve herbs, meats, seafood and canning for special diets.