Hello OLLI members,
It was just a week ago today that I shared the decision to cancel our traditional OLLI at DU Spring term. Since that date, the news has more than confirmed it was the best decision for all involved.
In an effort to continue to provide lifelong learning to all of you, OLLI at DU staff is working diligently to launch an OLLI Online offering. This is in no way intended to replace our traditional format as the Fall curriculum is currently being developed. Rather, this is an interim possibility to keep us engaged and our brains active! To that end, I wanted to let you know what we are up to. Keep in mind, there are no guarantees, but we determined it is worth the attempt.
- Yesterday I communicated with many OLLI at DU facilitators to see if they were up to the challenge of changing their method of facilitation. An online platform is a very different format than face-to-face. If there are enough who are willing to take on this new challenge, we will move forward with this initiative.
- We intend to hold these classes at our normal OLLI at DU times; they will be interactive (especially the smaller discussion classes) and they will not be recorded.
- If you register for a class (we intend to have an online catalog and traditional registration process with a couple of changes), you will attend these classes from your home. No gathering!
- The anticipated timeline includes posting the catalog Sunday, April 12th and starting classes the week of April 27th.
- The platform we will be using is called Zoom. You can learn more about Zoom at www.zoom.com.
Additional information:
- Zoom can be accessed by most types of devices.
- We are using Zoom as the University of Denver has what is known as an Enterprise contract with Zoom providing greater capabilities and a solid platform.
- Zoom operates in much the same way as Skype and Facetime. I expect many of you are familiar with those technologies.
- THIS IS NOT A PERFECT SOLUTION. Having been on a number of Zoom events recently, I can tell you I decidedly prefer in person. As that is not an option at this disruptive time, I encourage you to be flexible as lifelong learners tend to be!
Now you know what we are looking to develop. Your OLLI at DU staff and wonderful volunteers are working diligently to bring engaging activities and learning opportunities to our members. By next Friday, we expect to know if this will be a successful endeavor. You can expect a communication from me at that time.
Until then, please keep yourself safe and healthy.
Barbe Ratcliffe
Executive Director
OLLI at DU
