Category Archives: Classes and Courses

Announcements and information about classes and courses being offered.

Classes and Courses, Learning

Where’s Your Book?

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Just a quick reminder that there are two opportunities for you to learn the basics of self-publishing that are approaching quickly!

Is There a Book in You? Publish it!

stick_figure_carrying_book_load_400_clrPublishing technology and the industry has changed dramatically in recent years. It’s no longer impossible or expensive for new authors to get published thanks to “Indie Publishing” and POD (print on demand) technology. Join local author “Mr. Boomsma” to learn how he published and distributes his recent book “Small People — Big Brains” using readily available resources.

Tuesday, April 29th, 6:30–9:00 PM at Nokomis High School, Newport–Contact RSU 19 at 368-3290 or visit the RSU 19 Adult Ed website for more information or to register.

Tuesday, May 6th, 6:30–9:00 PM at PVAEC, Dover Foxcroft–Contact PVAEC at 564-6525 or visit the PVAEC website for more information or to register.

 

Classes and Courses, Personal Growth

Affordable Lifelong Learning

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online_student_learning_300_clr_4545This could be about your local adult education program–most have a great variety of courses at an affordable price. (I could engage in some blatant self-promotion here!) But let me also share another venue–I’ve not yet actually taken a course, but the approach is intriguing because it seems to mirror the way some online college courses are working.

Skillshare claims to offer “hundreds of classes from the worlds best teachers” and “project based learning” at your own pace. After a bit of window shopping, I’d say that pricing seems to be between $19 and $29 for most courses. However, there is also a “membership” plan at $9.95 per month that gives you free access to many classes and a 20% discount on others.

Every class includes some video–usually short segments and a “real life” project. There are samples of some of the projects on the site. Skillshare describes this approach as “community based,” meaning students interact and collaborate during the course.

There is a wide variety of courses and, I suspect, the number will continue to grow. Most courses have a video introduction by the teacher and include student reviews. Since I saw at least one course where only 50% of the students gave a positive review, it would seem the reviews are published without editing.

In answer to your question, “Yes, I might (consider offering a course or two).” Until then, take a look at what’s available!

Classes and Courses, Teaching

There’s no sub for the sub…

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Unfortunately, due to illness (mine!) and low enrollment, we are cancelling the Substitute Teachers’ Class scheduled for tomorrow in Dexter. In addition to not wanting to infect others, I  don’t have much voice and that’s one thing that makes it very hard to teach! Please note the class is offered again on February 11th in Dover Foxcroft. Call PVAEC at 564-6525 for information and to register.

Yes, I am drinking plenty of liquids and hope to be back on track soon…

Classes and Courses, Teaching

Phew! Quick notes…

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low batteryHere’s a few quick notes… the past few days have been a blur of “let’s get stuff done!” I’ve continued to work on setting up Abbot Village Press… including an online store! Part of this is in anticipation of final release of the “Maine Real Estate Law and Rules Handbook.” We’re still in the “final proofing” stage thanks to a minor oops on my part, but I fully expect to have it completed and released by the end of next week.

In addition to taking some time out for a re-charge, it seemed important to give a quick update and share a few thoughts. As things evolve, there may be some minor confusion with things looking a little strange, but the plan is to make this site even more about education and personal growth. To that end, I’ll be moving some of the resources regarding books and publishing to the Abbot Village Press website. Of course there will be plenty of links that should make things easy to find.

With the development of Abbot Village Press it will now be possible to order any of my books directly from the publisher through the Square Market (our online store). Of course you can still order from Amazon and Kindle as well as a number of other resources such as Barnes and Noble. You did hear me say the word for this year is “evolve,” right? Well, we’re evolving!

By the way, the PVAEC catalog is out–I’m not sure exactly when I received mine because I haven’t dared venture down the driveway for a while! I haven’t felt trapped, I’ve been too busy!

Anyway, check it out and discover lots of opportunities to evolve! We have two substitute teacher courses coming up soon, plus the popular two night class on how to start your own blog/website using WordPress. Real Estate licensing courses also begin in February so things are starting to get busy! It’ll be spring before you know it!

 

Classes and Courses

Substitute Teacher Class scheduled in Dexter and Dover

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This fun one-day program is designed in collaboration with PVAEC to prepare people interested in serving as a substitute teacher or ed tech.  There will be plenty of “hands on learning” that will include important classroom management techniques and teaching strategies. We’ll also cover some legal aspects and help you develop your own “sub pack” of resources and an action plan that will get you started on the right foot! If you’ve been subbing, this is a great opportunity for a “refresher” and some new ideas. The workshop is based on Utah State University’s STEDI Program and attendees will earn a certificate recognized by PVAEC member districts. One student comments, “…very engaging with a lot of real life scenarios. I came away with new information even after subbing for a year.” The program is taught by Walter Boomsma, an experienced substitute teacher and adult educator. An optional recommended text containing educational strategies and classroom activities will be available for $25.

The fee for this one day class is $10 and the class is being offered twice:

  1. Tuesday, January 28th at Dexter Regional High School Dexter starting at 9 AM and ending at 4 PM.
  2. Tuesday, February 11th at Penquis Higher Education Center (Dover Foxcroft) starting at 9 AM and ending at 4 PM

For additional information or to register, contact PVAEC at 564-6525 or visit their website to sign up online. For questions about course content, email “Mr. Boomsma.”

Help spread the word! Download this flyer/poster:  Flyer – Sub Course 2014