IU Northwest Center for Urban and Regional Excellence offers non-credit online courses for learners of all ages

IU Northwest Center for Urban and Regional Excellence offers non-credit online courses for learners of all ages

Register now for a variety of free and low-cost spring courses

Indiana University Northwest’s Center for Urban and Regional Excellence (CURE) continues to expand its online presence to offer non-credit courses and educational programs throughout the year, which aim to assist people of all ages gain skills and enrich their lives as we face today’s challenges and prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities.

CURE offers a variety of online learning opportunities for all ages through its Community Garden, Senior University, Reading Skills, and Adult Education programs.

CURE is enrolling now for spring sessions. The offerings include:

IUN Community Garden: Getting Started Gardening

6 to 7 p.m., Monday, Mar. 1

Enrollment Deadline: noon, Feb. 26

Free and open to adults of all ages

During this live, online session, Rebecca Koetz, Lake County Urban Agriculture Extension Educator, will discuss basic garden needs and considerations and explore outdoor gardening methods. She will discuss choosing your seeds/starters, mapping your garden, planning your planting calendar, companion planting, and preparing your garden soil. Enroll online at: https://go.iu.edu/3AVG

IUN Community Garden: Beneficial Bugs and Wonderful Weeds

12 to 1 p.m., Tuesday, Mar. 23

Enrollment Deadline: noon, Mar. 22

Free and open to adults of all ages

Join Master Gardener, Susan Radovich, for this live, online session and learn about the bugs and plants that are beneficial to our gardens and meadows. Participants will learn how the bugs benefit the plants and how the plants benefit the bugs. Enroll online at: https://go.iu.edu/3AVG

Senior University: Budgeting Basics

5:30 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 23

Enrollment Deadline:noon, Feb. 22

Free and open to anyone age 55 and better

Is the balance in your checking or savings account often less than what you had expected? Would you like to meet your monthly financial obligations and have extra funds remaining? If you answered “Yes” to either of these questions, then this is the workshop for you! By attending this live, online session, you will gain the insight needed to develop a budget that will assist you in increasing your disposable income. Enroll online at: https://go.iu.edu/3AVG

Senior University: Introduction to Public Speaking

5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 25

Enrollment Deadline:noon, Feb. 24

Free and open to anyone age 55 and better

Statistics show that more people fear public speaking than death! Seasoned communications professional, Chelsea Whittington, is coming to the rescue to help those who find it difficult to speak before groups and large audiences. Join this live, online session to learn tips for how to prepare for an oral presentation while learning common practices that help perfect your public speaking, whether in-person or in a virtual environment. Enroll online at: https://go.iu.edu/3AVG

Senior University: Computers I: The Basics and Beyond

24/7 Access: Available Monday, Mar. 1

Enrollment Deadline: noon, Mar. 31

Free and open to anyone age 55 and better

New and improved, this online, self-paced tutorial is designed to help those with a functioning knowledge of computer use (able to log on and access an email account) brush up on their skills! Learn at your own pace by watching and/or re-watching video tutorials created by veteran instructor, Chelsea Whittington. This tutorial will review all the basics, including the primary parts of a computer and commonly used computer terms, email and internet fundamentals, and an introduction to Microsoft Word. Enroll online at: https://go.iu.edu/3AVG

Senior University: Introduction to Virtual Calls

4 to 5 p.m., Thursdays, Mar. 4 through 25

Enrollment Deadline:noon, Mar. 3

Free and open to anyone age 55 and better

Are you seeking to connect with your friends and family members while social distancing? Do you miss seeing the smiles of your friends and family members? If so, then Tavetta Patterson is here to help! Join these live, online meetings and learn to use the popular video communications platform, Zoom, to connect with your friends and family. Enroll online at: https://go.iu.edu/3AVG

Senior University: Mortgage Basics

5:30 to 7 p.m., Tuesdays, Mar. 9 and 16

Enrollment Deadline:noon, Mar. 8

Free and open to anyone age 55 and better

This two-part, live, online series will provide insight into mortgage industry and help guide you on your journey to either refinance your current home or purchase a new home. Participants will learn about the various types of mortgages available and the process of applying for the chosen mortgage. With rates at an all-time low, now is the time to sharpen your understanding of the mortgage industry/process so that you can meet your personal goals! Enroll online at: https://go.iu.edu/3AVG

Senior University: Big Band Jazz

6 to 7:30 p.m., Monday, Mar. 8 and Thursday, Mar. 11

Enrollment Deadline:noon, Mar. 5

Free and open to anyone age 55 and better

Led by IU Northwest’s own Billy Foster, this two-part, online workshop will explore the history of the Big Bands in jazz! We will start with the music of Fletcher Henderson and Paul Whiteman, move though the era of Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, and Count Basie, and finish with such current big bands as the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. The stars of these bands will also be discussed. Enroll online at: https://go.iu.edu/3AVG

Reading Skills Programs

Schedule and cost varies

Programs for students of all ages: children and adults

Offered in partnership with the Institute of Reading Development, programs are specifically designed to give students the skills, motivation, and individual support they need in the fall, winter, spring, and summer of each grade level. Students attend a dynamic, live online class each week, during which they can see, hear, and speak with each other and their teacher in real time. Every class is full of engaging discussions and class activities. Between classes, students complete independent reading assignments and interactive online lessons that build skills and confidence. Enroll, learn more, or view all Reading Skills Programs at iun.readingprograms.org or call 1-800-903-2173.

Adult Education: Fundamental Courses

24/7 Access; All classes start new every month

Cost varies; Courses for adults and young adults/teens

Online fundamental courses are informative, fun, and convenient. Fundamental courses include instructor-led courses and self-paced tutorials. Instructor-led courses run for six weeks with monthly start dates and feature an instructor-moderated discussion board so that you can interact with your classmates. Self-paced tutorials are designed for completely independent learning, without instructor moderation, and can be started at any time. Complete any course entirely from home, at any time of the day or night. Popular courses include Speed Spanish, Accounting Fundamentals, Introduction to Microsoft Excel, and A to Z Grant Writing. Enroll, learn more, or view all Fundamental courses at ed2go.com/iunadulted

Adult Education: Career Training Programs

24/7 Access; Start at any time

Cost varies; Courses for adults

The online, open-enrollment Career Training Programs are designed to provide the skills necessary to acquire professional-level positions for many in-demand occupations. Our programs are designed by a team of professionals from each respective field, providing you with effective web-based learning programs. Instructors/mentors are actively involved in your online learning experience, responding to any questions or concerns, encouraging and motivating you to succeed. Enroll, learn more, or view all Career Training Programs at careertraining.ed2go.com/iun

Adult Education: Comprehensive Career Tracks

24/7 Access; Start dates vary

Cost varies; Courses for adults

These online Career Track programs offer students a chance to hone their skills in a variety of professions—from the arts to healthcare to web development. All programs are available in the self-paced format and have opportunities for national certification, externship placement, and/or career support. For some programs, there is also the option for the instructor-led format, in which content is facilitated by live instructors with scheduled webinars and interactive activities. Enroll, learn more, or view all Comprehensive Career Tracks at iun.edu2.com