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: 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

IUN Community Garden: Indoor Gardening

6 to 7 p.m., Monday, Apr. 5

Enrollment Deadline: noon, Apr. 2

Free and open to adults of all ages

During this live, online session, Rebecca Koetz, Lake County Urban Agriculture Extension Educator, will explore a variety of indoor gardening methods, ranging from simple container gardening to home aquaculture set ups. Enroll online at: https://go.iu.edu/3AVG

IUN Community Garden: Gardening without Pesticides

11 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, Apr. 28

Enrollment Deadline: noon, Apr. 27

Free and open to adults of all ages

Gardening without pesticides will benefit you, pollinators, and desirable predatory insects! Join Dolly Foster, accredited horticulturalist, for this live, online session and discover how you can garden pesticide-free by utilizing organic gardening methods to mimic natural ecology. Participants will learn how to attract beneficial insects with specific plants and support live soil organisms with compost. The addition of these two elements jump-starts an ecologic transformation in the garden and eliminates the need for pesticides. Enroll online at: https://go.iu.edu/3AVG

Senior University: Computers I: The Basics and Beyond

24/7 Access: Available Monday, Mar. 8 through May 31

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. Once enrolled, participants will have access to the tutorial through Monday, May 31. 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

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: Life Hacks

Noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Apr. 7

Enrollment Deadline:noon, Apr. 6

Free and open to anyone age 55 and better

If you’ve ever said to yourself, “There has to be an easier way” while trying to tackle a daily task or problem, then this is the session for you! In this live Zoom meeting, you will get simple and clever tips, or “life hacks,” to make life a little easier. To ensure topics of greatest interest are covered, participants will be asked to submit their questions/issues ahead of time. Enroll online at: https://go.iu.edu/3AVG. Not able to make the Zoom session? Then join us at noon on Wednesday, April 14 for a Facebook Live event, which will review the most popular life hacks discussed during the session. Facebook Live Event page: https://go.iu.edu/3Fn6

Senior University: Chair Yoga & Aerobics

4 to 5 p.m., Mondays, Apr. 12 through 26

Enrollment Deadline:noon, Apr. 9

Free and open to anyone age 55 and better

Join Bridgette Kelly, NASM and NAFC certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, for these interactive, online yoga/aerobics sessions! The combination of gentle yoga and low impact aerobics will allow participants the opportunity to practice flexibility and stability exercises while also improving their cardiovascular fitness. 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