Wow - these look fascinating!
There are huge benefits to selecting one of these
free, online, courses offered from Harvard University.
·
As a professional enrichment for teachers,
paying the nominal fee of (usually) $100 provides you with a verified
certificate that can be used towards re-certification of your Colorado state
teaching license.
·
In addition, completing a Harvard University
course that enhances your professional capital looks good from a ‘life-long
learner’ point of view when teacher evaluations are due in the spring.
·
The courses involve a commitment of (usually)
between 2 to 4 hours a week.
·
There are courses that fit easily into the
framework of public education and policy.
For example,
the course on 'Causal Diagrams' reminded me of Ken Miles' presentation about a
math concept during an online faculty meeting last spring. After he diagrammed
the concept (sorry Ken - I don't remember what the concept was exactly) the
feedback from our teachers was extremely positive! I made a comment in the chat
box about feeling like we were watching the Khan Academy. But there was no
denying that his illustration provided clarity to what had become an overly
complex and obscure math problem. Good work Ken!
·
The course on 'Causal Diagrams' teaches the
power of
"What is the causal effect of X on Y? By
summarizing and communicating assumptions about the causal structure of a
problem, causal diagrams have helped clarify apparent paradoxes, describe
common biases, and identify adjustment variables. As a result, a sound
understanding of causal diagrams is becoming increasingly important in many
scientific disciplines."
·
The course on 'Child Protection' looks pertinent
and rich with issues our students and community members face. The course
addresses a vast and global content which is evident from the description and
the video.
·
Most of the courses provide a short video of
introduction.
·
If the course you are interested in has already
begun, look at the "more dates" drop down arrow to see when it will
be offered again.
·
Finally, perhaps it’s the name, but enrolling in
a course from Harvard makes me feel smarter right away. After months of self-quarantine
- where navigating the defrosting of my upright freezer was one of the biggest
challenges undertaken - I need to stretch my brain.
I will be signing on tonight for 'The Path to
Happiness' ... it starts today!
