Monday, June 1, 2020

Life Long Learning in Montgomery County - Goes Virtual


Life Long Learning in Montgomery County - Virtually!
During this time of social distancing the County wants to ensure you stay connected to helpful supports and maintain daily enjoyment. We are very pleased that Montgomery County providers and non-profit organizations throughout the US have done such an excellent job to present their programming online and via telephone.

Through the County's Caregiver Blog we provide updates on virtual happenings that will enhance the lives of caregivers and their loved ones. We feature: Engage@HOME and Podcast episodes, plus list programs that are low cost or freely available, whether you seek lifelong learning, health and wellness, support groups, fitness, access to our libraries and much more.

Click here to visit the County's Caregiver Blog


In response to Covid-19, Life Long Learning Center's have adapted their programs and are now offering virtual classes. Please visit each of the center's website to learn more.


MONTGOMERY COUNTY HAS FIVE LIFE LONG LEARNING CENTERS


Through academic research it has been proven there are significant benefits associated with learning and social engagement. During this time when many continue to stay indoors we are thrilled to see our local life long learning organizations adapt their programs to virtual sessions. Also, you may be caring for a loved one who will appreciate a "no stress" opportunity to keep engaged. No need to dress up either!

Everyone now can enjoy non academic classes through lifelong learning non profit centers in the region. Generally classes are offered as single sessions at affordable prices. Their programs includes classes in: computer training, fitness, topical events, languages, history, music, health, guidance on successful aging and caregiver support.

Click links for the website: Montgomery College, Oasis, Live and Learn Bethesda, Senior Planet and OLLI.



Click here

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The following article was originally published in the County's Caregiver Blog


Life Long Learning in Montgomery County

Written by: Anthony Phan
(originally published 11/5/2018)

In the previous installment of this series, we explored the numerous resources available to anyone who wishes to join Montgomery County Recreation. In this installment, we will explore a different way to join the community: education. Learning is a skill that you can apply to anything in life—you could say that life itself is a learning process. For National Caregiving Month, it is fitting to emphasize the significance of education, since caregivers are teachers in their own respect. Through tender care and endless generosity, caregivers lead by example and demonstrate the power of listening. Tending to the needs of others is a task that translates well to education. For the lesson is that listening is learning. As a caregiver, it is crucial for you to tend to your own needs as well. Education serves as a means for you to rediscover yourself through intellectual enrichment and self-fulfillment. Here in Montgomery County, there are plenty of educational resources. However, one of the more well-known resources is Montgomery College.


This public, open access community college is home to nearly 60,000 credit and noncredit students. Don’t let that number deter you, though. Montgomery College is dispersed across three campuses: Rockville, Germantown, and Takoma Park/Silver Spring. Regardless of campus location, the faculty and staff are “dedicated to academic excellence and committed to student success.” The premise of this fully accredited institution resides in the description: it is a community college. Thus, it exists as a learning place for all. Montgomery College offers a great variety of affordable credit degree and certificate programs, which you can read about here. If commuting is not a viable option for you, then you can look into online learning. Another option to consider is the institution’s Workforce Development & Continuing Education (WDCE). These noncredit educational offerings allow you to pursue personal knowledge and growth without the pressure of academic credit. If you worry about finding time to take classes, the institution provides flexibility & convenience to accommodate your schedule. No matter what program you invest in, Montgomery College “empowers [you] to achieve success and create meaningful change,” both of which are beneficial to effective caregiving.

While classroom learning is a wonderful way to stimulate yourself intellectually, there are other ways to learn at Montgomery College. The institution offers a wide range of clubs & organizations, as well as athletic programs. To learn more about how to apply and register for classes, you can follow this link. For more information on paying for your education, read here. In addition to the aforementioned resources, Montgomery College provides quality counseling and advising services to help you succeed. If you have any additional questions, please contact the institution at (240) 567-5000, or response@montgomerycollege.edu.

In learning about others, we often learn more about ourselves. It is in doing so that we are able to flourish in society and radiate inspiration. As a caregiver, it behooves you to care for others as yourself. So accept this opportunity as our way of saying “thank you” during National Caregiving Month, and remember, to listen is to learn. As always, feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section below! Until next time.

Montgomery College is also home to the very popular LifeLong Learning Institute.