Learn in the environment that best suits you.
For over three decades, Gulf Coast State College’s Continuing Education department has offered the Education Encore program which provides non-credit enrichment classes on a variety of topics for active and senior adults. The learning environment has always been fun and stress-free while offering diversity, insight, and wisdom. But now Education Encore is offering several options for students to participate in the program no matter your location.
“We are so excited to host our spring Education Encore courses for both our local and winter residents. The social aspect is a huge element of the program. We are carefully following all COVID-19 guidelines set by GCSC and the CDC to ensure the health and safety of our participants. Also, we have added some online classes for participants who are unable to attend classes on campus,” says Lara Herter, Education Encore Program Coordinator.
After the success of the Fall hybrid courses, GCSC will continue to offer both in-person and online courses for the Education Encore program. To ensure students are comfortable taking online classes, the program is offering free classes on using Zoom throughout December and January. “We feel this will allow our returning students to participate in a manner they are comfortable with and open the program up to members of our community who have not been able to participate in the past due to mobility or transportation issues. Offering free Zoom classes is an important part of our students feeling at ease with the new online options,” says Ms. Herter. The Zoom How-To training sessions will cover the benefits of using Zoom, how to join a meeting, audio and visual settings, best practices, and much more!
Long-term Education Encore Participant, Bruce Buhrow, DMD, says, “I’ve enjoyed every Education Encore class I’ve taken for over ten years. The twice a year program has always offered choices of stimulating subjects presented by smart, well-qualified, engaging teachers. But Education Encore has evolved! Now, with live, online class opportunities, there are no limitations on class size. And there is a new option to pay per class instead of paying for all four classes. For those (like my wife) who are uncomfortable using a computer to connect to GCSC, plenty of guiding help is available. Encore has always been good – now it’s great!”
Several course highlights include Drawing with Charcoal, Lost & Found: Genealogy for Beginners, Yoga, Current Foreign Policy, and The Art of Writing. There is a dynamic course offering for every type and interest of life-long learners. GCSC instructors are thoroughly equipped with years of experience in each subject, and they value building relationships with the students. Some new course highlights include Women of Influence in Florida, Archaeology and the Bible, Herstory, and many more! A complete list of classes can be found at gulfcoast.edu/Encore. The courses are held for six consecutive Fridays, January 22 – February 26, 2021. The fee for the program is $25 per 6-week course. Enjoy your holidays and join us for our Spring Education Encore! No tests! No grades! No STRESS! Just FUN!
