Mr Burns USB Webcam

For the past two years I’ve been teaching a Basic English Research genealogy course with GenClass.  Every time this course runs, part of the preparation involves updating the course materials to incorporate new research sources as they come available and also checking the web links to make sure that they’re all still alive and kicking.  This time it’s slightly different…..

As part of the new arrangement with the National Institute for Genealogical Studies I’m also having to change the format of the course material so that it fits in with their IT systems.  I’ve had to learn how to use to Microsoft’s Live Meeting software which we’ll be using to run the class chats and I’ve still got to buy a webcam for the chats.

It’s all very exciting and the course material looks great!  The only downside is the webcam – I’ve always hated having my photo taken.

Here’s the full press release:

NEWS RELEASE: GenClass instructors merge 24 courses with the 150 existing courses at National Institute for Genealogical Studies!

GREAT NEWS! Lots of new topics & new courses available through the National Institute… As of February, you will see a new ‘type’ of course offered at the Institute — INTENSIVE SHORT TERM courses.

* Intensive — packed with lots of very helpful information, research techniques & tips;

* Short Term — most will be four (4) weeks in length;

* Instructors — experts in their field of genealogical research;

* Live Meetings (optional) —  four (4) optional ‘real-time’ online meetings with your Instructor and fellow coursemates;

* Direct Communication — consult directly with your instructor via e-mail;

* Feedback — discuss specific topics through various online or offline threads;

* Assignments (optional) — although there may be some personal assignments to enhance a technique, submitting them is completely optional;

* Exam (none) — no final exam to be completed;

* Inexpensive — under $50;

* One-on-One Advice — Book an appointment with your instructor to discuss in-depth individual research problems (additional fee).

(The above may vary by course; check the course description for details.)

Below is a list of the new courses, the instructor and their first anticipated start month. Check online for a full description of the course, actual dates courses are offered throughout the year and to complete your registration. (Go to www.genealogicalstudies.com, click on menu item COURSES, click on COURSES again, click on INTENSIVE SHORT TERM view, click on name of course).

START DATE: February 15

Research: African-American Ancestors; Michael Hait

START DATE: March 1

Investigation: Adoption Records; Linda Rakita

Investigation: Lost Friends and Family; Linda Rakita

Research: English Ancestors-The Basics; Sheena Tait

START DATE: April 5

Brick Wall Research; Lisa Alzo

Research: Australian and New Zealand Ancestors; Kerry Farmer

Research: Female Ancestors; Lisa Alzo

Research: Native American Ancestors; Barbara Benge

START DATE: May 3

Research: Jewish Genealogy on the Internet; Micha Reisel

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Family Story

START DATE: June 7

Research: Canadian Genealogy on the Internet-Part 1; Pat Ryan

START DATE: July 5

Research: Canadian Genealogy on the Internet-Part 2; Pat Ryan

Research: Salt Lake City, The Largest Genealogical Library-Part 1; Pat Ryan

START DATE: August 2

Research: Canadian Genealogy on the Internet-Part 3; Pat Ryan

Research: Jewish Ancestors-Basic Introduction; Schelly Talalay Dardashti

Research: Salt Lake City, The Largest Genealogical Library-Part 2; Pat Ryan

START DATE: Not Set Yet

Electronic Resources-Family Tree Maker 2009-The Basics; Cindy Rowzee

Electronic Resources-Family Tree Maker 2009-Advanced; Cindy Rowzee

Jump Start your Genealogy; Lisa Alzo

Organizing Your Family History; Cindy Rowzee

Research: European Ancestors-Part 1; Lisa Alzo

Research: European Ancestors-Part 2; Lisa Alzo

Research: United States-Great Lakes States; Lisa Alzo

Research: United States-Northeastern US; Cindy Rowzee

GenClass was formed in 2007 by a group of instructors who formerly taught courses for MyFamily.com. They quickly earned the reputation of offering affordable intensive courses with lots of valuable information covering a variety of general and specialized topics. Students enjoyed the Instructor involvement throughout the process. Ten instructors, with a total of 24 courses, have recently moved their courses to the Institute’s training platform.

The National Institute for Genealogical Studies, in affiliation with the Continuing Education unit of the University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto, offer Certificate Programs in Genealogical Studies in the records of Canada, England, Ireland, Germany, United States and a Librarianship Program. The Institute celebrated its 10th anniversary of Genealogical Education during 2009.

Louise St Denis, Managing Director

The National Institute for Genealogical Studies

The Mitchell Library in Glasgow

The Mitchell Library in Glasgow is running a series of family history lectures starting on 14 November and running through into December as part of the Archive Awareness Campaign.

The lecture subjects are:

• An introduction to Irish family history
• Census substitutes
• School archives
• Family and estate records
• Poor law archives
• Archive sources for family history
• Church archives

To find out more, go to http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/Residents/Library_Services/The_Mitchell/Archives/familyhistorytalksworkshops.htm