Great courses for Edmonton Lifelong Learners

(Edmonton) – Audra Jones could hardly wait to be old enough to go to school.

The school in this case was ELLA, the Edmonton Lifelong Learners Association, which offers a huge variety of courses both in-person and online for students over 50.

Jones first heard of ELLA from members of her book club.

“They kept talking about all of the exciting courses they were taking. I was quite jealous because I wasn’t yet of an age that I was eligible to take the courses, nor was I retired so I didn’t have the time to enjoy them.

“I was really looking forward to retirement and being old enough to go to ELLA.”

The civil engineer could finally attend the courses when she retired, taking classes from photography to meteorology, archaeology to forensic anthropology. Now 59, Jones is a four-year veteran of the program.

ELLA was created by a determined group of lifelong learners 25 years ago. Since then the association has presented in-person classes every spring at the University of Alberta and online courses in winter.

This year ELLA celebrates its quarter-century anniversary with a variety of events during the spring course session from April 27 to May 15.

Registrants can choose from more than 30 courses, which run from Monday to Friday during the day. One evening course will be offered on Understanding Wine.

ELLA participants learn from instructors who are nationally and internationally renowned in their field. There are no precursor requirements, no exams, no homework.

But there is plenty of inspiration, mind-sharpening knowledge and the camaraderie of fellow lovers of learning.

There are a surprising number of current ELLA members who have attended courses since the beginning of the organization, or close to it, returning each year because there is always more to learn and friends to reconnect with.

Jan McGregor first came to ELLA in 2007. She jumped into courses in disciplines she knew little about. And she also quickly jumped into volunteering and ELLA board work.

McGregor says courses she has taken changed her world view and opened new doors. Her professional background was as a biologist, but there has been lots to explore beyond that discipline.

A course in Islam was eye-opening, she says. Classes in improv theatre and creative writing led her to gain confidence in public speaking and expressing herself.

And a course called Beyond the Barn Door, which explored the research happening at the U of A farm, led to a position as the public representative on the Animal Use and Care Committee. That committee reviews animal research at the university, ensuring the animal subjects are well treated and the research merits the involvement of live animals.

McGregor stresses it’s great to jump into courses with unfamiliar topics.

“They’re so well taught. The instructors are just amazing. They’re so willing to talk if you want to stay afterwards…They’ll explain things and give you extra resources.”

Information on joining ELLA and how to register for classes is available at my-ella.com.