Imagine you’re a singer back in 1963. Paul McCartney offers you a song to record called “Yesterday.” You think about it, but turn it down because you just don’t think it’s right for you. That’s what Billy Kramer did. He thought it was okay, but he was looking for more of a rock ‘n’ roll song, so he turned it down. Paul later recorded “Yesterday” himself, and later it was voted one of the best songs of the 20th century. Billy Kramer must’ve kicked himself for passing up such an opportunity.
Similarly, clients can pass up opportunities for learning in retirement. Top colleges, such as MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and others, offer online versions of their courses—for free! Unfortunately, many retirees pass on the thought of taking a college course. Perhaps they think they’re too old or that college just isn’t right for them. They may miss out on opportunities to keep learning in retirement.
What We’ll Cover:
- Yes, college is for 65+
- What are Massive Open Online Courses?
- Learning can be good for your clients’ retirements
First, College Is for 65+
Even though 62% of people over 65 consider themselves lifelong learners,1 the thought of spending hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars for a course, driving to a campus, and walking into a classroom of 18-22 year olds is discouraging. Many clients wouldn’t do it.
So what are other options if your clients want to enhance their skills for work or just learn more about something they’re interested in?
Now they can join a course where age is irrelevant. No one can see them, and they can take classes in their pajamas if they want to. They can take the course anywhere with a mobile phone, tablet, or computer. They can join the classes when it’s convenient for them, whether that’s 5:30 a.m. or midnight. And most courses are free.
Second, What Are Massive Open Online Courses?
Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are online course aimed at unlimited participation and are available to anyone via the web. The courses include lecture videos, reading material, assignments and tests.
Two of the biggest, most popular MOOCs are edX and Coursera. Clients can browse available courses or search for a topic they’re interested in. When they find a course they want to take, they’ll need to register online. Most courses last 6-8 weeks. Clients will have weekly assignments with quizzes and tests so clients can see their progress. There will be online forums, so they can ask questions, provide feedback, and get help if they need it. But will they find courses they’re interested in?
Both EDx and Coursera offer over 1,000 free online courses. At Coursera, 10% of students are in the 60-plus age group.2 Clients will find a wide variety of courses on topics such as 19th Century Opera, Pyramids of Giza, and The Science of Happiness. The courses are offered by top colleges, but do clients get college credits?
Most of the MOOCs don’t offer college credits. However, you can get an optional certificate of completion, for $49 on Coursera and between $50 and $300 on edX. These accessible courses were designed with individual enrichment and enjoyment in mind, rather than credit accumulation.