Online education company Future Learn is offering people the chance to learn how to begin searching their family tree with fantastic free course.
The course is available to people from anywhere in the world and can be done completely online, with interactive studies, forums and exercises.
The course is being run by the Strathclyde University, with expert genealogist Tahitia McCabe leading the discussions. Students are required to spend roughly four hours per week working on the course, which runs for six weeks.
Here is the course description from the Future Learn website:
This free online course will help you develop an understanding of basic genealogy techniques and how to communicate your family history. We will consider how to effectively find and analyse sources and explore the potential of DNA testing as applied to genealogy. We’ll help you add historical context to your family history and discuss how to record and communicate research findings in a clear fashion. The course is primarily designed for people at beginner to intermediate level.
Learn how to find and store information on your family tree
We’ll get you to define what you want to research, and consider the best ways to go about finding and storing information on your family tree. A key challenge of genealogy – finding the right person among a number of possible candidates, with ever-changing spellings of surnames – will be considered.
We’ll conclude by introducing the main types of tools genealogists use to communicate their research finds, including creating a family tree and look at how to write a meaningful family history.
Share your own genealogy finds with learners worldwide
Throughout the course, you’ll follow the story of Chris, as she uncovers her own family history, and you’ll be encouraged to share sources and ideas particular to your area of genealogical interest and geographic focus.
The course will not concentrate on a specific country’s records or how to source these, so it will be useful to anyone around the world.
Develop your genealogy skills
The knowledge you gain from this course may prompt you to explore family history research more deeply or consider a career as a professional genealogist.
You may even wish to take your learning further, with the University of Strathclyde’s online MSc in Genealogical Palaeographic and Heraldic Studies.
Requirements
No special knowledge or previous experience of studying is required. This course will be suitable if you:
have no experience with genealogy or family history research;
have some experience with genealogical research but want to develop your skills and knowledge further;
are a more experienced genealogical researcher but want to learn new searching, analytical or communication techniques or find it difficult to access opportunities for training and development.
If you would like to sign up for free, visit FutureLearn.com.