Who says adults can’t learn new skills? Kids are adapting to virtual learning and gaining important computer skills in the process. And they’ve got extra chances to learn in after school activities online—from websites that teach coding, languages, math tutoring, and even how to be a Youtube Star. With the cold winter ahead of us, it’s time for adults to get in on the fun, and use your free time to learn a new skill or hone an already acquired one.
From cooking to sewing, computer skills, learning a new language or how to play an instrument, you can go back to “school” and have something new to include on the skills section of your resume, or even just your party trick repertoire!
Bonjour! Hola! Ciao! Hallo!
Has learning a new language or brushing up on your high school language classes been something you’ve wanted to do? Did you know that you can access award winning language classes like Rosetta Stone and Mango for free at your local library? C’est bonne!
Do a Duet
Do you like to sing in the shower or imagine your air guitar moves could easily transfer over to playing a real guitar? Why not take a few lessons so you won’t be afraid to let others hear you? Naptown Sings and Plays offers voice lessons to help with range development, audition prep, and music theory. For the guitar accompaniment, School of Rock has adult guitar lessons and will get you ready to rock.
Chef it Up
If your sourdough never got past the starter stage, and you’re tired of meal delivery kits, it might be time to try a cooking course! The ‘Mastering Cooking Basics At Home’ class taught by Anne Arundel Community College. AACC has an online In-Home Classroom offering a variety of cooking classes in a self-paced instructional video format, with recipe packets and online discussions available. You can also watch cooking demonstrations taught by a talented chef on Zoom.
Up Your Game
Anne Arundel County Public Library and other local libraries also offer access to skill building websites like Lynda.com, Brainfuse, and Udemy, all of which have literally thousands of options for learning new skills. These sites offer courses ranging from 15-minute tutorials to semester-long courses, which include topics ranging from animation and 3D printing to business marketing, screenwriting, and just about everything in between.
Paint Like Picasso
Remember Paint Nights? They were all the rage for good reason: they provide a creative outlet as well as an engaging evening and fun project that you got to bring home with you. Paint nights now can come right to your door. Muse Paintbar will send you a paint kit with all supplies needed and access to a video with instructions. If you’re more interested in learning a new art skill, rather than a paint kit, Art Farm in Annapolis has online classes for adults ranging from beginner drawing to weaving and an introduction to Batik.
Learn from the Masters
A photography class taught by Annie Leibovitz, a writing seminar with Judy Blume, and a Gordan Ramsay cooking class? Yes, please sign me up! MasterClass has online classes and lessons taught by prominent and famous people from around the world who are known as being the best in their field or craft.
At skillshare.com, you can learn from professionals in business fields ranging from graphic designers to statisticians, who teach online classes that will help you build your resume and further your career.
By Claire Dougherty Kovacs
