Studying via E-Courses

Well having almost finished one mini e-course, I've signed up for another.  More on that in a moment.

Tasks from One Pull Wonders

During formal studies it was soon apparent that the information exchange wasn't enough and so I participated in many workshops.
However participation in such these days has dropped to almost nothing.  In the main this is simply due to my own knowledge base extending.  I have been on workshops I don't need, or particularly interest,  purely for the pleasure of the company of fellow students, usually known to me, or because a tutor always has something worthwhile to hear of.  However these days I wouldn't pay for a day out simply to be with good company, I can do that over tea and cake.  But equally I will go on a course knowing absolutely no one, if its something I want to learn.

My second course is also an e-course.  This way of learning, makes it interesting to see how things are moving this way and a new way to participate.... for me.

One Pull Wonders was a US based e-course.  Comprising instructional videos, inc 2 answering questions, the option to join in a private Facebook group, share work, ideas etc.  There's no time limit on the availability of the videos, and I can watch over and over.
My next e-course which has yet to start, follows similar set up, except there will be a Flickr account to share, not Facebook.  UK tutor this time.

So far I like this new venture, but these are purely leisure based courses, there is no criteria to meet, or end assessment. Benefits so far on this new e-study.
~ no time limit on completion
~ don't "have" to do anything, even in a workshop there is always the (self) pressure to do as asked.
~ taking a sideways step is possible, and importantly there is time to explore that, not usually an option in a class, or limited time for it.  Away from the workshop the idea can be forgotten or impulse lost.
~ supplies are all to hand, no more of taking too little or too much, its easy to substitute or find something else which works for the technique.
~ ability to study regardless of location

The downside.
~ lack of face to face contact, both with tutor and fellow students.
~ may be no interaction with tutor at all, in any form

I've certainly found the One Pull Wonders value for money, with 15 lessons over 5 weeks, sometimes with more than one technique, the cost of the workshop has been around what I've paid for a single day with a tutor.There may be another workshop to come with further Gelli Plate techniques.

So the next one.....

I am very drawn to the work of Karen Ruane.  I have no idea why, whether its the white on white of some of the work, the clean lines, or stitching on paper (can guess I'd like that)  I don't pretend to understand the whys and wherefores, but then its her work and it should be that, hers.  So I've seen that she has a little mini course on offer, and I signed up.  Doodle, Gather, Create, starts 8th November, want to join me?

Image - Karen Ruane

Click on the image to take you to details of the e-course