From a survey of the most successful lifelong learning programmers in North America, here are their hot new courses right now, PLUS their predictions of their next hot new course or event.
– New digital technology is a big theme this fall.
Lifelong learning programs in different constituencies are all offering new courses related to digital technology. Each approaches the subject matter from slightly different angles and reaching different audiences.
Recreation programs are reaching children and youth with tech related camps and classes. Universities are doing certificate programs in tech-related areas. Community colleges are more into career training. And public schools are doing introductory courses for adults.
Some new tech hot classes include Minecraft programming, coding, apps, iPhone and iPad, cyber security, digital marketing, and drones (making the list for the first time).
-Traditional avocational classes experiencing a comeback?
Avocational classes in cooking, date night, craft beer, health,
–Certificates and career training stay strong
Higher education institutions continue to see hot certificates and career training in specific popular fields.
Here’s the breakdown by constituency.
Recreation departments
Hot new recreation classes are a mix of new tech oriented courses for children, and traditionally popular classes for both young and adults.
Minecraft Programming is one such new tech oriented class. “We offered 3 classes to elementary school age and they all filled,” reported one recreation professional. “This is a video gaming class that helps kids program within the game,” she explained. Pickleball for men and women is a hot class for another recreation department.
Predicted to be the next hot course is Lego Camps and Classes. It is already hot. “They continue to grow at high numbers with over 20 plus theme related classes areas,” reported a recreation program professional.
Public Schools
Hot new community education classes for public schools focus on basic technology, food and health. They also come with zippy titles to attract people.
Here’s what top community education programs report are hot right now:
-Where do I start? Microsoft Office for Beginners
-Fitness 50+
-Parlez-Vous French?
-Couch to 5K Training Program
Here’s what’s predicted to be hot next for community education:
-Intro to iPhone and iPad
-Artisan Cheese Making
-More foreign languages
-Making Meatless Meals
University Continuing Education
Continuing educators in universities are reporting a mix of new technology, certificates in career fields, and traditional avocational classes.
Here are hot new continuing education classes in universities right now:
Technology topics include apps development, coding, digital marketing and cyber security.
Career training with technology topics include medical lab technology and health information technology.
Certificate programs include graphic design certificate, professional certificate in hospitality, craft beer certificate, wine beer and spirits for employment in the hospitality industry.
Avocational and other hot classes include mindfulness for young learners, dining with diabetes, and executive functions.
Community College Continuing Education
Here are the latest hot new classes for successful CE units in community colleges.
-Excellence in Leadership Certificate
-Home Brewing series
-One & Done Art (Pinterest-type) classes|
-Country Western Line Dancing
-Elements of tea tasting.
– Mental Health First Aid
-The Encore Career: Is it for you?
-For contracted training, a cohort class, “Leadership in Manufacturing” is proving to be very successful. A result of input from the Manufacturing Sector board group, this class has sold out
– Registered Massage Therapy Diploma (2 years, full-time)
Here’s what successful continuing educators in community colleges predict will be hot next:
-Lunch ‘N Learn series mixing ½ professional and ½ leisure 1-hour classes
-Drones
-Fiber Optics
-Date Night cooking series
-Recipe to Market Entrepreneurship Certificate
-Bridge
– Make most of your Mac laptop.
-Project Management
– Project Management (another vote)
-Agile/SCRUM certificate program
– Comix [sic] & Graphic Novels Certificate
