Learning Makes My Heart Sing

Exuberant praise for educating? Yes! As school years wind down, it's a good time to reflect on education. I think I have a great deal of curiosity about the world. It tuns into taking a lot of classes as well as poking my nose into a lot of stuff. Sure, sometimes I make mistakes,; but, I try to mind politeness. Formal classes are one place where curiosity and nosiness really are safe. I just waxed eloquently, or at least verbosely, LOL! in comments on a recent Paperclipping podcast episode http://www.paperclipping.com/prt159-you-rocked-the-cluster-embellishment-mom/ about some of my favorite on-line scrapbook learning sites: Debbie Hodge's Get It Scrapped/Masterful Scrapbook Design http://debbiehodge.com/, Noell Hyman's Paperclipping video tutorials and Big Picture Scrapbookinghttp://www.bigpictureclasses.com/ . I like Renee Pearson's http://www.reneepearson.com/ site a lot, too. There is a mix there of very technical classes along with simpler material. When I participate in more challenging classes like learning the ins and outs of Adobe Illustrator, I really feel I've learned a lot!  http://www.lynda.com/  I am finally feeling comfortable enough in Photoshop to plunge into Digi scrapping more. It has, to this time, been much more of a toe dip. PSE is pretty easy as well as powerful but I really want to get to know  the formal program. I just have wound up design class at a local junior college. I've one assignment to finish. My back has been a real problem for me with college classes, especially with missing two weeks going to see Mom. My Pilates instructor will not be pleased with all the spasms I'll need to work out! Even one day a week for a class is physically challenging but I love learning too much to stop! I just cannot spend too much time working at a computer. of course, good ergonomics are important for everyone.
class projects:

I think that art and history classes are my favorites, Cousera https://www.coursera.org/and The Teaching Company http://www.thegreatcourses.com/have some wonderful classes. Naturally, the free part makes Cousera very appealing. Some of these classes are long and formal. I decided to try out a class on the history of Rock music on Cousera and have been delighted. The lessons so far have been 6-12 minute lectures. Of course, since I go hunting and listening on You-Tube http://www.youtube.com/ for all the great artists it really works out to 30-45 minute classes. 
I'd love to hear about any of your favorite class sites and will offer a $10 gift certificate to Big Picture classes for comments on this post. Don't forget to comment on my last post for a chance to win the scrapbook.com http://www.scrapbook.com/ shopping gift certificate in celebration of Scrapbooking month. 
I'm writing this post on my iPad as I sit here in bed this am. I'll try and add links and photos later today, when I get to a computer.