RALEIGH – The North Carolina Government and Heritage Library will offer a free online class to those interested in learning how to start genealogical research. RootsMOOC is a free online course and a friendly introduction to family history research in the U.S. using commonly available sources. Enrollment is now open, and class begins Monday, Oct. 22.
During this class, the staff at the North Carolina Government and Heritage Library will help participants learn about the most useful sources, tools, and techniques for getting their genealogy research off the ground. The class is divided into an orientation module and four learning modules. Each week a new module will be available on that Monday morning. As with many online courses there is no set time to meet during RootsMOOC – participants can set their own schedule.
Participants in this course will have the opportunity to complete an ancestor chart, conduct interviews with family members, and share their own research progress with fellow participants. You’ll be challenged to go beyond the sources that are available online, identify local genealogy societies and libraries in your area, and connect with experts who can help you wherever your search takes you.
Through video interviews, tutorials, discussions, and structured learning activities, participants will learn the very basics of genealogy research, such as the best places to get started, how to stay organized, and what kinds of documents and search tools they’ll encounter along the way. Participants will share their research progress and help each other overcome roadblocks as they share tips and tricks in the online discussion forums.
Librarians, archivists, and other experts from North Carolina and around the United States will be participating as well, answering questions and pointing class members in the right direction. If you’ve been looking for a place to get started on your family history research, RootsMOOC just might be the tool you’ve been waiting for.
Course details:
— Orientation Module – Begins Oct. 22
— Module 1: Getting Started – Begins Oct. 29
— Module 2: US Census – Begins Nov. 5
— Module 3: State & Local Resources – Begins Nov. 12
— Module 4: Online Sources & Strategies – Begins Nov. 19
Materials and discussion boards will be available in Canvas through Dec. 31
For more information about RootsMOOC and to enroll: bit.ly/RootsMOOC2018
Not sure what a MOOC is? Visit http://youtu.be/eW3gMGqcZQc
For additional questions, contact Rebecca Hyman at the NC Government and Heritage Library, 919-814-6815 or GHL.info@ncdcr.gov.