Third Age Learning at Kwantlen (TALK) is returning this fall with plenty of opportunities for lifelong learning.
Every year, TALK partners with Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) to offer a range of short and informative participatory courses on a variety of subjects. Courses are taught by community volunteers, including KPU instructors, and are held either in-person or online.
"One of the great pleasures of retirement is having the time and opportunity to learn new things," says TALK Board Chair Paul Tyndall. "At TALK, we are committed to offering stimulating courses on a variety of topics, from ancient Indigenous communities and the ethics of artificial intelligence to helping people with dementia and preventing AI scams."
The new season kicks off on Sept. 25 with "To Create is Human," an interactive workshop that explores creativity and design thinking. Other courses offered include "BC's Marvellous Mushrooms," "The State of the World's Birds," "Cybersafe Seniors," "Sleeping Peacefully," and more.
The last season of TALK drew in over 450 registrations, with the most popular courses exploring generative artificial intelligence, ancient Rome, reclaiming your vitality and more.
"The enthusiastic volunteer members of the TALK Program Committee strive each semester to create a balance of types of topics and between online and in-person options ensuring that there is something for everyone," TALK Program Chair Jean Garnett.
Members will also get the chance to learn outside the classroom, with field trips planned to KPU Farm in Richmond, Fraser Valley Rose Farm and Delta-based coffee roastery Oughtred Roasting Works.
The season is also bringing back a number of Philosophers' Corner sessions, where volunteers research and present on a chosen topic before opening up the floor to attendees to weigh in. Upcoming topics delve into defining success, using the principles of ethics in everyday life, problems with one point of view and more.
TALK also has an annual general meeting scheduled for Oct. 26, which features a presentation from Dr. Diane Purvey, KPU President and Vice-Chancellor pro tem, exploring the future of post-secondary education. The event is free for TALK members, but guests are asked to register in advance.
TALK's annual membership fee is $10, with an additional fee of $20 or $25 applied to individual courses.
Registration for the fall season starts Wednesday, Sept. 9. For more information on TALK courses and events planned, visit kpu.ca/talk.
