Our Virtual Reality

Several years ago when my nephew was asked what he would like for Christmas, without hesitation he said that he wanted a virtual reality headset. After figuring out just what he was talking about, we ended up getting him a virtual reality headset that assuredly wasn’t the top-of-the-line but was what we could afford. We got to see the look on his face when he opened the lesser quality version we got him but I can only imagine his elation after his other aunt and uncle gave him the highest rated (and most expensive) virtual reality headset on the planet. I was happy for him but thought, “Why would anyone need to have goggles that made them feel as if they are in another reality?” Who needs this new-fangled stuff? Why couldn’t he be content with a ViewMaster? Apparently I was already at an age when I could feel nostalgic for a time when the word “virtual” roughly meant “almost” and wasn’t so intrinsically tied to experiencing something online. Well, here we are now in a virtual reality that includes going to concerts, shows, happy hours, and classes by way of the internet. This includes the Osher fall 2020 semester which would not be possible without going “virtual.” I’m grateful that we have the technology and the wherewithal to offer our courses online for you this fall. While we all hope to go back to in-person classes as soon as we are able, for now, I’m glad that we have online classes. The good news is that you don’t need expensive virtual reality goggles to enjoy them!

Stay safe and healthy,

Tracy Jacobs

The Osher News & Notes e-newsletter comes out bi-weekly. Please continue to check your email for updates from Osher staff in between newsletters.

What: All fall courses will meet live via Zoom. There are 4-week and 8-week courses in a variety of subjects. You will see that many of the spring 2020 selections are back in the lineup. There will also be a few new courses added to the mix. The online catalog is now available.

When: Session I (September 14 – October 8) and Session II (October 12 – November 5). Classes will meet Monday through Thursday at 9:30 am, 11:00 am, and 1 pm unless otherwise noted. We will note any exceptions to the schedule in the calendar.

How: The fall semester will be fully online with all courses meeting via Zoom. Classes will meet in real time. Most class meetings will consist of lecture with time at the end for Q & A.

Who: Courses are open to current members. Renew your membership today. Your membership not only allows access to courses, it helps to sustain our lifelong learning community.

Why: Member safety is our top concern and we want to be sure it is fully safe before we have in-person courses, lectures, and meetings.

Learn about the fall semester classes by viewing Osher instructor presentations. Many courses will be familiar to you from the spring schedule while some are new offerings. On August 10, we will email our members the link to the Online Preview. The pre-recorded preview session will be available to watch beginning on August 10.

Membership fees directly impact our ability to provide excellent programming and an excellent value to our participants. The 2020–21 membership fee remains at $50 per person and includes participation in Zoom Into Summer, our summer program, at no additional fee. Contact osher@towson.edu with any questions.