Welcome to a new and different Osher semester!

Lately, in anticipation of the start of a new school year, I’ve reverted back to my childhood tastes. Every day at lunch, I want a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I have given in to this hankering a bunch of times, thinking to myself, “what would make this better?” The answer: it would be better if it had a good sized indentation from an apple being on it in a brown paper bag or lunchbox. This fall, the first day of school was different for just about everyone. First day of school pictures featured barefoot kids in front of their computers. Worries about having the right backpack, being picked last in gym class, or getting teased on the playground are replaced by fears of losing the WiFi connection. Even Osher’s first week of classes doesn’t feel the same. No hubbub in the hallways, no coffee and cookies for breakfast, no directing our students to their classrooms. Nonetheless, we are in full swing with online classes. Our students, instructors, and staff are all experiencing first week jitters through the internet. It’s not perfect but it’s still a great way to satisfy that need to keep on learning. I think we will all look back at this semester as a time of personal growth as we adjust during the pandemic. It’s not all bad, but like you, I miss the way things were. In fact, today, I might even smash an apple (the fruit—not the computer) into my PB & J sandwich just for old time’s sake.

Stay safe and healthy,

Tracy Jacobs

Question: How do I submit questions in class?

Answer: Please submit your questions through the chat. A classroom facilitator will be monitoring the chat. Please don’t raise your hand to ask a question.

Question: What if there are technical difficulties during the class?

Answer: Through the chat, please let the facilitator know if you think that there are any issues that the instructor is experiencing. You can also email your concerns to osher@towson.edu. Osher staff and video managers will work with the instructor to have technical issues resolved for the next class meeting. Thank you for your understanding.

Question: I missed my class because I had an appointment. Is it possible to view the lecture that I missed?

Answer: Yes, if you registered for a course, you will be able to watch the recorded lecture within a day or so after the live lecture. Links to access these recordings will be sent by email. Please retain the email so that you will have access information for the semester.

Still want to register for classes? It’s not too late—there is still room in many of our online courses. View the course catalog and then get started with registration.