From Our Partners: Lifelong Learning Through COVID-19
At the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, students and faculty alike find regular occasion to follow in the academic principles of the University’s Founder, Thomas Jefferson. Among these is a commitment to lifelong learning – suggesting that no person can ever complete their journey to gain knowledge. Those of us in Virginia know that it is for this reason that students at UVA go by first and second years rather than the more common western monikers – freshman and sophomore.
In this sentiment, we are elated to see members of the Presidential Precinct community sharing learning opportunities virtually as our world adapts to rampant changes in daily routine. While a global pandemic is certainly cause for new ways of thinking, closure of Precinct partner sites, and changes to many of our scheduled programs, the need for young leaders to learn from one another, with both our past and future in mind, endures.
Below you will find five learning opportunities offered by Presidential Precinct partners, helpful to us all as we continue in our pursuit of lifelong learning. In the coming weeks, we will also launch brand new webinars and synchronous chat opportunities for program alumni and other members of our Presidential Precinct Network (PPN). Stay tuned to our newsletter and website for more information.
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#1 An Introduction to Design Thinking | Free MOOC Course Opportunity
Many of our alumni will remember fondly their first introduction to the design thinking process. A well known framework at both of our partnering universities, design thinking offers new ways to creatively approach challenges in our work and our lives. Members of the Presidential Precinct community can access course materials for free and receive a certificate for a small fee.
https://www.coursera.org/learn/uva-darden-design-thinking-innovation
#2 Madison’s 3 Big Ideas: The United States Constitution
This short film, produced by the Center for the Constitution at James Madison’s Montpelier, offers a modern, well contextualized take on early American democracy, the idea of government by the people, and James Madison’s contributions in drafting the United States’ Constitution in 1786. The three ideas presented in this film are cornerstone principles to our region known as the birthplace of modern democracy.
#3 The Age of Jefferson | Free MOOC Course Opportunity
Co-presented by the University of Virginia and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, this course shares many of the insights into the life of Thomas Jefferson that our program participants gain while touring these two UNESCO World Heritage partner sites. Learn how people from many different backgrounds and perspectives have interpreted Jefferson throughout history and why it’s so important to think critically and honestly about Jefferson’s life and legacy today. Members of the Presidential Precinct community can access course materials for free and receive a certificate for a small fee.
https://www.coursera.org/learn/ageofjefferson
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello is also currently offering live, virtual tours of his estate through Zoom for a small fee. Learn more at their website.
#4 Overview of Slavery at James Madison’s Montpelier
There is no true replacement for stepping down into the cellars of the Madison home and experiencing the cramped spaces where slaves on the plantation would have lived. In this space, Montpelier has launched The Mere Distinction of Colour – an emotional, fact-based account of slavery’s influence on, and the contributions of the enslaved to, the founding of our country.
On Montpelier’s website, you can experience primary elements of the Mere Distinction exhibit, including this film story of Ellen Stewart, a young woman enslaved by the Madisons.
#5 A Brief History of Democracy (the “2,500 year old experiment”)
Alongside our partners at American Evolution and the 2019 Commemoration, the Presidential Precinct brought together nearly 150 young changemakers from 51 countries for a multi-level conversation on civic leadership and global democracy. “A Brief History of Democracy” was built in honor of the convening. With narration by Bill Antholis, Director and CEO of UVA’s Miller Center, this short film takes a high-level approach to presenting the successes and challenges of democracy in its many contexts around the world.
