Rick Swindell

I am a cofounder of U3A Online, the first virtual U3A. U3A Online is run entirely by volunteers, mainly for older people and younger disabled people who want to keep their minds active and meet like-minded others through their studies. The great thing about cyberspace is that the volunteers and learners come from anywhere in the world. Currently U3A Online has more than 35 very good courses all written and taught by retired experts from the comfort of their homes.

We are freely hosted by Griffith University in Brisbane as part of its community commitment and all courses are delivered from the university's flexible learning system. However, our courses are not university courses; they are adult education courses - that is, there are no awards, no exams, no assignments and no prerequisites; learning is purely for the love and benefits of challenging the mind. Because we are entirely voluntary based our membership fee is very low - A$25 per year which is equivalent to the cost of two movie tickets. Once you become a member you are entitled to free access to all courses and resources 365 days a year. Members can also pay an additional $5 to join a tutor-led course when the volunteer tutors are available 2-3 times a year.

Our approach has made a substantial difference to the quality of life of many people isolated by disability, frailty, being a carer, illness, distance and so forth. Here is a sample of "what others say" available through our homepage www.u3aonline.org.au

o I am the primary carer for my frail mother who at nearly 100 needs full time care now. Being able to access a service like this is one way to feel less isolated from the world outside. I am indeed much blessed.
o I’ll go as far as to say that being totally absorbed in my most recent online course has saved my sanity this year.
o I feel as though I belong to something to keep my mind off my pain, also helps keep my brain working.
o I am partially blind with limited short sight. I am extremely grateful to u3a as I now have an interest at home - am happy working on my own and life has again a meaning.
o I care for my wife who has Alzheimers. Have done so for the last 8 years.

You're most welcome to join our growing band of learners and volunteers from around the world.