Webinars and Online Courses: Learning at Your Own Pace

Blog Post Leave a comment

For many genealogists, traveling to institutes or conferences isn’t always feasible. Costs, schedules, mobility, or family responsibilities can make in-person events a challenge. Fortunately, webinars and online courses have revolutionized continuing education by bringing world-class instruction directly to the researcher’s home. This democratization of access has made professional development more flexible, affordable, and inclusive than ever before.

The Growth of Webinars

Over the past decade, genealogy webinars have blossomed into one of the most popular modes of education. Platforms such as Legacy Family Tree Webinars, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), and American Ancestors by NEHGS offer hundreds of recorded and live sessions. Topics range from broad overviews—“Getting Started with Census Records”—to highly specialized subjects like Polish parish registers or African American Freedmen’s Bureau records.

The benefits of webinars are clear:

  • Accessibility: Anyone with an internet connection can participate, regardless of location.
  • Affordability: Many webinars are free or inexpensive compared to in-person events.
  • Flexibility: Recorded sessions allow genealogists to learn at their own pace.

This accessibility has been transformative. A genealogist in a rural area with limited access to archives or societies can now learn directly from nationally recognized experts without leaving home.

Online Courses and Structured Learning

While webinars often focus on single topics in short sessions, online courses provide a more structured approach. Institutions such as Boston University’s Genealogical Research Program, National Institute for Genealogical Studies, and Brigham Young University offer multi-week or semester-long courses. These programs include lectures, readings, assignments, and sometimes exams.

Structured online courses encourage deeper engagement. They also provide feedback from instructors and peers, helping students refine their analysis and writing. For those preparing for certification or accreditation, such courses can be invaluable in building portfolios and exam readiness.

Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Learning

Online education comes in two forms:

  • Synchronous (live): Students attend in real time, interact with instructors, and ask questions. This format creates a sense of community and accountability.
  • Asynchronous (on-demand): Students watch pre-recorded sessions whenever it fits their schedule. This format offers maximum flexibility but requires self-discipline.

Genealogists often combine both, attending live sessions when possible but relying on recordings when schedules conflict.

Building a Personal Curriculum

With so many webinars and courses available, genealogists can easily design their own curriculum. For example:

  • One webinar a week on diverse topics to broaden exposure.
  • A six-week DNA course for in-depth study.
  • A subscription to a platform (like Legacy Family Tree Webinars) for unlimited access.

Tracking learning in a log or journal helps genealogists measure growth and identify areas for further study.

Challenges of Online Learning

Despite its benefits, online learning has challenges. Distractions at home can hinder focus. Time zone differences may complicate live attendance. Some genealogists may struggle with technology. To overcome these barriers, learners can create dedicated study spaces, use headphones, and schedule uninterrupted time.

Long-Term Impact

The explosion of webinars and online courses has permanently changed genealogical education. Even as in-person events return, online formats will remain central. They expand reach, diversify participation, and make continuing education possible for virtually everyone.

For genealogists seeking affordable, flexible, and high-quality education, webinars and online courses are indispensable. They provide a gateway to knowledge, a bridge to professional development, and a foundation for lifelong learning.

Citations

Leave a Reply