Rainbow Lifelong Learning Institute, Boston

Schedule: 

This course will take place on Wednesdays at 10:30 AM for lfive weeks (4/17/24 - 5/15/24).  

Course Description:

TED Talks have become a very popular (virtual) method for sharing thoughts and ideas from a wide variety of disciplines. They provide original viewpoints that can stimulate your mind and open you to new knowledge, hear how others think, and provide you with a new way to explore the world. Each week 1, 2 or 3 TED Talk videos will be shown in class, and students will engage in lively facilitated conversation sharing their perspectives on the ideas raised. There will be five different presenters from our Rainbow community--one for each class--each one focusing on a different topic.

Per the TED Talks website: "The organization is on a mission to discover and spread ideas that spark imagination, embrace possibility and catalyze impact” and are “devoted to curiosity, reason, wonder and the pursuit of knowledge — without an agenda ... (for those) who seek a deeper understanding of the world and connection with others ...” 

April 17: Home and Belonging vs. New Experiences 

Alison Morgan, Presenter 

In this session we will discuss what home and being settled means to us, and then discuss embracing new “first experiences” and getting outside our comfort zones. 

April 24: Neurodiversity 

Betsy McGinnity, Presenter 

The incidence of autism has risen dramatically over the last two decades. Our understanding of neurodiversity has also expanded. There is currently a Broadway musical whose performers are all on the spectrum. This session will explore the reasons for the increase in the numbers of children identified with autism and offer some examples of people who are neurodiverse. 

May 1: Your Future Healthcare: Robotics, AI, Wearable Tech (and maybe doctors, too) 

Carole Friedman, Presenter 

Evidence-based studies are already demonstrating the advantages of health care by digital devices over that offered by human providers. Amidst the gains, is anything lost? Can we have it all? 

May 8: The Human Microbiome 

David Rooks, Presenter 

Over half the cells comprising our bodies are actually not human! In this session we’ll learn about the Human Microbiome--the huge collection of bacteria, fungi, molds and viruses living on and inside us that are essential to good health. 

May 15: Fun Unites and Energizes Us! 

Bonnie Hallisey, Presenter 

Rather than being a waste of time, fun can be a force for good. Weaving playfulness into everyday life makes us healthier and more productive. Explore your fun personality type and embark on your mission of joy. 

Required Course Materials:

None