Whatever the world throws at us, 2021 needs to be as positive as possible. That's why I'm going to write about something I'm really excited about for this year: the Hidden University.
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| The Invisible College. |
With a nod to the late, great Terry Pratchett, the Hidden University is my name for the online classes I've started running for Hidden Horizons. Using the amazing GeoEd collection of handmade replica fossils, we're offering courses that give participants a unique combination: museum-quality teaching specimens coupled with engaging online teaching. Currently all our Hidden University classes are palaeontological, but that might evolve over time.
We've offered three courses so far, but more will be announced soon. For 'An Introduction to Fossils' you receive the GeoEd 'Diversity of Life' set alongside three 1-hour classes; for 'Trilobites: An Introduction' you get the 'Trilobite Collection' and two 1-hour classes; for 'Yorkshire Coast Fossils' you will be sent a replica fossil set that is available nowhere outside the course, a Dinosaur Coast guidebook, AND three online classes. To briefly blow a selfish trumpet, the Hidden University is tremendously good value.
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| Aulostomus maculatus |
Setting this enterprise up has been one of the best things I've done in years; starting to teach the classes has been even more enjoyable. Interest in palaeontology is huge, and its appeal crosses gender, age, and politics in a way few other subjects do. Whilst my home country's leaders are hell-bent on narrowing the opportunities for its people and its educational institutions, I am determined to tread a path in the opposite direction.
Inclusive, progressive and international, the Hidden University is a place for lifelong learning, open to anyone who wants to learn about fossils and palaeontology, about the history and mystery of life on Earth. Our first participants included my aunt, a schoolgirl from East Yorkshire, and a Professor at the Sorbonne. Our current class is a gender-balanced group of all ages, hailing from the UK, Ireland, France, Netherlands, Florida and Oregon.
The Hidden University is good, and growing. If all goes to plan, by the end of 2021 it will be Hidden in name only.
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