Really talented professors/teachers can be a rare treat. I have been fortunate to study under several of them, and they have a way of making learning absolutely fascinating. In the process, the education they impart broadens your vision, and life forever.
I recently discovered that the itunes store (accessible by Mac or PC) has a new section called itunes U. If you go there, you will find hundreds of lectures, or even video productions on any academic subject that might interest you. These run the gamut from "The physics of baseball" to Quantum mechanics. The lecturers understand and love their subjects. There are course level lectures from faculty members members from Princeton, MIT and other leading universities. if you want to start by just dipping your toe in, I would highly recommend the video of Steve Jobs speaking at the Stanford graduation. I have always been fascinated by men like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. They have done so much to change our world. The Jobs speech has very little to do with computers. It is only 15 minutes long, but Barb and I were riveted from the beginning.
It turns out Steve Jobs was adopted, and the first family he was intended to "join" turned away because they wanted a baby girl. His adoptive father never graduated from high school, and his adoptive mother never went beyond high school. His natural mother's only requirement was that these new adoptive parents be sure he graduated from college--which he didn't. You won't regret checking out the rest of the story.
And--all of this truly invaluable academic passion, wisdom and effort can be downloaded ABSOLUTELY FREE. I am heading out for Puerto Rico and several hours on the plane. My ipod has been stuffed with the lectures. (Which, of course, you can also watch/listen to on your computer). By the time we touch down, I hope to have at least an introductory understanding of nano-technology, and a much better understanding of how Hannibal crossed the alps. I hope you can find something you enjoy. Good luck and good viewing/listening!
I recently discovered that the itunes store (accessible by Mac or PC) has a new section called itunes U. If you go there, you will find hundreds of lectures, or even video productions on any academic subject that might interest you. These run the gamut from "The physics of baseball" to Quantum mechanics. The lecturers understand and love their subjects. There are course level lectures from faculty members members from Princeton, MIT and other leading universities. if you want to start by just dipping your toe in, I would highly recommend the video of Steve Jobs speaking at the Stanford graduation. I have always been fascinated by men like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. They have done so much to change our world. The Jobs speech has very little to do with computers. It is only 15 minutes long, but Barb and I were riveted from the beginning.
It turns out Steve Jobs was adopted, and the first family he was intended to "join" turned away because they wanted a baby girl. His adoptive father never graduated from high school, and his adoptive mother never went beyond high school. His natural mother's only requirement was that these new adoptive parents be sure he graduated from college--which he didn't. You won't regret checking out the rest of the story.
And--all of this truly invaluable academic passion, wisdom and effort can be downloaded ABSOLUTELY FREE. I am heading out for Puerto Rico and several hours on the plane. My ipod has been stuffed with the lectures. (Which, of course, you can also watch/listen to on your computer). By the time we touch down, I hope to have at least an introductory understanding of nano-technology, and a much better understanding of how Hannibal crossed the alps. I hope you can find something you enjoy. Good luck and good viewing/listening!
