Barnes and Noble University: International Classroom Experience From Your Home

As most of you know, I am all about learning new things. Maybe it's because I'm bored most of the time, and feel as though I need to do something productive with my time. I don't know.

One of my problems is that I don't want to leave my house to take classes. I have gotten to the point where I am sick and tired of dealing with people. I guess I'm becoming a bit of a hermit in my old age. For my Masters, I did my course through University of Phoenix - online. But, it' was boring and I can only take one class at a time.

I mentioned this to my friend, and she told me about Barnes and Noble University. Apparently, Barnes and Noble bookstore has their own University run on their website, www.barnesandnoble.com.

Intrigued, I took a look at what they had to offer.

There are two types of classes. The first kind is the FREE class. Yes, you read correctly. Most of the classes offered at Barnes & Noble University are free. You pay nothing. Nada. Zero. Zip. Zilch. You just need to get the book(s) for the class. Of course, they want you to buy it from their bookstore. However, you can just go to your local library and borrow them. Barnes & Noble will never know the difference.

There are SO many different topics that you can choose from: Business & Productivity, Liberal Arts, Graphic & Web Design, Life Improvement, Information Technology, and Writing & Languages. It seems as though classes start every week, which is terrific. You can take as many as you like, as long as you keep up the attendance in the classes.

With the free classes, enrollment seems to be VERY high. I've taken two free courses, and there were more than 50 people in each. After a while, you just get lost in all of the threads. You don't get credit with the free courses, either, so you don't get a grade. It's basically for your own benefit.

The Premiere Courses are a little bit different. These are the courses you pay for, and can even earn continuing education credit for. You pay anywhere from $9.95 to $49.95 for these classes, depending on the one(s) that you choose. You can earn from 0 to 3 continuing education credits, but it will cost an additional fee (usually around $30). Just be sure to read the description of the class before signing up if you really want those CEU credits.

The class size of the Premiere Courses are a lot smaller than the free courses. All have an enrollment cap on them. Most allow 20 or less students in the class. It's a nice size, especially when you're working on your own.

Both of these types of courses expect you to do your own work. I guess it's a bit of an honor system, since it's up to you to check into the class and complete the assignments. If you take it seriously, then BNU would be just as good as UoP. Of course, you can't earn a degree through BNU, but it sure is a lot less expensive than any other university out there.

Right now, BNU is hiring instructors and course developers. I just applied to instruct a playwriting course. We shall see what happens. And, yes, you really do get paid for instructing a course.

Overall, BNU is fun. You take classes here because you want to, not because you have to. The courses are different and interesting, and you get to met people all over the world.