MS 201 Museum Storage for Infinity - Course Participant Comments:

"This was my first online class. I plan to do more." - Student in MS201

"I am so glad that you offered this course. I found it very beneficial and hope you will continue with this program." - Student in MS201

"I liked the ability to work (somewhat) at my own pace, the wealth of information that I can keep for future reference, and the comprehensive scope of the class (collection objects, storage materials, storage furniture, grant writing, etc.). For me, the most valuable part of the class will be the reference book I compiled with all the lectures, forums, assignments, additional readings, etc. This class contained a staggering amount of information when all of those things are added up.

While I think many small institutions, who most need this info, have small budgets, it was cheaper than most Campbell Center classes, and I felt it contained as much if not more info as any class I've taken there. It is easy to get grants there, though, and their costs include room and board. Something like this is much more accessible, no travel expenses or "lost" work time." - Student in MS201

"The most important thing about this class was the topic. I think there are always new things to be learned about collections storage. Also I liked having the course on-line. It meant no expenses for travel and I was able to pretty much work on the course on my own time." - Student in MS201

"Three things that I liked about the class: (a) the independent study structure of the class. My life is very busy both professionally and personally so it was nice to be able to read the lectures and the readings when it was convenient for me. It was also nice to have a choice of different discussion group times. (b) The lectures offered great explanation and were very detailed, however, I enjoyed having the powerpoint presentation reiterate the ideas after having read the lecture and they (powerpoint presentation) was a great reference to go back to while completing the projects. (c) The layout of the website made perfect sense to me. The flow of it was easy to follow and it was nice to be able to see what things had transpired/been posted over the past day to three weeks.

As I mentioned previously the lectures were very well written and offered a great deal of information to the students. I appreciated the inclusion of the powerpoint presentation because it offered another format in which to learn the information and when I needed to go back and refresh my memory/reconstruct my thoughts while working on the projects it provided almost a flipchart of the information. In the long run the additional readings will probably be the resources that I refer back to on a more regular basis. The depth of the information will be invaluable." - Student in MS201

"I enjoyed the professional way in which subjects were introduced in lecture and supplanted with slide presentation. I enjoyed the chat sessions getting to hear from the other class members and learning their situations and experiences. I liked the fact that I could do this class from "home" rather than have to go elsewhere to do it." - Student in MS201

"Very thorough and exhaustive references and information. Lots of information offered. You seem very approachable and knowledgeable, Helen. This was a good opportunity for meeting new colleagues and networking, especially if this had been a new subject area where I had needed help or connections." - Student in MS201

"… first online class. A little bit intimidating to get used to the technology at first, but I though it was easy to get comfortable with it after a while…. You could not have decided to offer a course any more relevant to the precise issues that our institution is currently dealing with. Tons of detailed info. and a lot of practical help that will actually be useful in daily operations.

I'm a big fan of the informal style of teaching. No "soap-box" lectures and the self pacing are ideal for my style of learning. (I can't believe I'm saying this) But I actually like the homework assignments a lot. They made all of the presented material real and personal and created a better understanding of how to relate to the new information.

I enjoyed the lectures most of all. The material was concise and to the point with out being overly academic and theoretical. This will make a great book for you to publish!

I participated as much as I could! My commute kept me from a few of the group chats but I feel that the archived chat sessions kept me aware of what discussions were taking place. Plus the forum and dialogue features made more specific detail orientated conversations able to take place. I like features of all three!

Like I said, it was not hard for me to get used to it after 1-2 days. Now I feel like an on-line guru.

This is a wonderful idea. It would also encourage current students in the field to participate." - Student in MS201

"I liked the many divisions of each module (i.e. lectures supplemented with "slide shows" that gave visuals for things described in the lecture; forums for classmate comments; and assignments with problem solving questions). I liked the chats which made you feel like you were really part of a group and not an isolated student. I liked the PowerPoint slide presentations. The readings were clear and concise, but the PowerPoint presentations were really worth "a thousand words."

I tried to participate in as many chats and forums as I could. I appreciated the fact that Helen had specific questions for our needs at each chat, and that the topics grew from there, sometimes into totally unrelated but necessary things. It was a good time for questions and answers, as well as just for bonding of classmates!

Well! In addition to learning so much about museum storage, I feel I also picked up on some computer techno-savvy stuff as well! I figured out how to "load and post" a lot of things, and I appreciated the fact that Eric was always so available to answer questions and be on top of problems. His replies were clear and timely, and the question marks by certain topics that needed explaining were really helpful.

That has been one of the best opportunities - to instantly talk to people all over the world and realize that we understand each others' situations.

I have enjoyed all the interaction and comments from all the other students as well. I feel like I've also gotten more computer saavy...all the uploads and downloads and pictures to post..." - Student in MS201

"This was my first online class and I believe that it was quite a success thanks to the organization that was provided by yourselves. I did not know what to expect but both of you have surely set a very high standard of excellence in online courses. I believe that your presence during the two weeks showed myself that you both cared for each of our needs. Your constant requisite for advice on the course shows that you cared.

I should have to say exceptional in terms of material and organization, perhaps a 9 out of 10. I could be interested in selecting a few topics and going more in-depth, however, you really did cover the material quite well through all of the additional reading materials.

(I liked the following:)
1.) Website design. Eric, you made it a real pleasure to navigate without problems. You were quick to respond to any and I believe all problems that surfaced.
2.) The organization of the course material. Helen, I often wondered with all of the information available in this field how could one structure a course that would encompass many of the needs of museum staff and still keep it interesting. I believe that you did it and still maintained sanity. Congratulations!
3.) The additional readings and the sheer amount of information online. One of the most helpful aspects of the course for myself was to understand where to find collaborative reports and information online. Thank you for helping me in that research.
4.) Getting to know other people in the industry. I enjoyed meeting other people who are involved in prevention conservation and being able to discuss online the different aspects of conservation.

Everything from the technological perspective was wonderful. It was fascinating as well. I have never participated in such an endeavor and have found the website organization most pleasing. I am somewhat computer literate and thus am unable to offer any advice on making the site more user friendly. " - Student in MS201

"( The three things I liked about the class:)
The convenience of working on your own schedule
Quality of feedback from instructor
The chats, when they really got going (I didn't think I would like the chats)" - Student in MS201

"I've passed on a good bit of the information I learned from this course to our collection manager. $275.00 is very low for an online course. Most of the courses I've taken have ranged from $500 to $1140--depending on CEU's or Credits. I believe online courses are mutually beneficial for the student and the teacher. Life has become busy. It's nice to self pace." - Student in MS201

MS 104 The Basics of Collections Care - Course Participant Comments:
"For one, I really appreciate all the reading material, both the lectures and the additional readings. It may have been an on-line course, but I feel like I've got a textbook. And one written by many different sources, two heads being better than one. Secondly, the overview. I mean, I realize that the class is an overview. But I really like the fact that my "textbook" covers so many different subjects and gives a beginner like myself a good foundation to build upon and also, more confidence. Third, I like the on-line chats which afforded us students time to talk to the instructor just like we were in the same room. Even though it is a little daunting to try and read everything and type at the same time. But that's just the nature of the beast. I also liked the laid-back feeling of the course, the self-pacing, and the informality.

Thanks for making it such an informative and useful course. Thanks for being so friendly and laid back. Sorry, I'm not more critical. J But I'm being honest, I'm really well satisfied with my experience." - Student in MS104

"Forums : After studying sections, I used to read the lectures again following the main points of forums. Forums helped me a lot in arranging and reallocating the entangled thoughts in order. Chats: I took part in three chats. I was able to collect valuable information, those you can't get out from books, from the chats.

I AM THE ONE WHO SHOULD THANK YOU! EUREKA! I REALLY GAINED A LOT AND REALLY ENJOYED STUDYING WITH YOU AND HOPE TO MEET YOU AGAIN IN A FUTURE CHANCE." - Student in MS104

MS 103: The Basics of Museum Registration - Course Participant Comments:
"I thought the powerpoint was great and that the resources (readings etc) kind of applied the stuff we learned to real life. I definitely think I got a good survey of the registration process. I liked the exercise where we chose the different items we would have in the museum. That one was hard because I didn't always know how to justify something I wanted or didn't want. It was a good exercise. I really had to spend some time on it. I was even asking my family at the dinner table and we were all talking about what we would keep and what we wouldn't!

I would definitely take another class." - Student in MS103

Check out the Online Classes FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) for answers to many of the questions that have been asked.

Go sign up at http://www.museumclasses.org to take classes and to be notified of upcoming classes and special offers. We are putting together a sample course that registered users(registering is free) can view and participate in.

If you are interested in these courses, please contact Helen Alten at and sign up at MuseumClasses.org. Signing up as a prospective student now for any future courses is encouraged and does not require payment. Students will receive an enrollment key via email before the class begins. Enrollment keys are needed to enter the course. Enrollment keys will not be given out until students have paid.