Learn how to assess and organize your DNA matches, create a research objective, make a research plan, keep a research log, and write a report. Watch twelve lectures recorded by Nicole Elder Dyer and Diana Elder. Take quizzes and join our private Facebook community to share your assignments and receive feedback. Course members also have the opportunity to join accountability peer groups. Check in during our live monthly office hours session to get help in a group setting. The e-Course will give you the extra boost you need in your research efforts. You’ll be able to work at your own pace and still receive valuable assistance along the way.
The e-Course includes access to the following:
-Personalized online e-Course page that keeps track of your progress
– 12 recorded lectures (60-90 minutes each) detailing the Research Like a Pro with DNA method
– Video tutorials for using Airtable, Lucidchart, and Diagrams.net
-Monthly office hour sessions to get help from Diana and Nicole in a group session
-Private Research Like a Pro with DNA Facebook group
-Optional peer groups
-Printable Research Like a Pro with DNA flowchart
-Quizzes for each lesson
-Assignment descriptions and work samples
-Links to additional reading and podcast episodes for each lesson
-Printable certificate after you turn in your final research report
Description
Have you been interested in joining a Research Like a Pro with DNA Study Group, but worried about the time commitment? Perhaps the dates didn’t work for you or you were nervous about receiving peer feedback on your work. The Research Like a Pro with DNA e-Course has proven to be the perfect solution for researchers like you. The e-Course will give you the extra boost you might need in your research efforts. You’ll be able to work at your own pace and still receive valuable assistance along the way. The course includes the following lessons:
- Lesson 1: Assess Your DNA Matches & Pedigree Analysis
- Lesson 2: Organize DNA Results & Research Objectives
- Lesson 3: Source Citations for DNA & Documentary Sources
- Lesson 4: Analyze Your Sources & DNA Matches
- Lesson 5: Locality Research & Ethnicity
- Lesson 6: DNA Tools – Genetic Networks & Pedigree Triangulation
- Lesson 7: DNA Tools – Chromosome Browsers & Segment Data
- Lesson 8: Research Planning
- Lesson 9: Research Logging & Writing As You Go
- Lesson 10: Correlating Findings & Writing the Report
- Lesson 11: Publishing, Privacy, & Copyright
- Lesson 12: Productivity & Further DNA Education
Content
The Research Like a Pro with DNA online course includes access to twelve lectures corresponding to chapters in the book. In each presentation, we lead you through the key concepts using real-life examples. You’ll get in-depth answers to your questions and gain a deeper understanding of the Research Like a Pro with DNA process.
Monthly Office Hours
Your registration includes monthly office hours sessions to ask questions and talk with Diana and Nicole live. Join the video chats live or watch the recording later. All are encouraged to submit their questions beforehand by email. Check the course sidebar for dates. You will also have access to previously recorded office hour sessions along with notes.
Peer Groups
Would you like to meet with a small group of 4-6 people as you work through the course? We have found that meeting together to discuss your project with other researchers adds accountability and helps you finish the course. After registration, you can fill out a questionnaire if you’d like to join a peer group. You’ll then be assigned to a group and receive an email with your group members’ names and contact info. You will work together as a group to figure out a time and frequency to meet.
How it Works
-After you register, you’ll be able to immediately access all of the materials on FamilyLocket.com
-We will email you with the theme for the month and a reminder about the assignment.
-Diana and Nicole will answer questions in a live Office Hours session once a month that goes along with the monthly theme. These will be recorded if you can’t participate live.
-Send your questions to Nicole at Nicole@familylocket.com or Diana@familylocket.com.
-Complete the assignments on your own time and share with the private Research Like a Pro with DNA Facebook group for feedback.
-After you purchase the course, you will be able to see the “My Courses” tab on the menu to access the e-Course material.
-Watch the recordings whenever it fits with your schedule within 12 months. You may renew after 12 months for an additional $75 per year by purchasing the RLP with DNA eCourse Renewal.
Getting Help
What if you have questions as you work through your own research project? You’ll have lifetime access to the private Research Like a Pro with DNA Facebook group where you can ask the community for help as well as submit your assignments for feedback.
You’ll also have 12 months of access to the monthly office hours sessions. You can join live or watch the recordings at your leisure. Submit your questions ahead of time and receive assistance in solving your tough research problems.
Finally, you’ll receive the new printable Research Like a Pro with DNA flowchart. See at a glance the research process with key tips on one convenient page.
What is the Difference between the eCourse and Study Group?
The Research Like a Pro with DNA study group has the same online learning modules – lectures, quizzes, etc., but has weekly scheduled group sessions with the other researchers in the group via Zoom. The study group also has deadlines for completing assignments and a feedback schedule for reading each others’ assignments and giving feedback. Participants in the study group work closely together and provide encouragement and motivation to complete assignments. Mentors give personalized feedback on each assignment for study group members. Study groups are held twice a year, once in the fall using only documentary evidence, and once in the spring focusing on incorporating DNA evidence.
Reviews
“Before joining the Research Like a Pro with DNA study group, I had virtually no experience working with DNA. I had read articles and listened to podcasts about genetic genealogy, but I had never attempted to apply anything I was learning. This study group was the perfect way for me to dive in and learn. Having Diana, Nicole, and Robin walk us through a step-by-step process was good for me. I was able to really explore and learn about how to use DNA in the Research Like a Pro process. Weekly assignments made me accountable and provided hands-on experience every step of the way. Learning about the tools and resources that can help us analyze our DNA results, discover how we are related to our DNA matches, and find common ancestors helped me to realize that it’s not as complicated as I thought it would be, although there is still much more for me to learn! I now have a better understanding of the DNA tools that are available and how and when to use them. I am excited to continue exploring these tools as I take on new projects in the future. Thanks Diana, Nicole, and Robin for a fantastic learning experience!” – Alice Childs, RLP with DNA 1
“This course was fantastic. The design was well constructed to give us a chance to practice each aspect of their method- very much learn by doing. The way the course worked I could really choose how challenging to make it, so there was no fear of it being too difficult. I felt challenged in a good way and made real progress in understanding how to use DNA tools. Even though I had listened to and loved most all of their podcast episodes, I learned so much from the course lessons and especially the opportunity to ask them questions. I realized that my own way of researching really did end up being less effective than the more organized and in the long term more effective way to make progress on my research goals. Besides the chance to practice skills with the expert instruction and feedback I got, the next best thing was participating in the peer group. I learned so much from our mentor and the others in my group. Thank you Diana, Nicole and Robin!” – Heidi Mathis, RLP with DNA 2
“Research Like a Pro with DNA Study Group is an outstanding course. I highly recommend it. I just finished the 2020 fall session and found it extremely helpful to learn more about DNA research and to apply it to my genealogy questions. The course is very well organized. The instructors are very knowledgeable and are open to sharing their knowledge to all questions. There is so much to learn in this area and though I learned so much, I’m hoping to repeat the course next year. If you are looking to learn about applying DNA research to your traditional research this is the course for you.” – Judith Blanco, RLP with DNA 2
To read more about the experiences of those who have gone through the Research Like a Pro with DNA lessons, go to the Research Like a Pro with DNA study group pages and scroll down until you see the review tab:
RLP with DNA Study Group afternoon
RLP with DNA Study Group evening
Fees and Purchasing
You have access to Diana Elder and Nicole Dyer, and their one-on-one advice through the Facebook group and through monthly office hours. A consultation usually costs $60 per hour, but with the e-Course, you can sign up for a 10 -15 minute consultation during the monthly office hour session. Even if you just watch the office hours recording each month, you will learn from the questions and answers. Twelve months of office hours sessions are included with the twelve recorded presentations that you have access to watch on your own time. We think you will find that our Research Like a Pro with DNA e-Course is a great value! Get updates by joining our Family Locket weekly newsletter.
More Information
For more information, go to the eCourse main information page: Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse.
John Harrison –
My research objective focused on my biological father. The process of researching his identity and paternity issues revealed many opportunities to correct deficiencies in my research practices such as: how to do proper citations, additional places to research, analyzing documents and other types of information, how to document my DNA analysis and findings. This course has changed my life and has improved my research capabilities enormously! Diana, Nicole and Robin have thought of everything, and then some, when it comes to teaching genealogical research. They put in enormous effort in their many examples, discussions and class hours that made it all worth while. I wish the course and the Research Like a Pro with DNA Book had been available years ago. I give this course 5 Stars!!! John–St. George, Utah, USA
Suzy Del Mage –
The Reasearch Like a Pro DNA e-course if fantastic. The step by step process really helped me understand how to use DNA tools, understand DNA matches and write better about DNA. The videos are very helpful and include downloadable pdf files of the slides for future reference. The once a month meetings are nice to interact with others and are recorded for future use. The instructors are clar in their instruction and provide valuable feedback in the private Facebook group. I highly recommend this class to others.
Debbie Wahlstrom –
I’m really happy that I signed up for the Research like a Pro with DNA e-course. I chose the e-course so I could work at my own pace, but would also have access to the video instruction and the office hours. I really appreciate the office hours that are offered. I love being able to ask my own questions, and also learn from the answers given to questions other people ask. Diana, Nicole, and Robin are very knowledgeable and the instruction they provide is thorough and well organized. Following their step-by-step process makes it so I always know what to do next in my research. I also really appreciate that the team at Family Locket works hard to make their information available to everyone no matter their learning style or budget.
Colleen Kennedy –
Are you ready to unlock the secrets hidden in your DNA and discover your family’s true history? Look no further than this exceptional genetic genealogy online course! As a recent graduate, I’m excited to share my experience and encourage you to embark on this fascinating journey.
This course will:
1. Empower you with cutting-edge knowledge, from writing research objectives to analyzing DNA matches using the latest tools, presented by credentialed genealogists, Diana Elder and Nicole Dwyer.
2. Guide you through a logical, step-by-step process that incorporates professional genealogical methods.
3. Provide flexibility to learn at your own pace, without the pressure of deadlines or time commitments.
4. Deliver content through professionally produced videos, accompanied by downloadable slides for easy review.
5. Offer a variety of learning resources, including expert-written blogs, podcasts, and even tips on using AI in genealogical research.
6. Challenge you with interesting assignments that put your new skills to the test.
7. Provide you with Airtable templates to log your research, timelines, citations, DNA matches, contacts, and so much more. The templates will revolutionize and simplify how you do your research.
8. Connect you with instructors and fellow students through live office hours and a private Facebook group.
9. Grant you access to course materials for a full year, with the option to subscribe annually for updates.
What sets this course apart is its comprehensive approach. Not only will you master DNA analysis, but you’ll also learn best practices in traditional genealogy, research organization, and productivity. The instructors encourage adaptation of methods to suit your personal style, fostering creativity and innovation in your genealogical journey.
Don’t miss this opportunity to revolutionize your family history research. Sign up today and start unraveling the mysteries of your genetic past!
Kudos to Diana Elder and Nicole Dwyer for the design and delivery of an exemplary course!
Colleen S. Kennedy, Ph.D.
Acknowledgment – with thanks to Claude 3.0 for refining my review.