PLATO logo

A Lively Learning Organization
for Creative Adults

The name and acronym—Participatory Learning and Teaching Organization, or PLATO—define us well. If you enjoy lifelong learning without a hierarchy of organization to constrain you, PLATO is an ideal way to learn, contribute to others’ learning, enjoy new experiences, and meet new friends.

We are a self-directed learning organization of about 700 adults in and around Dane County in collaboration with UW-Madison. The core of PLATO’s learning programs are new and continuing discussion groups that we organize and operate. Each of the roughly 30 groups meets weekly for 10 weeks in the fall and 10 weeks in the spring. The content and format are eclectic and are a product of the interests and talents of members. Among the diverse offerings are: All That Jazz, Frontiers in Life Science, Appreciating Classical Music, Great Books, Travels Around the World, and International Films. There’s no registration, no mandatory attendance and no tests. We meet at various locations around the metropolitan area. In the summer we organize one-time events such as tours of historic, interesting and scenic localities in the Madison metropolitan area, and one-day bus trips to interesting sites in the region.

PLATO members receive information about educational programs and activities via periodic newsletters and at semi-annual all-member Previews. At these Previews coordinators of each of the 30 discussion sessions present overviews of their offerings. Interested PLATO members can choose to participate by showing up at the time and place the educational offering is held.

PLATO is one of numerous lifelong learning organizations (including 12 others in Wisconsin) affiliated with universities and colleges in the U.S. Membership is $50 per year. A joint membership option that includes both PLATO and the UW-Madison Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) is available for $70 per year.

PLATO learners benefit from

  • lecture/discussions led by members
  • a rich variety of lifelong learning topics
  • casual social events held throughout the year
  • networking with a friendly peer group
  • belonging to an organization affiliated with the Elderhostel Institute Network
  • visiting different locations on campus and throughout Madison
  • The PLATO Persimmon, a periodic newsletter about PLATO members and program

For a membership form and other PLATO information contact

    PLATO Learning in Retirement
    1305 Linden Drive, 3rd floor; Madison WI 53706
    E-mail: slp@dcs.wisc.edu
    Fax: 608-265-5627 •  Phone: 608-262-5823
    Attn: Wendy Kerr, Division of Continuing Studies
    Fee: $50 annually, July 1-June 30; $70 for joint membership with UW OLLI

Other learning opportunities for seniors available through UW-Madison

Educational travel opportunities for senior learners

 

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