Back to School: DNA Academy

This past week was a bit challenging for me. It's been harder than usual to focus, but I'm trying hard to stay on track. I started the course DNA Academy: Genetic Genealogy for Beginner's and Intermediate at learn.trace.com last weekend. I want to learn more about using DNA for my research. Being OCD, I prefer structure. There are tons of free resources out there on the web for learning about DNA, but for me, a reasonably priced ($250) organized course works much better. I spent some time reviewing options, and based on the course outline, decided this was the program for me.

The self-paced online course is estimated to take 5 weeks. I'm about 25% of the way through. Thus far, it's been predominantly learning/reviewing terminology and concepts. I have a feeling the hard work is yet to come. I've been trying to spend a little time every evening, or at least every other evening, working thru the modules. I'll post a more detailed review when I'm done with the course, but so far, I'm pleased with my choice and I believe it will be a help in learning how to more effectively review and use my DNA matches to enhance my research (and hopefully assist in breaking down my brick walls!)

DNA isn't going away. It will solidly be a part of genealogy in the future. Learning to work with it effectively will be key for all genealogists (casual and professional). Artificial Intelligence (AI) is all the rage right now too. While many companies have been using it in some capacity for quite some time (from simply "reading" records to creating photo enhancing apps) it's likely to take off by leaps and bounds now. The combination of AI and DNA will likely make DNA much easier for amateur genealogists to work with in the future. But, I'm a big proponent of knowing how to do my own research and analysis. AI isn't foolproof. It's machine based learning...key word learning. It is not infallible. If I don't learn how to analyze for myself, I won't be able to spot potential pitfalls in the data I'll likely be presented with in the future.

Image by Arek Socha from Pixabay