The DNA Skills Workshop, created by Diahan Southard, DNA genealogist, is a multi-week autosomal DNA masterclass that enables family historians to master their DNA matches through a virtual class platform.  I decided to enroll in the workshop to learn hands-on how my DNA test results could help to answer a family history mystery.

Features

The DNA Skills Workshop is 6 weeks of online interactive instruction, part of DNA Academy.  You have access to pre-recorded video instruction that you can complete at your own pace.  There are live virtual opportunities to have questions answered, to meet one-on-one with DNA coaches to discuss your own DNA questions and to review and practice what you have learned during 2-hour capstone case studies.  There are discussion boards available for comments and questions you may have as you progress through the course that are monitored by DNA coaches.  

You are also provided with electronic and print versions of Your DNA Guide – The Book and DNA Skills Workbook.  The Workbook includes classwork, homework, answers and a research log for each lesson module covered in the workshop. 

As a bonus, you receive the DNA Skills Swag Box that includes the book and workbook plus a bookmark, a brochure describing The Plan, Your DNA Guide pen and a tote bag.

Ease of Use

Accessing The DNA Skills Workshop was very easy.  All you have to do is use the Academy Login, which opens up to a page showing your courses.  You just click on the course icon to get to the course page.  This is where your course modules and anything related to the course are.  Navigating through the modules is straightforward, making it easy to complete them at your own pace.  

While the lessons are taught using a video format, Diahan Southard presents concepts by showing and telling.  Then, she expects you to stop the video periodically to practice what was taught.  This makes the learning experience hands on rather than passive. 

The curriculum is designed using Diahan’s proven SPIN process for what she feels helps you learn with more confidence:  Study, Practice, Implement and Next Steps.  This approach is better than just studying alone.  You actually by the end of the course have a better grasp on how to work with your DNA match results.

Support

The DNA Skills Workshop has excellent learner support with responsive and helpful DNA coaches available through live question and answer sessions, DNA Academy discussions after each lesson and one-on-one coaching.  Diahan also checks on your progress throughout your workshop experience.

Value For Money

This workshop’s pricing is not that unrealistic, considering how much time and money you could waste trying to get answers to your DNA questions.  Compared to other approaches to getting these questions answered, the DNA Skills Workshop offers exceptional value for its price.  I would definitely pay for the workshop again knowing what I know now.

Conclusion

Overall, the DNA Skills Workshop is a learner-friendly and effective solution to quickly find the answers to your DNA-related research questions.  It has helped me to move on with the DNA research piece of my genealogy project faster than I expected with exceptional support.  I would recommend the DNA Skills Workshop to any family historian or genealogist regardless of what level looking for ways to take down genealogical brick walls or to make the most out of DNA matches.

If you want to explore her website, go to yourdnaguide.com. To get more information about the DNA Skills Workshop specifically, https://www.yourdnaguide.com/dna-workshops is where you’ll find the below.