Learn to use this powerful tool the right way...Confidently...Accurately!
When it comes to WATO, it's too easy to get it wrong.
But WATO is so important, you need to get it right.
On-demand access:
Start learning as soon as you like!
BONUS! Purchase by January 3 to receive the exclusive WATO Practice Pack ($25 retail value)
So you can keep practicing your new skills after you finish the course
We want you to be a full-fledged WATO wizard!
On-demand access:
Start learning as soon as you like!
When it comes to WATO, it's too easy to get it wrong.
But WATO is so important, you need to get it right.
How to determine whether WATO/WATO plus is (or is not) an appropriate tool for your research question so you know when to use it
What key information you need to use WATO more successfully
How to upload or input data (and save it for later) so you can use the WATO tool throughout your research process
Practice with step-by-step processes for using WATO in real case studies, so you can follow these steps with your own research
How to understand and use the hypotheses tools so you can evaluate the likelihood of possible family relationships
How to use various WATO settings and actions so you can navigate the website confidently
When the free WATO experience is sufficient, and when you’re ready for WATO plus so you get the most out of your genealogy budget
Engaging video tutorials and companion exercises that offer about 6-8 hours of a guided learning experience
Short, step-by-step, close-captioned modules help you digest one concept at a time
On-demand access lets you set your own pace: start, stop and rewatch whenever you want
Unlimited, indefinite access to the Course allows you to return and refresh your learning
Practice case study prepares you to harness WATO’s power for your own research
Professionally-designed WATO Workbook (print/fillable PDF) turns your coursework into a handy reference guide
Additional, optional resources invite you to extend your learning, if you choose
Expert-led discussion boards, so you can ask questions and discuss what you're learning
FREE occasional updates as the WATO tool continues to develop will keep your learning current
And you’ll get the WATO Practice Pack, too!
With three exclusive case studies to strengthen your confidence and familiarity with WATO. After you finish the course, work through this full-color, printable PDF packet with two realistic, everyday scenarios and a more challenging one (multiple marriages and half-siblings!). Check your work with fully-explained solutions and join the conversation on the WATO Practice Pack message board.
"Just learning how to use WATO correctly - learning how to properly create all the hypothesis paths - it was amazing."
- Sally Chopp
"Even with my level of basic DNA knowledge, I have avoided WATO like the plague. But I won't anymore. You take the "scary" out of DNA. I really feel like I understand how to use WATO–and with confidence–now."
"WATO gave me the answer [I was looking for] and my cousin's tree is growing like crazy…. The course gave me the confidence to jump in and start with WATO....Thanks so much!"
- Diane Nishri
Our sole purpose is to teach and inspire YOU to use DNA to explore your roots. We believe you can do it, and that there is power in making your own DNA discoveries. We’ve been focused on this mission for 10 years, which experience has made us a leading global genetic genealogy education company.
and a world-renowned genetic genealogy educator
I teach people how to use DNA testing to learn about their families. I believe that discovering your family story is so empowering! Learning it makes you stronger, more rooted, more connected, more confident. You can do it–and I can help you, just as I’ve helped thousands of people around the world.
Anyone who uses DNA testing for family history! But it is immediately relevant for those who have gathered a group of matches and want to see how a DNA tester fits on their family tree. WATO is so key to answering this question that it’s usually the first tool (beyond your DNA testing company tools) that we send people to.
The creator of WATO Jonny Perl has this to say about endogamy: "[WATO] is not meant for endogamous populations. Endogamy may significantly affect the scores, and we don't yet have good probability data to figure out how. Recent pedigree collapse (for example grandparents who are first cousins) is also likely to have a significant effect, meaning WATO will incorrectly rule out some relationships that are possible. However, more remote pedigree collapse may not affect the numbers a great deal."
No. We will teach you how to use the free version of WATO, which is powerful and, for some people, meets their needs completely. We will also introduce you to WATO plus (a paid version) so you know what else it has to offer.
This course takes place online. To access it, you’ll need a reliable internet connection for streaming the video learning sessions and for additional learning on your own time.
We created this as an on-demand experience for a few reasons. First, some people need more time than others for the concepts to sink in. We want everyone to be able to go at their own pace and stop, start and rewatch the tutorials as often as needed. Same thing for the case studies: we don’t want anyone to feel pressure to complete them quickly so we can “move on,” like we would in a live experience. Finally, WATO is one of those tools you will need to pull out again and again in the future for specific research questions. I want you to be able to come back and review as needed. (You get to keep access to the Course materials indefinitely.)
This course does not include DNA testing or instruction on how to work with your DNA matches, except on WATO.
While there are many additional tools on the DNA Painter website, this Course focuses exclusively on WATO.
Your DNA Guide is not associated with DNA Painter. We specialize in DNA education, and can provide independent, unbiased evaluation and instruction.
You must enroll by January 3 to receive the exclusive WATO Practice Pack for free