Wednesday, August 27, 2008

The world of technology and children

Well, My sons are fully wrapped up in their classes and jobs while I begin my new journey of on-line classes at UIS. I try not to call them every other hour, and so far it has been a struggle. I forgot how much I depended on them to answer any little technical questions that I may have about the internet. I celebrated my birthday in July so my husband, being supportive as he is, bought me a laptop. So initially I browsed the UIS website, just waiting for classes to start, and on the night before my first classes started my computer wouldn't connect to the internet. Was this a sign? I called both of my boys, and I got I don't know mom, did you try the main computer? Is the router on? What does the message say? Maybe should buy a new router? All of these questions came to from young men who were undoubtly too busy to talk to mom, I would say who is that in the background, are you at a party? No mom, it's just some of my roommates friends, and they are from up north, you know they are loud. Oh, ok son. Sorry to bother you, I can't hardly hear you, so I will get off the phone now. So I looked at every connection I could think of, and thought oh well they will be home on labor day, I'll just check on my classes on the desk top. On Tuesday, my youngest son called me and asked how it was going? I told him I started blogging, and he laughed and said you are kiddin, right? I explained to him, that it was an invitation through the school, and I quite enjoy it, except for the fact that my laptop still wouldn't let me on. He said mom, is the wireless light on? What wireless light? The blue one on the front of your computer? I didn't know there was a blue light on the front of my computer? There are several little blue lights on my computer. Well check it, and see if you have accidentally turned it off? Look to see if there is an orange light or a blue light on the bottom left corner? Ok, it's orange. Ok, now slide the button to the right and you should see a blue light. Walla! I'm back in business.Why didn't you tell me that the first time I called you? I figured you might have checked that you said you checked everything... Listen young man, I am still your mother so don't be makin' fun of me. You are a hoot, love you mom, gotta go. At least my lack of knowledge provides them some comedic relief.

Monday, August 25, 2008

First day, first answer to message board.

I was thrilled to figure out that I could actually find my way around the blackboard site. I was so worried that I wouldn't be able to figure out how to use blackboard. It seemed like it took me forever to find the bb page. I told my husband the biggest challenge would be my technological skills or the lack of them.
After I posted for my ECCE class, I noticed just a couple of word omissions and punctuation errors, and how did they get there? Maybe the send button messed it up. Other than that, this is what I have learned... I worry too much about the small stuff.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Hospital humor, All in a name.

I got an email from a friend today speaking of a former olympic skier. Her name is Pekabo Street. Pronounced Peek-a-b00. I was told that she is now a critical car nurse in a large metropolitan hospital. Evidently she has caused some confusion on her unit, so administration will no longer let her answer the phone. Seems Peek-a-boo ICU, just confuses those on the other end of the line.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Empty Nest

This week I am dealing with the so called "Empty Nest." What a terrible thing to go through, but as luck would have it, I have been busy working and preparing to start classes. Since both of my sons are away at school, I should have more time to study. I am not new to on-line studies, but I am new to UIS. I am excited about this journey and I hope to figure out how to blog and find my way around the virtual UIS campus. Even though I won't be attending any classes on campus, I like the school. I attend quarterly meetings in Springfield and sometimes they are held there. Actually, I will be attending a vendor fair in Springfield tomorrow, so I may stop by to get me a UIS tshirt. My sons wear their SIU and McKendree tshirts proudly, so why not join them.