The way you know that you were meant to do something is just how “right” you feel when you’re in the moment.
I started thinking and planning for a web conference session to teach beginners how to create their blog on WordPress. Even unpublished writers are being told — get a website, get a blog. Even for someone like me who’s online all the time and comfortable picking around technology, it still took me forever because I dragged my heels and didn’t want to get started. Imagine the block for someone who’s never had a website?
So I thought I’d just set up a way to show people and after the one hour session, they’d have a blog setup and know how to change things, navigate, etc. I didn’t want to charge for something like this because all the information is freely available online. I just wanted to help people get to the knowledge by presenting it in a friendly way. As I started to research web conferencing, I realized I was excited about this. More excited than I get for my RL job. More excited than even *gasp* I’ve been about writing lately.
I’m already planning for a test run in two weeks. I really hope it goes well. I’ll post any documents I create for it here. The big part of it is the interactive part which is possible through web conferencing. Isn’t technology wonderful?
Teachers really mean it when they say they teach because they love it. I miss being out of the classroom. Not the drama, or the long hours or the emotional drain. But I miss the teaching and guiding and connecting. I’d do it for free as long as someone wants to learn.
Mar 22, 2009 @ 13:59:44
I have used Blogspot since I started blogging, just because I adore gmail, and they sort of go hand in hand.
I’ve had a few problems with general things and haven’t found answers online. Simple things – like how to attach text to a photo. It sounds stupid, but if I want 3 photos lined up on the right side, and text to align with each, I can’t figure out how to do it.
ANYWAY – what do you think is the benefit of WordPress over Blogger?
Mar 22, 2009 @ 14:17:21
Teachers are never thanked enough. I can think of quite a few who have shaped my life and without their patience, support, and discipline…I wouldn’t be writing today. I’m glad you still love teaching and it shows how awesome you really are!!!! Good luck on the GH! I will cross my fingers for you!
Mar 22, 2009 @ 23:18:58
December:
I actually have no preference between Blogspot and WordPress besides that I only know WordPress. That’s one of the things I’m going to preface the session with — I am not an expert! I just want to help where I can.
About the photos, I’ve gotten questions about how to get the images on the side like I do with my website banner and Gateway award. I had to do it with a “Text” widget but I STILL can’t figure out how to center the images in the sidebar. 🙂
Mar 22, 2009 @ 23:24:33
Jax: It really does make me feel warm and fuzzy to teach in any way I can. I’ll see how this session goes…if it works, maybe I can offer it again through divas if there’s a need. Maybe a more advanced one as most divas are at least blog savvy. And I’m no an expert.
And thanks for the well wishes on the GH. I know everyone always says “Oh, I probably won’t win” so I’m going to skip that part and say, historical is a tough category but I wouldn’t be in it if I didn’t feel I was at least a contender. LOL.
Mar 24, 2009 @ 12:04:31
That’s great! I only have a blog and have no clue whatsoever on how to create a website. I definitely do not want to hire a professional, simply because I don’t have the hundreds/thousands of dollars for one. I figure when I do finally get myself a website, I’ll be asking the hubby to help me, since he’s a great deal more computer savvy than I am.
I’ll be interested to read the documents you’re creating for the class.