Saturday, 5/25/13--This is the day I started my blog

Hello Blog Readers,
I think one of the hardest parts of a project is: getting started.  So, here I am, trying to get started on my first blog.  This seems weird to me.  Just to sit and write down my thoughts, my ideas, my activities, without any concern of APA format, grammar checks, etc. I almost feel like I don't know what to write about--which probably strikes you all as unusual--as you all know how much I like to talk! :-)
Maybe I will tell you why I am writing this blog.  I don't have enough activities in my life, so I have decided to write a blog. haha.  You see my Blogger name--Grad Student Grandma.  Hmm..so what does that name tell you?  I am a grad student-yes.  I am pursuing my master's degree.  Grad students are usually busy, right?  Well, I am plenty busy.  What else does the name indicate?  I am a Grandma.
That name, unto itself, does not indicate "busyness", but it does indicate my age and it does give a clue that I have a family.  So, yes, I have a family that I like to stay involved with. (grammar check--ending on a preposition--one of my pet peeves in academic writing)--but it sounds too formal in a blog to say: "So, yes, I have a family with whom I like to stay involved".  haha.  Anyway...put together the roles that I fill, and yes, I do stay busy. Probably too busy to keep up with a blog.  So, why am I writing a blog?  I am writing this blog because it is one of my assignments in a class I am taking for my degree.  The class has a cool name, "Working Close Apart".  Cool, huh? I will tell you more...

Here is the description of "Working Close Apart", taken from the course syllabus developed by
 Dr. David Passmore, Professor of Workforce Education and Development,  from PSU. While Dr. Passmore has taught the course in the past, this summer, it is being taught by Dr. Rose Baker.

Mission: Supporting Working Close While Apart

The purpose of this course to provide experience with testing and implementing web-based applications that promote collaboration and communication at work. In modern, globally–networked workplaces, collaboration and communication are occurring increasingly over distances as well as asynchronously. Use of web–based tools can ensure that work occurs close, while workers are apart.

Emphasis in this course is on networked collaboration and communication applications that are free–of–charge, or that allow trial over limited periods of time, and are not Penn State products (to promote generalizability). Some Penn State products are referenced, but that is because these are prominent in worldwide use of web-based applications that promote collaboration and cooperation.

So, now you know why I am writing a blog.  It's a task I must complete for this course. I am thankful that Dr. Passmore & Dr. Baker have provided me with the opportunity to take this class.  I am also thankful for my family who continue to support me and help me along the way.  And of course, I thank God every day for these opportunities and as he helps me with my coursework.  My son, Jonathan, showed me how to take a photo with the laptop and upload it where it needed to go.  I think I can do it again! :-) (I better--uploading a photo to my blog is part of this assignment!)  My daughter, Annalisa, started a blog last year, so she was able to give me some direction with this. And my husband is just very patient while I chug & plug away on my assignments.  He also took the photo  in this blog. And my grandchildren...well, they get to listen to the stories of their grandmother going to college.  I love what my grandson said when I told him that I was going to start taking college classes. He said, "Well, Grandma, since you are a teacher, and you are going to be taking classes, you will be able to teach yourself".  I love that line!  He had no idea how correct he was when he said that.  Much of my program is like that: self-directed learning. 
Here is a quote from Dr. David Passmore, (that ties to my grandson's words) regarding how to find and use "web-based applications that promote collaboration and cooperation":  "Figure it out!"
Thanks, Dr. Passmore. :-) 

So, off I go, trying to figure it out, while teaching myself, but also feeling grateful for the help I receive from my family, professors, friends and classmates. :-)