Version 2 of my video presentation

I have recently revised my video presentation for the Principles of Distance Education class and would like for you to check out both versions and let me know which one is the best.

Video Presentation for EDUC 7102-2

Moving Toward Dynamic Technologies

Static versus Dynamic Technologies
I believe after reading this Module's readings that I am somewhere in the middle. I rely heavily on email, wikipedia, and blogging when it comes to communicating and getting information. Most of the research I do is online and it comes from databases such as Academic Search and ERIC which are resources for unchanging information. Whenever I want to communicate, I either email a group member or text a friend or relative and sometimes I even page the person if I feel it is urgent. I seldomly use SKYPE even though I am familiar with the technology in theory, I , however, am not comfortable with the technology. I have just recently learned how to use a microphone to record audio files on my computer and through trial and error, I am currently learning how to use and record images on my webcam. I am learning slowly how to use dynamic technology but if I had to choose, I would prefer to stick with static because it is not as threatening or as stressful to navigate. As I was reading through some of my classmates mind maps, I saw that their views on static and dynamic were similar to mine. For instance, Nikisha Greer's blog post suggests "that dynamic technology is an important aspect when preparing students for a future based on new technologies" (2009). I agree, new technologies are emerging daily and the best way to prepare for them is to use them and become familiar with them. Another interesting comment I read came from Shauna Cromwell in regards to her teaching style. Like Shauna, I must admit that I am stuck teaching in static mode also. I am comfortable in static mode but this mode is not the best for my students and that is why I am taking these classes because I want to move passed my comfort zone and into the new century taking my students with me as I go. A link to Shauna's mind map is presented below in the resources.

Resources
Greer, N. (2009). Wikispace. Retrieved from http://ngreer.wikispaces.com/ on November 10, 2009.
Greer, N. (2009). Nikisha Greer Blog. Retrieved from http://nikishagreer.blogspot.com/ on November 10, 2009.

Shauna Cromwell http://scromwell.pbworks.com/Mind-Map#view=page

Shauna Cromwell http://shaunacromwell.blogspot.com/

Engaging Learners With New Strategies and Tools.

Based on the module's readings, there exists many different ways to encourage student participationa nd involvement in online education. Pallof and Pratt (2005), suggests that there are four tools that are important in encouraging online collaboration. Explanation of Teams, guidelines and expectations, agreements and buy-ins. For each tool suggested by the text there exists a technological tool that can help reinforce the skills that are taught through collaboration. For explanation of teams, the technological tools that can be used are email to set forth the purpose for teams and each team member. For guidelines and expectations: Use email, telephone, cellphone, skype, and class forum to communicate guidelines. For agreements: Use class discussion and emails to communicate and address issues that may arise or to work on projects. For buy-ins: Create charters or contract that gives specifics of the purpose of the team and the responsibility of each member. “A primary task of the educator is to assist learners in forming connections and creating learning networks. These learning networks should assist learners in developing competence to meet the objectives or outcomes of a particular course” (Siemens, 2008). In other words, it is the role of the instructor to ensure that there is a comfortable environment for learning and that all learners are communicating with each other and learning at a rate that is appropriate for their success. In an online or face to face environment, learners must be allowed to become familiar with the course setting and the skills being taught. It is also important to build a sense of community online and face to face so that learners will feel comfortable learning and interacting with one another. Because of ALN’s freedom from time and place constraints, its opportunities for reflective thinking and its reach and connectivity, online education engages faculty and students in new interactions with content, with action, with each other, and with the world outside the classroom (Mayadas, Bourne, & Moore, 2005). Some links offer tools that can help reach students at diverse levels and how to use the tools to reach all students. Technological Tools for Differentiated Instruction offers information for instructors on how to use technology to reach all learners. There are also web papers and research that give great information on how to enhance learner activity. Strategies for enhancing student activity is a great resource to pick up ideas for strengthening activity between online learners.



Sources

Mayadas, F., Bourne, J., & Moore C. (2005). Introduction. In Bourne, J., & Moore, J. C., (Eds.), Elements of quality online education: Vol. 6. Engaging communities (pp. 7–10). The Sloan Consortium.



Palloff, R. M., & Pratt, K. (2005). Collaborating Online: Learning Together in Community. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.



Siemens, G. (2008, January). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and designers. ITForum.

Kilbane, C. (2005) Technological Tools for Differentiated Instruction. Retrieved from http://www.otterbein.edu/home/fac/ckilbane/stateconf/ on November 11, 2009.

Durrington, V. A., Berryhill, A., & Swafford, J. (2006). Strategies for enhancing studentinteractivity in an online environment. College Teaching, 54(1), 190-193.

Assessing Collaborative Efforts

Assessment can be done in four to help maintain a sense of strong community online by following these four steps, “ students assess their peers, students receiving feedback from online communities, educators assess based on student contributions (discussion questions and class participation), and educators assess based on metrics from learning management systems” (Siemens, 2009). One of the most important things in a learning environment is that educators create an environment that provides students with a comfortable environment for learning as well as interacting with the instructor and fellow classmates. According to Siemens (2009), when educators are designing their learning experiences, it is important to create a mix of individual and community-based environments. Variety is the key to success in a learning environment and instruction should be tailored to every student’s learning ability and achievement level. Online collaboration, in the form of peer work groups and learning communities, increases engagement in the learning process (Gay & Lentini, 1995; Moore & Kearsley, 1996). The most important and essential responsibilities of members in a learning community are to make sure that all members communicate their goals, roles, and expectations for work/projects in a group. It is important for members of a group to come up with rules and guidelines that communicate when they will meet, how they will meet, and contact information in order to reach all members. Some important guidelines that could be offered to make a learning community more productive are: to determine the purpose of an activity chosen, determine how to complete assignments given, and operate based on guidelines or schedule when completing a project or assignment (Palloff & Pratt, 2005).According to the text, a team charter is a good way to help team members outline responsibilities in a group (Palloff & Pratt, 2005). The team charter would act as a contract between members within a learning community and between learners and the instructor. If a learner chooses not to participate or uphold the charter, then the members have a right to inform the instructor and the instructor can remind the student of his/her agreement (Palloff & Pratt, 2005). In this way, the instructor acts as a mediator between group members. Through email or a phone conversation; problems can be made right again in order to get full participation out of members of a team. In order for instructors to assess student learning in collaborative groups successfully, the instructor must be comfortable with collaborative learning themselves. If they are not then the way they teach and assess will be determine more by their discomfort than the challenges their students face by trying to become adjusted to collaborative groups. Members within a learning community should also exercise patience as well; many things can happen within the busy lives of learners that knock them off track. With a little consideration and care, these individuals can get back on track to becoming productive members of their communities. Several blogs exists that give great tips on how to use collaborative groups to improve problem solving and critical thinking skills in the workplace and the classroom. How to Plan and Launch Learning Communities gives details on how to set up groups in the work place to ensure success in developing new products and creating business proposals. Collaborative Learning Environments is a study done that details the benefits the use of collaborative groups in a classroom setting.

References

Blanche, M.T. (2002) Collaborative Learning Environments. Retrieved on October 11, 2009 from http://www.criticalmethods.org/collab/news.htm.
Shahidi, L. (2008). How to Plan and Launch Learning Communities. Retrieved on October 12, 2009 from http://blogs.humancapitalinstitute.org/laleh/.
Gay, G., & Lentini, M. (1995). Communication resource use in a networked collaborative design environment. Ithaca, NY: Interactive Multimedia Group.Moore, M., & Kearsley, G. (1996). Distance education: A systems view. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
Palloff, R. M., & Pratt, K. (2005). Collaborating Online: Learning Together in Community. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Siemens, G. (n.d.) Learning communities. Retrieved October 7, 2009 from the EDUC-7102-2/EDUC-8842-2 Principles of Distance Education Web site: http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=3649021&Survey=1&47=5797856&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1

Storyboard for Video Presentation

Hello Constant Bloggers,
As part of my requirement for obtaining my Specialist degree in Educational Technology, I must create a storyboard on a selected topic to do a vieo presentation on. My topic was the development of critical thinking in online/distance learning. Enclosed is part of my storyboard regarding critical thinking. I hope you enjoy and please feel free to give me some feedback.
Thanks for reading and tuning in. Until next time.

Elements of Distance Education Diffusion

The advantages and benefits of online learning are gradually starting to be notice by more and more individuals. Online learning offers flexibility and easy access to course materials and readings. One reason I chose online learning is because of the flexibility it offers to my hectic schedule. More can be done to strengthen online forums such as adding satelite and video lectures as well as web chats where instructors and students can communicate back and forward with each other. Weaknesses may include instuctors lack of communication in timely manner. Students being unable to access the system due to glitches or system matenience up keep. Other than that, online education was the perfect choice for me. There exist a growing acceptance of online learning because of increase in online communication, practical experience with new tools, growing comfort with online discourse, and ability to communicate with diverse and global groups (Siemens, 2008). Opportunities for growth can be in the form of increase in student enrollment, more corporate sponsorships and partnerships to increase enrollment, and increase in workforce training. These opportunities can be maximized by the creation of virtual universities that cater to working and professional adults, providing education to individuals of diverse backgrounds, and collaborations with businesses to keep interest in online programs promoted. “Collaboration with other entities also can help educational institutions round out their distributed education programs (2001). Many online learning programs have webchat and skype in order to help students stay in contact with their instructors and classmates. Message boards in the classroom forum along with email also helps keep students in contact with instructors and classmates. Online learning has come a long way since the correspondence courses of the sixties and seventies but there is still more that needs to be done in order to make online learning more successful.



Sources

Siemens, G. (2008). The Future of Distance Education. Laureate Education Inc, Baltimore, Arthur.

Enjoying my new courses

Hello Bloggers,
I just wanted to let everyone know that I am two weeks into my third and fourth classes at Walden and everything is going okay now. I hope that things do not change, we are being asked to use video media and youtube to give a final presentation and I have to admit that I am nervous. I have a Youtube account and I know how to use a diigital camera and windows media to make videos but there is still much that I don't know. I have ten more weeks to go before its over. I am still excited and I am still enjoying Walden. Until my next post, catch you later.

Amendment of previous post.

I realized that the links of my previous post were of the same article. I have included a link that contains all three articles. Sorry for the error. Thanks!

Link : http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/ehost/results?vid=11&hid=6&sid=59279293-979d-4eb0-9cef-f37be9ffdc93%40sessionmgr11&bquery=(TX+(The+evolution+of+distance+education%3a+Implications+for+instructional+design+on+the+potential+of+the+web))&bdata=JmRiPWFwaCZ0eXBlPTEmc2l0ZT1laG9zdC1saXZlJnNjb3BlPXNpdGU%3d#1.

The Next Generation of Distance Learning (Module 1 reflection)

Reflection on Module 1’s course readings.
During module one, my EDUC-7102 course have been discussing the topic of the next generation of distance learning. During the first week of module one, I read The Evolution of Distance Education: Implications for Instructional Design on the Potential of the Web. The reading is a three part article dealing with the trends in e-learning and how they impact higher education and K-12 sectors. The article suggests that the following components impact the effects of e-learning in training and development: The Need for Better ISD Methodologies and the Revision of Learning Models. According to Moller et al (2008), Design-on instruction that prepares learners to solve ill structured
problems through transformative or generative processes. The article goes on to suggest that, Transformative or generative processes focus on thinking, creativity, collaboration, dialogue, and argumentation that are directed toward solving ill-structured problems (2008). The first article also exerts that the need for better ISD methodologies should be followed by better instruction and learning models. Moller et al suggest (2008) the focus must contain capabilities not possible or at least highly impractical
in a traditional classroom. The second portion of this three part article talks about the challenges educators face when teaching courses online or using an e-learning format. Distance learning has become so popular that it is considered to become a mainstream form of pursuing or furthering one’s education. According to the article (2008), “ Educators in the distance medium are faced with new pedagogical issues surrounding student interactions, course content design and delivery, multiple levels of communication, defining new types of assignments and performance expectations, and different assessment and evaluation techniques (to name a few).” In the third component of this article, the writers discuss the role that No Child Left Behind has played in e-learning. The third component discusses how NCLB made virtual schools possible and how some virtual schools offer courses for regular high school students while operating outside of school districts that the regular high school students live and attend school within. The article goes on to stress the need of trained professionals that are needed to teach online courses and how curriculum should be organized to address the needs of online students as well as traditional students. I agree that distance education needs to evolve pass the self-learner or self taught approach. There needs to exist a interaction between teacher and student other than static emails and postings on a online message board or forum. Online students should be able to communicate with their instructors in real time or at the moment just as traditional classroom students do.

Resources
Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008, May/June). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 1: Training and development). TechTrends, 52(3), 70-75. Retrieved on September 15, 2009 from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/ehost/pdf?vid=9&hid=2&sid=59279293-979d-4eb0-9cef-f37be9ffdc93%40sessionmgr11 .

Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008, May/June). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 2: Higher education). TechTrends, 52(4), 66-70. Retrieved on September 15, 2009 from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/ehost/pdf?vid=9&hid=2&sid=59279293-979d-4eb0-9cef-f37be9ffdc93%40sessionmgr11 .

Huett, J., Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Coleman, C. (2008, September/October). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 3: K12). TechTrends, 52(5). 63-67. Retrieved on September 15, 2009 from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/ehost/pdf?vid=9&hid=2&sid=59279293-979d-4eb0-9cef-f37be9ffdc93%40sessionmgr11.

The Next Generation of Distance Learning

Hello fellow bloggers!
As part of my requirement for my EdS program in Educational technology, I have to post a serious of reflections regarding my module readings over the duration of my course. Feel free to leave comments. I look forward to hearing from you.

What's New SInce I Wrote You Last......

Hi Constant Blogger,
A lot has happened since I wrote you last. I am on the verge of finishing my first two courses in the Educational Specialist program at Walden. I have started back to work and must admit that things are becoming a little overwhelming for me. I have tried and failed numerous times to get my house insured but no one will insure it because it is a vacant property. If there is anyone out there that knows of an insurance company that will insure vacant properties for a reasonable price please drop me a line. Other than that, everything seems to be going well. I still love my job, I still like where I am, and I feel blessed. Things could be better but I also know that things could be a lot worse. I am grateful to still be alive and thankful for every moment I live. I would write more but I just don't have the time. So until next time, see you later and be blessed!

Here are some more pictures of the interior

The house is a 1917 American Foursquare style house. I fell in love with it when I first saw it. It does need work but not too much work. I don't know where to begin any suggestions will be appreciated.

Guess What........

Hi Bloggers. It has been a couple of weeks since I last blogged to you. I am still doing well in my online courses. I am still mourning Michael Jackson (i'm just not crying anymore, so that's good) and I am still living so all is going fairly okay for me. I do have some interesting news however, at the beginning of my summer vacation, I had my eye on this old house in a nearby city. I was very interested and wanted to know the price. When I did some research and checking around, I found that the price was right and I knew the time was right to buy it. So I did. I bought a house and I am happy about it. I don't know much about the history of the house but I have been doing some research online trying to make sure that everything is okay as far as title and deed are concerened. I have owned the house for a few weeks now and I have been trying to find out where to fine insurance and a business that will clean the grounds and the house. I have been forunate in finding a business that will clean the property at a low price but I am still in the market for insurance. I am excited but also worried. I want to renovate the property and maybe sell it again but I really don't know how to get started. If anyone has any ideas please respond and give me your suggestions.

I can't believe it........

I just can't believe how much I actually cried this week. I broke a promise to myself, I said that I would steer clear of MJ's memorial service. So I did everything I could to keep my promise. I went to the DMV to take my written test (I found my birth certificate and social security card after two weeks of searching...YAY!!!!!) and I passed and obtain my permit. I was on cloud nine that is until I returned home. I decided I wanted to watch some tv so I turned on the boob tube and every station had coverage of MJ's memorial service. So I succumbed to the temptation and watched it. As soon as Lionel Ritche began singing "Jesus is Love" I started crying like a baby. I cried long, hard, and ugly. After a few minutes, I changed the channel. But I couldn't resist, I had to see the memorial through til the end. A few minutes later, I was back watching it again and crying even more. I turned in to Usher's tear-filled rendition of "Gone too Soon". When Usher finished he cried and I cried again too. I shut the tv off and left the room but that wasn't the end. Later that evening, they were doing a recap of the most memorable moments of the memorial and I got a glimpse of MJ's young daughter Paris euglogizing her father. When she cried, I cried again and again and again. I couldn't believe how much I was crying that day and over MJ. I was a fan of his earlier music and almost everybody tried to do the moonwalk but I felt pity for him in his latter years and hoped that he would soon find peace. I did not know how loosing MJ would affect me personally. I almost feel ashame to admit that I cried as much as I did. But I did cry, I cried alot and I mourned him for the better part of this past week. MJ's passing has taught me a valuable lesson, appreciate those you have while you have them and show them you care and love them. Maybe if the world had shown him the love they lavish now, maybe it would have been enough to keep him here a little while longer. I now close this post by saying: I have mourned the lost of MJ and have prayed that his family find peace. I am going to move on and remember him as a great entertainer and respect the wishes of his brother Marlon to leave him alone. I ask that anyone who reads this blog post to consider doing the same. Michael lived and Michael died he was only human. Jesus lived and Jesus died but God rose Jesus again and Jesus lives forever!

In Memory of :

There has been alot to happen since I last blogged. The world has lost countless of people due to the protests in Iran and everyday circumstances. I would like to take the time to send condolescences to all the families who have lost loved ones whether it has been through natural causes or a terrible twist in fate. I would also like to send prayers out to the families of three individuals who have died the past week. These three individuals have made entertaining the world their primary goal and succeeded beyond a doubt. To the families of Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, and Micheal Jackson, may God Bless you and see you through the dark moment in time. What will follow will be a memoriam of these three individuals in pictures. May God Bless and keep every last one of you. Until next time bloggers, see you later.

Week 2

Hi Bloggers! I have good news today. I finally made an appointment to get my tooth pulled on yesterday and the extraction was a success. I was issued a prescription for painkillers and antibiotics. I did a dumb thing though and took both at the same time and got sick to the stomach. Lesson learned! I will not make the same mistake again. I am still doing well in my online classes at Walden University. I am still studying to take my driver's exam. Hopefully, I will be a license driver by the end of the summer. Well until next time bloggers, see ya later!

Update!

Hi Bloggers! I have been away for a couple of days but I am back now and with some good information. I have been looking for my birth certificate and social security card so I could take my written test for my driver's license. Guess what? I didn't find it so I have to order another copy of both documents and wait for them to be sent by mail. I don't get to test until I have those documents. It darkened my week dramatically. I also developed a nagging and relentless toothache that goes and comes when it pleases so I have to find time to make an appointment to get it pulled. Ouch! On top of everything, I have been doing okay in my online courses but it hasn't been easy. Okay I know I told you I had good news right well I do. I did well in my courses and earned As and that is great considering the week I have had. I am just thankful that I have survived such a busy and crazy week. I told that I was boring so don't get mad if you were looking for something more outlandish or exciting. Until next time, see ya!

Online Learning: Benefits and Consequences part 2

Hi bloggers! Yesterday, I started with the first part of a long conversation about the benefits and consequences of online learning. For me, it has been mostly benefits but for some of my friends it has been hard consequences. I have a friend for confidential purposes, I call her Lydia, who decided to go to school online. She did well in the online sector until her financial aid kept getting screwed up. Then her classes started being dropped and she was never informed until an hour before she was to enter the class. After calling and specking with academic counselor after counselor, she decided to go some place else. She enrolled in a traditional school that offered online degree programs and since switching; she has been happy ever since. For me, the online experience was the best choice I ever made. I am nopt trying to plug any online colleges or anything but I was proud to have earned my degree online and have it recognized by my state board of education. Regardless of what some people think, online learning is not easy street. You have got to work hard if you want good grades. I had to work hard and I did and I think it is very sad that people do not want to recognize an online degree as legimate or credible as a traditional one. Learning online is not for everyone especially if those individuals think that they are going to be given easy Mickey Mouse stuff. Online learning is not for the lazy, it is for the busy people who need an advance degree but don't have the time to sit in a classroom and listen to a lecture.

Online Learning: Benefits and Consequences

Hi. This is the first installment of articles discussing the good and bad aspects of learning online. I will talk about my experiences with online learning and also relay details of others bad and good experiences with learning on the web.

Background Information:
During my first year as an educator, I realized that in order for me to solidify my position as an educator, I would have to take courses to further my education. The closer college to my home was The University of Mississippi which was about an hour and a half away. Commuting was out of the question. Night classes or weekend classes were unmanageable because of the commute and my hectic schedules as a teacher. I decided to look online. I searched the web for colleges that would offer degree programs online with little to no commuting requirements and that would be accredited by my state department of education. I found the University of Phoenix. It offered most of its degree programs online and on campus. I called and spoke to an enrollment counselor and an hour later I was enrolled. I decided to get an advanced degree in the area in which I am currently teaching: Mathematics Education. The program was simple to follow and very flexible but it was not easy by a long shot. The courses I took required me to use APA style to construct my papers and many of my professors made us follow the manual to a tee. I worked hard and I gave it my all. Nothing came easy and I was glad for it at the end. In March of this year, I completed the masters program and received my degree. I was able to get the certification I needed in order to keep my job as a elementary math teacher.

Viewpoints about Online Learning
I was very excited to be graduating and getting certification as a math teacher but what I wasn't glad about was how people viewed my hard earned degree. I started reading articles regarding prejudice against earning a degree online. These articles implied that administrators in HR offices would not view a degree earn online as being equal to one earned at a traditional college. I have earned two degrees through the traditional level and have to say that they were easier to get than the one I earned from UPX. As I continued to read, many of these articles had a negative view about University of Phoenix. I was heartbroken. I had learned quite a bit from UPX and now people are telling me that my degree means nothing because it was from UPX. I was angry and I had to find out if the department of education would accept my degree. Since I had earned a degree from an accredited institution, my certification was granted and I was safe. But I couldn't let it go. I needed to know why UPX was getting so much bad press from people. I went through the program just fine. So I decided to ask people around me who had atteded UPX online how they were doing. Out of the three people I asked two had a favorable opinion of the school. So I decided to ask questions about peoples views of learning online and many people seem to like the idea but the majority of them think that learning online is easy. If there is anyone out there who is considering or knows someone who has completed and online program, I'd like to hear from you. Feel free to post any ideas or comments to this article. There will be more additions to come.

Learning to drive at the age of 27.

This summer, I have an agenda filled with goals I need to accomplish before school reconvenes for the new year. Among these goals are: losing thirty pounds, finishing my two courses with Walden University, and getting my driver's license. Yes getting my driver's license! I have made several failed attempts to get this darn thing and always something would come up to postpone or stop me. This time things are going to be different. I have been practicing and practicing and I have a good feeling about this time. I think I am on the way to becoming a licensed driver. For years, I had been carrying around a permit flashing it as a valid id well it is a valid id but its not a license. After this week, I will be able to flash a real license and be proud to say I finally earned it even though it took me eleven years. I am not ashamed of not having a license because there are so many things that I do have that most folks don't. I, however, don't ridicule people who don't have what I have because I know we are all different. I just hope that people would do the same with me when they find that I don't have a license. It really doesn't matter now because by the end of the week, I hope to be well on my way to being a license driver.

Why I Decided to Blog again

Hi. Its been a long time since I blogged so now I am back and trying to get into the swing of things again. I started blogging so that my voice could be heard and so that I could get the news out about my poetry book. I thought that I could break into the writing business by self-publishing my way to the top. I learned a cruel but valuable lesson; things don't always workout the way you plan. I talked about everything on my first blog but very few people clicked in and very few people listened. Well, I guess the wrong people listened and I ended up getting a nasty virus that caused my computer to crash taking with it all of my poetry files and research papers(I was in grad school at the time). I vowed that I would never blog again. In frustration, I dismantled my site. Abandon my website and never looked back. Meanwhile, my poetry books sit dusty and forgotten on the electronic shelf of the POD that promised me bright lights and big dreams. I know now that if I want to make it as a writer, I have got to work my way up from the bottom just as I had done with becoming a teacher. Blogging is the best way to get my voice out and even if I don't get paid for it, I am just glad to have the opportunity to write. I love writing and next to teaching, its the only thing I ever really wanted to do. So now I am in it for the long haul. I will only write about what interests me and events that affect the world around me and you. I have given up politics. I leave political analysis to the people who are paid to do it and subsequently waste taxpayers money. I now issue an invitation to the fans of writing and reading. If you like to write, if you love to read; tell me about your life. I am here and will be listening. Lord knows I am going to be writing telling you about mine. Whatever is on your mind, please share it.

My contact information (please use it)

Hi, the following information is all you will need to contact me outside of this blog.
My wiki is http://newamethawilliams.wikispaces.com/ .
My url is http://amethawilliams.com/ .
My twitter is http://twitter.com/amethawilliams .
My Myspace url is http://www.myspace.com/amethawilliams81 .
My email addresses are amethawilliams@yahoo.com and Mywork@amethawilliams.com .
Anyway you need to contact me, you can so please feel free.

The Beginning

Hi, my name is Ametha Williams. One year ago, I became fascinated with blogging and the online scene altogether. I had a blog and several websites which were rarely visited so I tore down my blog and went back to my little hole in the wall life sad and defeated. Well, I am back and this time it is going to be different. I am going to write about things that affect me and the world and I am going to write about crap. I loved the feeling blogging gave me and I was stupid to give it up. I have learned alot in the 355 days that I have been away and I am going to apply what I know to my blog and keep blogging until I can't write anymore. I missed venting my opinions and talking about things that I love and believe in. I am also a new member of twitter and I have my own wiki: http://newamethawilliams.wikispaces.com . Please feel free to blog with me. Share your opinions with me, I am willing to listen.