Ready to Begin a New Adventure

The second part of the fall semester at Trine begins this week.  My first ENG 113 class is Wednesday night.

I have to admit that there were a few times the thought of "Why did I ever agree to do this?" did cross my mind.  Thursday in particular.  Nothing was working right.  The desktop computer.  The flash drives.  The word documents.  The powerpoints.  I couldn't figure out Moodle at all.  

Then everything fell into place.  My laptop miraculously began to work when we took it to DeGroots to be fixed.  She said it had probably been updating which sometimes takes a LONG time to do and locks up everything while it is in the process.   Barb agreed to give me a crash course in Moodle.  I was able to revise the powerpoints and reading assignments.  I added in the 'plans for the class session' to each of the dates.  I can add in the particulars later. I like to do that anyway because it is then fresh in my mind. If I add everything too soon, then I forget or I second guess myself. 

All of the 'plans' are in and the first week is ready.  The second week will be ready tomorrow.  I need to know how to hide assignments before I add any more of them.

I won't be there alone so I won't be as worried about strange sounds or extra people coming in. Another class is meeting at the same time.

Tomorrow I am going in with my list of questions, my signed contract, and to learn how to make myself visible to the online students and how to 'share my screen' with them.

I know I have a tendency to complain (and those who read this who know me may be shaking their heads firmly in agreement).  But I want to stay positive about this course.  It will give me a chance to be in the classroom again,  a place where I feel very comfortable.  It will give me the chance to help others improve their writing skills, which is very important as they pursue their careers.  It will also give me a weekly focus that is just for me---not focused on family. I love my family, but sometimes I need to just focus on something for myself.  Teaching is that for me.  

So I am ready for the new adventure.  I hope it will be a fun experience.  I have no concerns about whether I am doing well or not, whether they like me or not, whether I will be asked back again, because I am looking at this as a 'one shot deal.'  This semester.  Some extra money.  New faces.  New experiences. 

It will be fun!