Problems, problems

Well, my students have set up their journalspace accounts and have begun writing in them. They posted introductions and an essay about immigration. They are next supposed to be comparing their own personal immigration history to that of the group they wrote about before. They seem comfortable with the format, but I am not finding journalspace as comfortable and easy to use as blogger. So I am not sure what to do. I guess I will stick it out this semseter and then change to blogger -- assuming we can still access it then. Anyway, the students are almost ready to have visitors to their blogs. Once they are, I will let you know how to find them!

Thanks again!

I would just like to take this opportunity to thank you all again for your good wishes.

Of course, as I sit writing this, we are watching Rita closely to see where she will go. We are all hoping and praying that the forecasters are right and that she will go away from us -- almost anywhere as long as it isn't here. Of course, all the refugees from Katrina currently in Houston and elsewhere in Texas are right in the path of this one.

The people of New Orleans still need your good wishes and thoughts! And I know you will send them their way. Thanks!

A start ... at last!

Well, I have finally had my advanced students set up their blogs over at journalspace. While right now they could access any blog site, I decided to stick with journalspace since it was the only one they could access before -- and it may be the only one they can access again.

Today we just set the blogs up. They haven't posted to them yet -- that will come in a few days. I told them that I wanted to share their blogs with other people, friends of mine, and they seemed amazed. I also told them that, eventually, I want to share them with the college administration. I want them to take this seriously because if they mess up, it could cause lots of problems for future students. I am really sure, though, that they will be responsible and make me proud!

Now, this may seem like a lot of work and worry and bother for 2 students (Yes, I have only 2 advanced students!), but I am excited.

Once they are up and running, I'll let you know. The students won't be posting there a lot -- and some of it will be formal postings (responses to assignments and such). But I know they would appreciate your comments.

Update from my part of Louisiana

Well, we started classes today at the college. We are still running on generator power and there are no phones, but we have Internet -- although it is not real reliable right now. I am hopeful that I will be able to get my advanced students blogging, but I am not counting on anything at this point in time. I am just glad to see them again!

People here are in kind of shock. None of us can tell you much about the last two weeks. Many people still don't have power and/or water, and many people are not back in there homes yet -- and may never be. The good news is that things are moving forward. As gasoline and food have become more readily available and banks are opening up again, we can begin to take control of our lives again.

I am looking forward to getting back on here more regularly. I thank you for being patient with me in the meantime.

Thanks to you all

Many thanks to you all for your emails and comments inquiring about my safety after Katrina. We stayed in our house through the storm and got through it with nothing more than a blown out rear window on the car. We have no electricity or water, but we are fine. We have food and can haul water from the college where I work. Things are getting better every day.

I had to drive 30 miles to get internet, so it will be awhile before I post again, I'm afraid. I just wanted to let you know I am fine and that I will write again when I can.