Protecting the Family

Making the Home Network Safer

Who can forget the iconic sound of a 56k modem as it completed its handshake protocol;  the virtual on-ramp to the digital superhighway known as the internet. It’s amazing to think how much the internet has changed our lives over the past two-plus decades.  But for all the wonderful advancements the internet provides us daily, it also has a dark and dangerous side.  Just under the surface of any search engine through the keystroke pitter-patter of search terms, a vast ocean of pornographic sites set their fishing lines; ready to snag its innocent, curious, naïve, addicted, or defiled victims.

As the father of four young boys racing full speed into or towards their teen years, I’ve struggled with how to protect my kids from this virtual cancer of depravity.  And if I’m being honest, how to protect myself from lure and temptation of an empty pleasure which only leaves me hurting in my shame and guilt; deceptively stealing away from me the joy and sufficiency of God’s grace.  Well, after many days, weeks, and months of trying different solutions, I’ve discovered a way to easily protect my family and my home from this evil and it’s something I feel is worth sharing so read on!

How Did I Ever Manage without This?

Zotero: The Bibliographic Lifesaver

One of the biggest benefits of taking RS101OL was a small little piece of advice that was given to us during one of the video lectures: that was about using bibliographic software.  I wasn't really up to learning how to use a new software tool this semester but I decided to give Zotero a try.  After using it for a couple of days I honestly had to ask myself, "How did I ever manage without this?"  Zotero was not only easy to use, for me it was a bibliographic lifesaver.

Knee Deep in Research

The Fun Continues

Another week is now behind me and things are going along nicely.  I'm still running a little over a week ahead and I'm looking to expand that a bit in the coming days.  Module 6 has been a blast and I should be wrapped up with the second learning activity in the next few days.  Lots of things learned this week so read on to hear more about it.

It's Not Work When It's Fun

Time Melts Away

I'm going to end up spending a lot of time on my learning activities in Module 6 but it's not because I have to, it's because I want to.  It really isn't work when it's fun!  The farther I get into this class, the more interesting and enjoyable the experience is.  Yeah, I struggled with the previous learning assignment a bit, but that seems ages ago as I'm completely consumed with the latest assignments.  Wow. 

Pseudo Fall Break

A Lazy Cool Fall Weekend

I had a challenging week this week outside of school so I kind of took the week off.  I needed it.  Given that I was a full week ahead on my assignments, this isn't a big issue.  But my latest learning activity is giving me a little heartburn.  I still have 5 more days to work on it and a full 4 more days until the next assignments unlock, so it's not the time to hit the panic button just yet.  Just a little time for a self made Fall break.

Time to File Week Five

Time Flies...

Hard to believe another week is just about over but it's time to file week five.  Overall a very good and productive week as I'm just about finished with Module 3.   I'm really settling into a steady rhythm and while the assignments are getting a little harder, they're also getting a lot more fun and my learning is definitely expanding.  Keep reading to get the skinny this week on my learning development and to check out my statistics after week 5.

Week One - In the Books

Well That Went Well

I waited all summer long to get started and now I get to put week one in the books.  I couldn't be happier with the start of the semester and the structure of the online program.  As long as I stay focused and disciplined, I expect to finish the course without any problems.  I also anticipate being challenged and learning a lot as we progress through the class.