Reflection ~ Module 4
Communications Software

For Module 4, I chose to post my class reflections on my Blog. I had originally created my Blog in July 2006, after the birth of my third child. The purpose of creating the blog was to keep my family and friends updated on our life since we live a few hours away from my immediate family, and several states away from extended family.

When I chose to create the Blog, I asked friends for their input. I asked what Blog services they used, if they were free, ease of use, space available, and then once I gathered all that information I did my own research to find which service would best suit my needs. I narrowed my search down to two websites: www.wordpress.com and www.blogspot.com. Both were similar, but I preferred some of the features available on wordpress, so that is the site that I went with.

It took some trial and errors to determine the best layout, the best fonts, how to embed/import photos, allow people to view comments, and set permissions for users. Ultimately, I decided to make the blog public, though I do have to approve comments from certain viewers. I did set permissions for some people to be able to post comments without my approval.

I thought that creating a blog would be a lot more difficult than it was. What has been difficult is keeping it updated. I try my best, but having three young children, and full time graduate school keeps be very busy.

In addition to my blog, I also have an account on Facebook. Facebook has been an amazing way for me to reconnect with friends from elementary, middle, and high school, as well as college.

I find Facebook to be quite different than a Blog. My Facebook account is more for fun, and it’s easier for me to update my Facebook page, and to quickly see what is going on with my friends with a simple click of the mouse.

I enjoy both my blog and my Facebook account. Both are fun, and I wouldn’t change anything about either of them.