BANNED BOOK WEEK, Sept 29-Oct 6

Banned Books Week, an annual celebration of the freedom to read, is observed the last week of September. Each year, librarians, booksellers, teachers and countless others take this opportunity to highlight the importance of intellectual freedom and remind us not to take this precious democratic freedom for granted. (ala.org)

Support Banned Books Week

http://ala.org/ala/oif/bannedbooksweek/supportingbbw/supportingbbw.cfm

A NEW ERA OF LEARNING: DISTANCE LEARNING

I am a strong supporter of distance learning. I took some classes at NWCC for two years and the remaining classes online through Phoenix. It was a success for me and many others. In fact, it has become the new era of learning for colleges including NW CC. According to NWCC, they are proud of this year's enrollment in the Elearning Division. This year there are a total of 1,860 students taking at least one online course. Of those students 439 are taking classes entirely online.

Distance learning allowed me to go to school and finish otherwise I would still be attending classes. For many adults, this might be the only option to attend school and WORK. I am also aware of the many negative comments that people have made about online classes. But, I challenge some of YOU to take a class and see how easy it really is especially through Phoenix.

Some students do not take online classes seriously because of the false belief that it is easy. Some people assume that you are not doing your own homework but I can assure you that no one wanted to do my assignments through Phoenix. You had to do the research and much reading to complete the projects. And, it does not matter whether you are in the traditional classroom setting or not...people will find a way to be cheaters if they want to. But, on a positive side, everyday there are thousands of students successfully taking online classes and earning their degrees.

Check out this link http://oll.temple.edu/students/interview.htm about a visually impaired student who earned a degree because of this new era of learning. Basically, this new era of learning creates OPPORTUNITIES for many and it should be encouraged if this will allow others to achieve their dreams. Below are some books for students who are considering taking some online classes and books for educators who need some techniques on how to manage an online environment with success.

E-LEARNING BOOKS FOR EDUCATORS AND STUDENTS

FAMILY LIFE'S WEEKEND TO REMEMBER CONFERENCE

I ENJOYED it last year and it is here in Memphis again, this November. I recommend this conference to married couples and SINGLES. Yep, even a single person can learn alot about marriage at the conference. Listen up! This is a great way to prepare yourself for the ups and downs that will come your way since Satan is always opposing God. And, marriage is an institution of God so it will be under opposition. I promise that if you attend this conference, it will be a life changing experience for YOU.

I learned so much about marriage. I even learned that I was at fault in some areas in my marriage. It was hard for me to accept at first since my husband was the one committing infidelity. But, we all make contributions in our marriages that are positive and negative....DEAL WITH IT. No one is perfect and this is exactly some of the issues that were discussed. Marriage should represent God and this means being holy. Yet, so many of us do not realize that marriage is not about us. All our dealings in life is to glorify God's name and to give honor and praise to him NOT OURSELVES. Surprise, even, if you are married to an unbeliever, there is hope for you as well. Remember, with God all things are possible.

What I enjoyed the most was listening to couples talk about their mistakes and how they overcame them by allowing GOD to actively be in their lives...becoming doers and not just hearers of the Word. This conference is nothing better than a testimony for struggling couples to see that their marriage has hope and to be inspired. And, a B-12 shot for couples who want to continue having a successful marriage.

Here is the schedule for this year with great topics.

Friday
5:00pm
• Registration begins
7:00-9:30
• Why Marriages Fail• Can We Talk?

Saturday
8:30-12:30
• Unlocking the Mystery of Marriage• From How to Wow• What Every Marriage Needs
2:00-4:45
• Rules of Engagement• Marriage After Dark
Evening
DATE NIGHT

Sunday
9:00-12:30
• Woman to Woman• Man to Man• How Marriages Thrive• Putting a Stake in the Ground

Official website: http://www.familylife.com/site/c.dnJHKLNnFoG/b.3082787/ I will share more with you about Familylife in the future. They offer daily broadcasting programs as well.

GREAT BOOKS ON FAMILY AND MARRIAGE LIFE WILL BE ON SALE AT THE CONFERENCE AS WELL