Time Zones, Technology, and Teaching

Yesterday evening was quite the evening for me. I taught a class about the internet that started at 6:30 and I taught a sewing class that started at 6:00. How was this possible? Through the magic of time zones and technology.

The first class was not just about the internet, but it was on the internet too, through our webcams. I was at home, the class was at my parents’ home in Indiana. So it was 6:30 for them and 3:30 for me. My parents had some friends over. We connected our webcams with our Google accounts. And I talked with everyone about some of the wonderful ways to use the internet. We talked about all the things available to LDS members on the internet. We talked about some pointers on how to keep your family and identity safe on the internet. We talked about using the internet to communicate with family and the world at large and to connect your family, both present and past generations. And of course we looked at how to use the internet to learn and share skills and hobbies.

The second class was a sewing bee where I shared one of my skills and hobbies. I showed a group of women how to make quilted balls. It was so neat to see each of their balls take shape from individual flat pieces of fabric and become three-dimensional objects. Each one unique and they all made me smile. I gave general instructions and then they each made their ball their own.

And today, this weekend, is another miracle of technology as Brett and I sit in our home and watch and listen to the annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and receive the counsel and direction God has for us through living prophets and apostles. Already this morning I’ve heard counsel that was just for me.