A Life Worth Living, Is One That Is Shared...

When I started this weblog, I really wasn’t sure where it would lead. Although my posts began on New Year’s Eve, there are already visitors from 19 states and from Europe, with new visitors being added nearly every day.

What I am finding from this experience, as well as from using Livemocha and other sites, is that the web is a great way to begin making connections with others with similar interests and hopes from all around the world. We can share interests with new friends, near and far, that we would never have the opportunity to meet otherwise.

Some of you have started asking, “Is this hard to do?” “How can I get started?” In upcoming posts, I’ll share more about the tools I am using and learning to use.

When I was in grade school, I was told that technology would give me a 3-day work week, a robot like ‘Rosie’ in the Jetsons cartoon, and a connection to everyone around the world.

Well, one out of three isn’t so bad after all.

‘Til next time,
Karen
www.KarenLCox.com

Parlez-vous Français? ¿Usted habla Español? Sprechen Sie Deutsch?

Well, now you can…

Online, at your own pace, and with others around the world at LiveMocha.com. I registered on this site today, and have already completed two lessons in Spanish 1. I even had my son (he’s in kindergarten) try it out with me. We both enjoyed it.

The site is easy to use, fun, and I think I’m learning the basics quickly. Online interactive lessons include reading, listening, and more. The site keeps track of your progress, too.

And, the community is very active. Within 10 minutes, I had three people contact me for online practice or to be added to my list of friends. (Tip: You can set your session so you are away, busy, appear to be offline, or available for practice.) As part of the community, others help you speak their language and you help them speak yours.

Livemocha currently offers lessons in English, German, French, Spanish, Hindi, and Mandarin Chinese. Users, however, speak so many more. Even if your desired language doesn’t contain lessons yet, you’re sure to find a native speaker or online tutor willing to share conversation and learning.

Parla Italiano, anyone?

Karen
KarenLCox.com