Nates Computer Services

I have been participating in online classes (on and off) since 1998-1999. My first web based courses were in high school a networking class designed by Cisco systems and web design class that was a combination of interactive television(ITV) and web based class. The networking class mostly self paced online class using a web browser and Shockwave player but within the time limits of a regular class period that had hands on projects. Both of those web based classes were actually in brick and motor specialized (ITV room and computer labs) classrooms and the networking class was on a local server so it was much different than web based classes at the comfort or discomfort of my own home.

I took a few college web based classes in 2000 and 2001 that went well. Only one used video though and the video was on using an CD-ROM ebook and assignments were posted on a web page and sent by email. Some used discussion boards and testing (one which timed out on me just when I finished and didn’t submit since my connection dropped) and others that relied on project and book based assignments. Majority of my college classes were in the brick and motor classroom and I could sometimes see the teacher of web based classes in person at their office if I wanted to.

I took some online classes in between.

2019 – 2020 -2021 I had by far some of my best and worst online class experiences. I learned both the value and the over use of video conferencing, and message boards. I had 2 university grad classes that overused message boards and overused textbook and underutilized video conferencing in 2020. I took many self paced classes from NFHSLearn.com and other providers. I like that format probably the most when it works correctly. I had 2 summer university grad classes that were way too long without enough breaks, no textbook(or ebook), overused online “handouts/work sheets” many taken from just a mobile phone camera given last minute, and a tight homework schedule which I have to say ended being some of the worst classes I ever took. One other college class not exact time but strict deadlines and blurry video, however this class the instructor and college will allow me to retake.

I had one coaching class for track and field with nationally recognized teacher/coaches and athletes that was 4 days together required meeting video conference time but made good use of breaks. The ebook came with the class. The test had an extended period of time to take (up to 3 months) (open ebook). So I really enjoyed that class.

Following with Pandemic guidelines and following principles in my Datacommuting book, I met with my family virtually via Zoom.us video conference for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is nice of Zoom.us to allow extra free time for 2020 holidays.

This year has been as successful as expected for my business despite the pandemic. A large part because my business has been limiting the business to web based, telecommuting (Datacommuting) and picking up from customer services since 2015 and what my business does was also deemed essential. My business had been web based since the beginning in 1999. Although the pandemic affected me in different ways, it didn’t bring my business up or down much.

I also completed a different milestone. One the pandemic has helped me with. The last time I was on a bus was on December 2, 2019. That was the last time I was in a motorized street vehicle. I went months at a time without being in a motorized street vehicle in 2019. That doesn’t mean I don’t get around. I biked over 1000 miles in 2020 and worked in 4 different towns.

Miles biked from home to	Aproximate Distance	Number of trips	Round trip	miles trip total	miles cumulative total
Pillager	14	4	2	112	112
Little falls	32	4	2	256	368
Nisswa	16	3	2	96	464
Pequot	23	1	2	46	510
Walker	70	1	2	140	650
Wesb	0.9	46	2	82.8	732.8
Baxter dr	1.1	45	2	99	831.8
Riverside	0.6	19	2	22.8	854.6
Community garden	1	70	2	140	994.6
Ymca	0.8	15	2	24	1018.6
Buffalo hills trail loop	4.2	7	1	29.4	1048

That doesn’t mean I haven’t went through any hardships like most people this year.

The graduate and supplemental college courses I took did not go well. It was somewhat due to me being busy and my disability but that was only part of it. Although instructors and colleges weren’t prepared for the pandemic even for courses already online, instructors that had experience with online learning before did better and those that embraced online learning did better . Administrators made the right decision by getting students out of the physical classroom and closing physical schools avoiding more people from getting sick and saving lives. Luckily I didn’t have to deal with getting sick (other than something in January at very beginning of year and some building issues where I live not covid) and was only substitute teaching in a physical classroom 8 days. However the courses I took from NFHS Learn and a few other self guided and paced courses did go well.

I had a Grandma pass away at 96, her life may have been shortened due to lack of movement being confined to her apartment getting an infection. Although I consider her to have been a very successful person mom, grandma, great grandma, retired teacher, gardener, lefse and pickle maker, genealogy researcher and so much more.

I lost 2 jobs. gained 2. Still have 1 plus this business.

I have been recording a lot of videos and taking photos this year and plan on sharing more with you soon.

Thank you for making my business a success and helping me continue to reach my goals.

My video clips and photos from #Brainerd #MN the past April 8 – May 9 month eagles, swans, geese, robins, ravens, deer, school construction, people on bridge, yesterday’s snow