Question about online classes and Webinars that receive Merits

[Angela_Lawson]

Hi all.

Well, this whole year so far has been pretty awful, and the rest doesn't look much brighter, but I have a question...Does anyone know of any online classes and/or webinars that are available that would help me work toward my masters. I wasn't able to get anything in for print competition this year, but I would like to continue my education portion if possible. However, right now I need to be able to take the classes and/or webinars online if possible. I had so many complications from back surgery in January that I was only able to come back to work in May (part-time), and have now discovered that I will require another back surgery before the end of the year. Which basically means that I have to pretty much write off this entire year as a bad one, physically and business wise, but thought that I might try to keep up on the education part so I don't fall too far behind. And unfortunately I'm not up to traveling too far either. So if anyone has any info. or thoughts, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Also, along the same lines, does anyone know how accomodating IUSA would be if I was still recovering from surgery and needed a wheelchair and possibly an assistant (my husband) to help me around if I attended? Would I still be required to purchase a ticket for him, if he's only there to help me out? I really want to attend, but depending on when the next surgery is scheduled for, I may or may not be able to, based on those types of things.

Well, sorry this is so long winded.
Angela

[Betsy_Finn]

Angela,

I'm sorry to hear about your back. For a list of upcoming webinars, visit: http://www.ppa.com/education-events/webinars.php

Also, depending on where you are at, you may want to look into attending a Super Monday class this October. For example, I'll be teaching one in Flint, MI -- and there are bound to be a number of other photographers teaching classes for Super Monday throughout Michigan. So, if you can find one nearby, it might be a *hopefully* painless way to get an additional service merit + day of education. The class lists haven't been posted yet (I think sometime during August it will be posted to http://www.ppa.com/education-events/sm.php )

Depending on how far out you are looking, GLiP school may provide you with another option for education. The format of the education is changing up a bit for next year, and there should be a variety of 1-day up to 4-day classes offered (sometime in June 2010). http://glip.org

[Angela_Lawson]

Thanks for the tips Betsy! I've kept an eye on the PPA Webinars, but can't seem to figure out how to know which ones will earn a merit and which won't. Any ideas?! Also, are any of the classes at the Seminar at Crystal Mountain going to result in a merit? Not sure if the timing will be right or not, but thought I'd check.

Angela

[Betsy_Finn]

Crystal Mountain Classes are not PPA merited. You can, however, earn credits towards your Michigan Service award (for PPM... see details: http://ppm.org/serviceaward.html).

Oh, I also just remembered about another option for you. I think PhotoWorkshop.com still has a series of assignments for PPA members that can earn you merits. I belonged a few years ago and completed the assignments, if I recall correctly, 2 successful assignments = 1 merit. http://www.photoworkshop.com/ppa/index

Webinar Merit info (from http://www.ppa.com/education-events/webinars/FAQs.php)

You can now earn merits by attending PPA Webinars!
Attendees receive one service merit for each Webinar credit, based on the following criteria:

* Paid Webinar of less than a 3-hour duration - ½ Credit
* Paid Webinar of 3 hours or more - 1 Credit

Credits are awarded only for first-time attendance to each Webinar (either live or archived). In addition, these credits will be awarded for all eligible Webinars since January 12, 2009!

[Heike_O'Day]

Just about the backproblems: Look into getting an INVERSION TABLE. My husband who's a massage therapist had backsurgery a couple of years ago and sometimes has trouble with his back. If it wasn't for his inversion table he wouldn't be walking or working! If you would like more info on this - just get back to me.
Hope things are going to get better! God bless!

[Angela_Lawson]

Thanks Betsy! I didn't realize that it would be all paid PPA Webinars, I thought that it might only be certain ones. That helps alot. And I remember reading about the Photoworkshop classes...I'll have to check into them again.

Thank you Heike. I have one more surgery to go, but my husband mentioned checking into the inversion table (he had read somewhere on the internet about them), so I'm definitely going to ask my doctor about them. Thanks for the words of encouragement too!

Angela