School is making me bald.

At least I think so.

I’ve spent countless hours trying to learn how to build an online blog and a website. And I think I’m losing hair because of it.

I’m an older gentleman, 55 years old, who grew up in West Africa. I saw my first computer when I was 28. I’ve always had a fear of new technology. But completing a digital skills assessment for course EL6082 made me realize how inadequate my knowledge of computer technology and apps are. Sadly, I developed the awful habit of tugging at my hair when frustrated.

To make matters worse, shortly after the semester began, I was struck with a severe bout of the flu and was bedridden for about 5 days, which made me miss several class activities, forcing me to play catch-up. More hair pulling ensued.  

I paid NameCheap for the domain name SagaEuropa.com, and hosted it on WordPress, this week. WordPress offered me encryption which I (perhaps unwisely) declined.

I struggled to design Sagaeuropa.com. I tried using html and CSS to create the site, but got overwhelmed by the technology. I frequently questioned my own choice of outline text, colour, layout and graphics, so after a few failed attempts, I used a WordPress template for the site’s interface design instead.

When I went to view the published site online, I couldn’t. The “Your connection is not private” error code flashed across the screen. Olena, a NameCheap support agent, helped me activate SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) to rectify the online privacy and security problem.

Now the website is active, what should I blog about? How I discovered the field of instructional design and fell in love with it? How many technical skills I learn weekly? How much I enjoy my MA in Technical Communication and E.Learning programme? Perhaps later. Today’s blog post is to vented my frustration setting this site up.

I’ve started work on my next assignments: Creating a LinkedIn profile, completing three LinkedIn courses online, and creating an engaging eLearning storyboard.

Sounds like it’s going to be a busy week for me here in Sweden. On the bright side, I heard the bald look is very desirable nowadays.

Obi Ikeako.

February 16, 2025.