The Blogging Experience

Like I mentioned in my previous post, I am feeling a bit out of sorts at the moment. But with each blog I read or post I publish, I am getting closer to having a better grasp on this new experience.

I have felt a bit overwhelmed with the new blogging experience. While I have read blogs on much lighter topics like cupcakes and Disney World in the past, I had not taken advantage of them from a professional development perspective. I can see the benefits of these sites, of course remembering that it is only the view of one person. In trying to keep up with all the postings, I have found the RSS reader a valuable tool. I never knew such an things existed and am going to share it with everyone.

I know moving forward I will search out blogs in a more specifically for assistance in future projects. I was in the habit of looking at traditional web sites and may have stumbled across a blog by accident not knowing what it really was.

As for incorporating blogs into our training environment, that would depend on the training itself. Some of our training would not lend itself very well to a blog since the training period is short and condensed (as little as 20 minutes). I see the main advantage is with longer induction curriculum where there is an opportunity to share and interact with peers.

Additionally, I think blogs could be a good tool used within our Training & development department. Our team is spread across Canada, so having a common place to share ideas, create virtual discussions would be great.

However, even with these great opportunities to introduce blogs to our company, there could be a few issues getting it implemented. Concerns may arise from the technology team about housing all this new information and who is going to manage it. Of course there are external sites available to set up blogs, but that would go against company policy to post/discuss business on external sites.

So I think it would take some time to get everyone on board. But I think trying it within our team first would be a great first step.