Blogging for Effective Training

Introduction:

A collaborative research project between Sheffield Hallam University and Nottingham Trent University in the UK investigated the use of blogs with trainee teachers as an alternative to reflective paper‐based diaries. An action research case study, involving focus groups of post‐graduate (secondary) trainee teachers (one group from each University) was undertaken to determine attitudes and perceptions of blogging as an appropriate tool to support reflective professional development. The findings indicate that the use of blogs by the trainee teachers had a positive impact overall, and provide concrete evidence of their development as emerging professional teachers. Unlike traditional paper‐based systems, blogs provided ongoing opportunities for the tutor to assist the trainees in their development as reflective practitioners.

The key benefits of blogging:

1. Blogging as an appropriate tool to support reflective professional development.
2. Blogging is used to bridge the communication gap between trainers and trainees.
3. Blog as a learning tool.
4. Include a Call-to-Action.
5. Have multiple solutions to their problems.
6. Use stories to connect with your readers.
7. Make the blog part of the company culture. Organizational culture can be explored.
8. Employee development i.e. knowledge management.
9. Promotes autonomous learning by providing opportunities for students to take more control of their learning. 
10. Motivates students to become better readers and writers.
11. Blogging increases participant’s interaction with course materials.
12. Blogging increases student opportunities to interact with each other.
13. Trainers can use blogs to publish assignments, and resources, and keep participant’s up to date on class events, due dates, and content being covered.
14. Promotes discussion among trainees.
15. Encourages the use of the Internet and the Web among participants and trainers.
16. Blog help to preserve all contents in an archive mode. The writer saves time because the update is possible.

NAPD Case Study:

The National Academy for Planning and Development (NAPD) is a leading training, research and consulting organization in Bangladesh. This is a Government-owned autonomous body under a law which is created in 2018. This academy is now trying to explore beyond the country through its own management innovation. The NAPD website is www.napd.gov.bd

The fact is that all of the faculty is gaining major ICT facilities for their own platform. A blog can be an effective tool for training materials dissemination and close interactive tools in the period of conducting the training session. During the corona period, when I became corona positive, then I was in a room for about 28 days as locked. In this idle time, I was thinking about the application of blogging for training improvement. I opened this blog and taught in different ways. Now also think for future use. 

Application in PGDICT4D course (11 Batch)-

For the first time, I am now using this blog for oracle lab practice in the PGDICT4D 11 batch course. Participants appreciated me. Participants are using this blog. They are enjoying the following benefits:

1. They can copy commands and paste at their own SQL prompt. It reduces time and helps for more practice in a session.

2. Home practice has increased when desired. My blog statistics proved it.

3. As a trainer, I post my last thinking in the relevant blog. Participants are getting it instantly. 

4. Participants are putting their comments as nice or fell difficulties during practice at home. These difficulties are discussed in the next class.

The writer is an Oracle Certified Professional and can be reached at the mail rashid.eee.cse@gmail.com

URL: www.rashid-bd.info