Guide to blogging on the Learning Exchange

      Definition   You probably know what a blog is, but here's a definition: a blog (a contraction of the term 'web log') is a type of website, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material, such as graphics or video. It’s basically an online journal. Blogs are now a common way to make running commentaries about issues - prominent professionals in all fields are starting to use them.

Learning Exchange blogs   These are built into the Learning Exchange website – they are not independent of the site, as in the description above. There is no capacity to add videos or graphics to Learning Exchange blogs, apart from little smiling or sad faces (emoticons), bold text or bullet points. Also, the blogs cannot be accessed from anywhere except inside the Learning Exchange by logged on members.

Important note   The rules and guidelines for forums in the Learning Exchange also apply to learning exchange blogs. To keep the Learning Exchange professional, friendly and appropriate, the moderator relies on members reporting abuse and inappropriate posts.

You don’t have time for blogging?   You may think so – but if you don’t try it, you won’t know. Your blog on the Learning Exchange can be about any aspect of your extended services work - its development, delivery and impact. It could be a useful personal tool for your own learning, which you are happy to share with others. Try using your blog as a ‘reflective diary’ – write it in the morning before you leave for work, or later in the evening when you are reflecting on your day and planning your work. You may be surprised at the satisfaction it gives you and others.
 
How long should blogs last?   You can write a blog over a period of time; or a shorter period – it depends on the content and on what you want to say. 

How do blogs work?   A blog is usually composed of one or more blog entries. Each entry can have its own title and always shows the date and time you published it. Blogs show the last entry first, and you can scroll down the 'blogroll' to read earlier entries. It's like a 'reverse-entry' diary. Other people can post comments to your blogs.   

Basic rules of thumb for writing a blog   Keep whatever you write lively, factual, clear and clean (no offensive content). And, keep it short – 250 to 300 words is a happy maximum.

Enjoy blogging on the Learning Exchange.