Training

When I started this module, I was already pretty comfortable with Excel, Publisher and Access as I've used them before, but I really knew very little about Web 2.0 technology and what's available. I plan on using Publisher to create the team newsletter, and if I hadn't studied this module I would have probably have just emailed my colleagues for their input. That's far from satisfactory though, as I would have ended up with lots of versions of the newsletter floating about. Instead, I'm hoping that my employer will consider agreeing to me using something like Sharepoint, Google Docs, or just an internal wiki. Collaboration will be easier and communication smoother.

When I began, I wasn't clear at all how this module would benefit my working practice, but it's actually made me think more broadly and look at why things are done the way they are. My organisation has a very definite culture - it's quite hierarchical, and I think there is a danger of doing things in a particular way because that's how things have been done historically.

One aspect which I will have to consider when weighing up the available technology, is how easy it is to use. Many of the in-house software packages which my employers have introduced assume a certain level of IT knowledge. The company has a 'paperless office' policy, and many of my colleagues who had not previously needed to use a pc are now having to record all their activity electronically. This has proved incredibly stressful for some. If my employers decide to start using some of the Web 2.0 packages, then they will need to consider the implications in terms of staff training.