Because categories are really cool!
Categories allow the webmaster/whoever else is updating the site to notify you, the reader, of recent updates and additions to certain sections that have a tendency to change. Things like Syllabi, Policies, and Procedures are subject to change and it is important that these changes not be buried in some dark corner of the internet or lost to our ever growing inboxes. Additionally, some changes can be subtle, which makes it even more important to have a stream of posts with the specifics of what’s been updated as that’s a lot faster than holding two documents side by side and searching for differences.
Categories also allow for dynamic pages. In other words, instead of a static page like the ELI Mission Statement (which is not likely to change), a dynamic page holds different content that changes as posts are created and tagged.
So what? Why don’t you just update the page?
Because a dynamic page showing all posts that fall within certain categories allows you – and us – to track updates and changes easily. This serves as a valuable record in addition to a notification feature. If, for example, you are plagued with vague memories of a small but important change to the EAPVI L/S syllabus, instead of frantically searching your inbox you can go to the L/S Syllabi category and find the answer.
What is a Post?
A Post is a blog post. Posts can be tagged with categories in the same way that you can tag pictures of your friends on Facebook. They are very useful for delivering very small or very specific bits of information.
Don’t Panic!
The 5 most recent posts will appear in the bottom left corner of every single page. Asking you to check every single category page to see if there are random updates is just as unreasonable as asking you to search every policy and procedure at regular intervals to see if something small has changed.
If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or concerns with this system PLEASE comment on this post. This system is a little different and new for me, too, so think of it as something that we can explore together and learn how to use effectively as a team. I think that this system has a lot of potential and could improve overall awareness of changes to this resource.