Blogging for the Business of E-learning

Blogging and E-learning are interconnected. Blogging is the web’s version of journaling and journals have become part of the core curriculum in writing language. Opinions and topics flow for the creative writer and the right of expression. Many e-learning programs have incorporated this to put a current twist on delivery of student work. A hip way to involve the new generation.

This then becomes a tool to advertise the program or sample student work if accessible online. Blogs are considered a viral marketing tool. The webs answer to word of mouth advertising, driving the long tail business. The question of where they become separate from the users, views and advertising is blurred by and controlled by the viewers and viewing posted.

Advertising and New Media

The discussion of this topic as it relates to my New Media specialization is a dicotomy in some respects. E-learning relies on new media to deliver programs to the learner. E-learning in the public domain has traditionally not allowed advertising of any other products or services, except it’s own. If any advertising shows up it’s in the form of sponsorships and donations done in a low key way, such as PBS stations, plaques and other subtle ways.

Those in the private e-learning business are able to use the above and flaunt it more. The web banners, links, pop-up ads, radio, tv, printed matter are not limited. However, to stay in keeping with credibility issues, a conservative, tasteful and subtle approach maybe necessary to compete with the “reputation” of an acredited public institution.

Web 2.0 and the Impact on E-learning

My Space, Face Book are just two of the popular social sharing sites making up Web 2.0 networks. It seems everyone’s doing it that loves to share their lives or web savy. It’s somewhat like your fifteen minutes of fame Andy Warhol claims we will all experience. It is the blog with more ways to express yourself.

Promoting E-learning or other businesses using people to drive word of mouth recommendations or ideas for learning can help writing and sharing of ideas for topics in learning. The risk is of negative comments as regulating and content can bring credibility up in the business of e-learning or down.