Using Blog for Presentation - eLearning?

Dennis McDonald has a great post about Using a Blog for a "Web2.0" Presentation instead of PowerPoint.

I love his postscript:

"I debated whether or not to use the term "Web 2.0," which has fallen out of favor among the cognoscenti. I decided to use it, though, simply because it has to an extent emerged into popular usage and it takes less space to type than the words "social networking and social media." Here is how I defined "web 2.0" for the group:

The term "web 2.0" describes two dimensions of web based publishing:

1. Web 2.0 as Technology Infrastructure

When used this way, Web 2.0 refers to the ways hardware and software can be used to deliver sophisticated interactive processes over the World Wide Web to anyone with an Internet connection and a standard web browser.

Other hallmarks of Web 2.0 technology are (1) the rapidity with which sophisticated applications can be developed, (2) the ease with which data from different systems can be combined, and the (3) independence from specific types of computers or operating systems.

2. Web 2.0 as Communication and Business Process

When used this way, Web 2.0 refers to the ways people can use the web to easily publish information online, share that information with others, and develop relationships with people who share common interests. Frequently these behaviors are individualistic, spontaneous, and highly decentralized.

It is not unusual for more traditional or hierarchically structured organizations to approach Web 2.0 applications with some caution given the lack of centralized control. It is also believed that the more people who participate in Web 2.0 exchanges of information, the more powerful "network effects" become."

I really like this description of the term. I think we can use the same ideas in our continuing discussions of Learning2.0.

So how do we use blogs in eLearning? That's a big question. But I also think its the wrong question. I don't think we can push the use of blogs on our users in the same way that we push eLearning solutions. Blogging is only effective if the blogger is engaged and willing to partipate in the conversation, and express opinions. Perhaps a "blog-style" approach to a new tool could be used for smaller, more focused, functional groups/teams within organizations. The focused discussion amongst close peers with common goals and interests might encourage the participation. The jury is still out.