Why Blog?

The "blogosphere" is exploding for a number of different reasons.  Some people just like seeing their name in print, and this is way easier than it used to be.  Blogging also allows multiple perspectives on issues of major importance (Libya cnn.com) as well as those of much less importance (Charlie Sheen livethesheendream.com )

In terms of classroom use, any task that focuses on discussion and exchange of ideas can work for a blog.  You can also easily incorporate other curricular aspects, such as research, writing, editing, current affairs, and, of course, technology.  Be sure you know what your goal is when you begin:  blogs are a great "hook" but you want to make sure you don't lose the fish. (See the bottom of my blog:  that's just for fun :)

My first blog was inspired by a wish to have students experience semi-authentic discussions about good books.  My book club doesn't do chapter questions, we talk about the book, compare it to others we have read, connect it to our own experiences, learn about historical events.  We argue, yell at characters, deride authors.  (We also drink fair quantities of wine, but that's a different topic altogether.) 

For students, creating this in classrooms can be very difficult.  We all know who will dominate these kinds of "real time" discussions, and who will be perfectly happy to let them.

When we blog, we ALL have an equal voice.

Your task:  post below how YOU might use a blog in your classroom.  Read the ideas of your colleagues.