how blog?

Frankly, I have never really been a fan of blogs. Most of the blogs I have seen are so full of opinionated garbage about some topic that is presented as truth. The problem with the internet is that any idiot with a keyboard and a connection can post whatever they want without consequences. Because of this I have never really been into the blogosphere. I had a myspace but it only lasted a few months and that is the closest I ever got. However, after the experiences in this class I would have to say I see now how this can be a useful tool.

I would use blogging in the same context as we used it here except a bit more specific and a bit more often. I could see using blogging as a way to have reader responses to readings and then you could encourage discussion of the responses using the response system the blog offers. Then once the reading is over you can have them post their thoughts on the entire reading if it is long. Blogging would work nicely here because it would save paper over turning in written responses everyday. Plus it would encourage discussion outside of class to save on class time and you could have the students personalize the blog extensively which would help you get to know the students in a way you couldn't otherwise. Blogging can be quite useful as long as it is somewhat regulated and the students can be held accountable for what they write.