Blogs, or weblogs, are websites that are easy to publish to without a knowledge of programming code. Containing periodic postings in reverse chronological order, they promote interaction and the sharing of ideas among participants. For students, as they read and respond to classmates and others outside the class, they develop critical thinking skills and gain a sense of authorship and ownership, thus bringing student interests into the learning equation.

One of my students, for example, took on a Japanese identity with the name Setsuna at her blog. She often used pictures and wrote about things Japanese, such as geishas.

Blogs can also promote interaction between students and others outside the class. Will Richardson's class corresponded with Sue Monk Kidd, the author of The Secret Life of Bees, and wrote a study guide for the book.

Teachers can use blogs to enhance student discussion and understanding. Darren Kuropatwa, a math teacher, uses his blog Pre-Cal 40S as an "interactive log for students and parents." Anne Davis created The Write Weblog for fifth graders to write about and discuss current events.

For an outstanding resource of information and links to other articles and resources on blogging, check out "Blogging for Learning 2006" (wwwtools for education).