WHY SHOULD I USE A BLOG IN THE CLASSROOM? As an educational tool, blogs may be integrated in a mulit-faceted manner to accomodate ALL learners. Blogs can serve at least 4 basic functions. 1. CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT: You can use a blog to inform students of classroom requirements, post handouts, homework assignments or act as a question and answer board. 2. COLLABORATION: Students and teachers can work to further develop writing or other skills with the advantage of an instant audience. Students can benefit from peer review. A class of older students can help a class of younger students develop more confidence in their writing skills. Students can engage in cooperative learning that requires them to relay research findings, ideas or suggestions. 3. DISCUSSIONS: Students can discuss ideas OUTSIDE of the classroom. Every student has an EQUAL chance to share thoughts and opinions. Students have time to react to ideas and reflect. 4. STUDENT PORTOLIOS: Since older entries are archieved, developing skills and progress may be analyzed with ease. As students realize their work is published, they are typically more motivated to produce better writing. Students and teachers may peer edit on a developing work and offer advice for future reference. (http://teaching/ today.com)