Blogs for the Classroom

I would have never really considered blogging as a useful tool in my classroom.  However, the more time that I spend using it I realize that it could be a great part of my 8th grade English class.  I think that it would be a great way for students to help each other with assignment, or to even discuss novels we read in class.  I could see it being used for a long term project like literature circles.  Not only does it provide my students with more opportunities for discussion, but it will give students that communicate better by writing a chance to express their thoughts.  I could see it being used for a long term journal activity.  There are many different things you can do with a blog in a classroom environment that I would have never really considered, but I am looking forward to using them in the future.