Ways for Students to Use Blogging

Beyond most of the Web 2.0 technologies, I find blogs to be one of the most diverse, accessible and professional tools. I think that teachers can create a blog for each of their classes. From here, a teacher can create a calendar replete with assignment due dates and other valuable information. Additionally, the teacher can post a daily or weekly reflection question in which students have a certain amount of days in which to respond. A teacher can also have students create their own subject-specific blog in which students are encourages to develop and maintain a blog devoted to a specific interest. I'm also considering creating a blog for each novel/play/film we study and having students blog with their thoughts/feelings. When I taught, I had students do a quote of the day assignment related and so many students really enjoyed it. That could be another possible blog topic. There are so many possibilities but I want to be sure not to overwhelm or annoy my students with having them blog for every book or assignment. Moderation is essential!!