Blogging responses to literature

Using Blogger as a tool for students to respond to literature  is a very simple use of Google.  However, it is different in that it does allow students to see and comment on each other's posts.  This is valuable for a number of reasons.

First, just like all of the other services in Google, it places all the students work in one place.  This allows the teacher and the student to access it 24/7 and comment.  It allows the student and teacher to see growth in the student's comprehension and understanding of the nuances and to discuss that growth.

Second, it is a wonderful vehicle for teachers and the students to share with parents when they do parent/teacher conferences.  In our school district at least two of the conferences a year are actually student led.  Having the history of the students work all in one place will make a more seamless discussion on growth and areas that may need improvement.

Third, using Blogger as a tool for response to literature allows students to model higher order thinking in a non-threatening.  This happens while they are commenting on each other's writing but often without creating an environment where they are aware that they are learning from each other.