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> ==Discussion and Assignment ==

- I find there are several similarities between wikis and blogs. For example, both incorporate writing and reading and allow students to share ideas and comment. One main difference is that wikis are more collaborative in nature in that students can work together to create whereas, blogs has a single author and others respond to the author's posts.

- I can envision using a blog as a critical thinking/writing tool in my classroom. I could post a question or statement and include a link or two to articles related to the question or statement for students to read. After reading, students would respond in the comment portion of the blog. They could practice persuasive writing, expository writing, etc in this format. I can also see how a wiki would be useful for students as they work on a project. They could use it as a "meeting" place where they share and create as they work on their projects.

- I can see a couple of challenges in using these tools. For example, I teach 6 different classes. Would I need to set up a separate blog for each class so I could easily keep track of student responses? Or would I just use the same blog for all 180 students? Either way I can see how this would be somewhat challenging. Another challenge I can foresee, as was mentioned in one of the articles I read this week, is how do I ensure that all students have equal access to the blog or wiki when every student doesn't have a computer/internet access? And finally, how do I ensure that students all put forth their best effort whether collaborating on a wiki or participating on the blog?

- In order to start using them I just need time to determine how I will use them, how students will be assessed and then time to set them up.

Overall, I think these are both great tools that students need to learn how to use as they will also see the benefits for their futures.