blogging

In what ways can you see connections between the instructions for the blogging project and the activities we've done in class and, more importantly, the ideas about reading that we've discussed in class?
 I think it seems fairly obvious that the blogging project is matching what we are doing in the classroom: connecting with the reading on a deeper level.  All of the instructions for things on class have asked us to look at readings in ways we may not in other classes (e.g. is the onion a person?).  The blogs also ask us to look at readings and other activities in a new light. 

In class we are asked to work in small groups so we can better help each other learn.  After class, we comment on our classmates' blogs in order to provide either constructive criticism, statements of agreement, or even simply disagreement. 

In what ways does blogging extend the reading process? And, how well have you been able to make this work for you?
 Blogging extends the reading process considerably.  We aren't just reading something to get it done and over with, instead we are reading it, discussing it in class, then letting it linger in our minds to put in a blog after class.  Even more than: we are looking at other people's thoughts and connecting to them with our comments. 
I think my favorite thing is that it isn't formal.  So in a way we are writing a paper, but better.  Because it isn't formal I think students, at least for me personally, find it easier to express themselves because they aren't restricted to one format and that leads to them putting more effort into the assignment.  We can write poetry, a short story, record a dramatic reading, or even make a painting.  Really, any way that will accurately convey our understanding of the poem and what we have to say about it seems to be acceptable. 

Although I haven't really implemented any of the other ways of blogging, I certainly intend to in the future.  I have found that doing my blog the night before class instead of the night after class gets me ready with what we will be discussing in the morning.  The blog keeps my brain thinking about the piece we are studying throughout the week which makes it easier to remember the topics (being a college student is a busy occupation sometimes). 

I love having such an unorthodox way of demonstrating knowledge and participation in a class, I really think it is a much more effective method.