1. Having students blog on a regular basis helps them to understand what they are thinking and lets others see the connections they are making. It can help the teacher see their point of view and modify the "lesson" for specific students. To use the blog as an electronic portfolio, I would have students reflect on specific topics or lessons. I would have them do a pre and post refection at the start of each unit to see their growth.
Here's a link to my classroom blog.