To gradually introduce students to blogging:

1. Teach them the etiquette of online posting.
2. Invite students to use blogs for a few days just for fun -- until they get used to how the system works. Create your own blog too.
3. Assign one blog entry per week on a class-related topic; keep required lengths short and emphasize reflection.
4. Over time, encourage students to provide feedback on one another's blogs; to evaluate blogs outside of class; and to create group blogs.
5. Grade students on their blog entries. Evaluate such factors as time management, content, and grammar and spelling.

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