I teach High School Math so it would be difficult to utilize blogs for answering specific problems since the students could just copy each other responses, but that doesn't mean that a blog wouldn't be beneficial. I created a classroom blog last year, Ms Wood's Blog, late in the year to have students post their opinions about my classes as a way to inform the next year's students. The students didn't have accounts so they had to post under my account, but it was a way I was trying to utilize technology and they enjoyed the opportunity. So creating a classroom blog as an information tool rather than a website we give students the chance to ask and answer classroom questions either about content or procedures.
As I think about what other ways a blog can be utilized, especially in Algebra 2, it brings to mind all the testing that occurs. The kids have PSSAs (Pennsylvania State Standardized Assessment) that require a lot of preparation. The blog could have sample questions that they would have access to anywhere there is a computer. A posting with a sample constructed response question and scored responses would give students an idea of how they should be responding to those type of questions. A solution to the question isn't always enough, but they need to explain the how part.
SATs are another sample that could be posted on a blog. They could post their own questions about how to solve problems. A lot of times we do not always have the time to cover every little detail with the curriculum pace that the district places on us. Plus, students are not always likely to ask for help, so by having the opportunity to post on a blog may take that anxiety issue or fear of feeling "stupid" out of their minds...and another student may well know the answer.
I welcome some other suggestions as Math always seems to be a tough class to integrate anything other than calculators. I have done a webquest and will do it again this year, but that doesn't necessarily utilize blogging.
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