I have actually used blogs in the classroom.  When I taught middle school, I would make it a requirement that students respond to a question that I would post regarding a learning objective. I found it useful, as it was a unique way to check for understanding while using technology.  I think my students enjoyed it.  Blogs could also be used in the classroom as a tool to get to know one another.  Feeling safe in a classroom is important. A lot of the time, teachers do not allow students to talk.  A blog could be a great way for students to get to know each other without a big disruption in the classroom. Depending on the subject of the blog, students might realize that they have commonalities that they might not have realized.  It could be a wonderful classroom building tool, especially for shy students.