Engaging Students in Lessons Using a Blog

Have you ever considered having your students blog about an assignment, such as for responding to a novel or debating something for a history class, or sharing research about something or someone? As a fifth grade language arts and social studies teacher, I am considering setting up a classroom blog for different assignments, such as having students blog about a book they are reading. Currently, students write in their learning journals, making weekly entries about their independent reading. My students seem to enjoy using technology to create presentations or write their papers. A blog would one way to get them to write and allow me to evaluate their writing and connections they make to their reading, while helping students to build technological and communication skills. I'm excited about the idea of using more technology in the classroom. It woul be nice to hear from educators experienced with using blogs in the classroom. What are benefits for you and your students? What are your concerns?