Here is some preliminary information for you and or your classes when introducing them to the concept of blogging.

WIKIPEDIA: including lots of links to other related issues such as free speech, community blogging and the rise in the popularity of blogs in recent years.

Here is a fun introductory video that explains the concept of blogging in the context of news media, but you can apply this to anything, really…

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YouTube Direkt

Also, it may be helpful for you to have a look at some other education blogs. WP always has a showcase of killer blogs, including ones just for higher education here.