Thanks for feedback, Chris and Rita. It was very useful and helped to clarify the value of this technology. I agree that being able to use students' language and elements of their reality is a way to connect.

Also, I do see use for some of the Google tools. I have to think more about how to use the "In Quotes" feature and the "Audio Indexing" tool, but feel those can be applied to what I do in the classroom with students as well as used with assignments. I'm dedicated to facilitating student's getting involved in the political process and being active citizens, so those two tools will be a help, particularly for use with younger students. Like all MATC instructors, I have a mix of students based on age, gender, race, and life experience. This creates valuable learning opportunities for me and the other students.

I also have to spend more time thinking about the "Info for Teachers from Google." I can develop ideas for using tools after I initially read about them, and then walk away and reflect on what I read and how I can use it to accomplish the learning objective I have for students.

I would like more info from other instructors as to how they develop criteria for grading blog assignments. I am good at developing criteria for written assignments, so would probably use the same methods. However, others ideas would be useful.

Onward and Upward.