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Teachers are always looking for a way to connect students to topics and content in ways that are meaningful. One teacher I know uses wikispaces.com to allow her students to dialogue on current topics of study. I was amazed at how much they wrote and how thoughtful they were in their consideration of important topics. They were studying the Dillingham Commission and immigration and comparing immigration in the early 1900's to today's immigration policies. Posting ideas, opinions, and responses was all voluntary, but the both the amount and the level of sophistication of these 9th graders was compelling. Mrs. D. tells me how motivated they are when they see how many "hits" they have gotten! Isn't she worried someone will post something inappropriate? Well, no. All entries come to her first, and she OK's the postings. Anyone can read the postings on the internet, but only her students can post. Take a look at some of their work: http://classblogmeister.com/blog.php?blogger_id=31176