what i want to get out of this class

First, I'd simply like to understand the nuts and bolts of setting up a weblog, posting a blog, posting images, etc. Fundamentally, though, I'd like to get insight into "why blog"; i.e. what does blogging contribute--or not--to meaningful communication. Or (skeptic, here), does it simply allow lots of people, who don't have much to say, think that they do have something important to say? More, specifically, I'd like to hear from the group the learning applications and implications for blogging with their students.