First Discussion for TESL CALLspot by Jeremy

Should Certain Topics be Off-Limits for Students in Classroom Blogs?

I began to think about this topic after getting my class schedule at work for the coming week.  For the first time in almost a year I will have a class with no students from Saudi Arabia.  My students from there have always been great, but I have noticed that some topics, noteably those concerning religion and politics, are avoided or you find that a student makes a statement and everyone fully agrees.  I always get the feeling that some students don't actually agree, but don't wish to raise a dissenting voice.  In a forum like blogs, where students may feel more relaxed should instructors restrict topics, even if students find them interesting?  Will there be any retaliation towards students if they post a dissenting view from their countrymen?  I tried finding articles online, but nothing really jumped out at me.  I did ,however, find a list of ten blog topics that definitely don't work well.
-Top Ten Worst Blog Topics http://dds.hubpages.com/hub/Top-ten-WORST-blog-topics

Welcome to the Class Blog

Welcome to the community blog for ESL 5073 Computer Assisted Language Learning. This community blog is for taking our discussion of topics, issues and resources in CALL beyond the classroom. All students will be responsible for participating in weekly discussions on the blog and for leading 1 blog discussion during the term.

In order to participate, you'll need to set up your own personal blog on blogger and request membership to this community. Once you do, introduce yourself here by replying to one or two of the following prompts:

1. Have you ever kept a blog before? If so, for how long?
2. Have you ever used technology in your teaching before? If so, what kind of technology did you use and for what types of classes and learners?
3. What sorts of technology are you interested in learning to use?