I'm finding the Blackboard upgrades are adding some helpful tools that I've been able to incorporate into my classes. Has anyone used the Wiki tool? Last time I used it (some time last year) it didn't work well. I wonder if they've fixed the bugs. Although some of these tools seem to be basically the same, I've divided them into three purposes: Discussions - used to address specific, key questions about readings, websites, course content. Also used for setting up and communicating with classmates about peer reviews. I prefer the Wiki tool for this, but the actual tool has been difficult to deal with because of tech issues. Blogs - the student's space to express their ideas. Usually they do prewriting activities relevant to their papers and classmates can comment. The "discussion" revolves around the student's entry. Journals are used for student-to-teacher communication. It's much like the blog, only the space is private between the two parties.