Computer can help students improve their thinking capacity. Learning can be made more interesting.The curriculum can be better transacted through computer intervention. So said Dr H A B Parpia, chairman of People's Education Trust (PET), at a computer training programme for teachers, organised by the Mysore Teachers Resources Centre.

May I suggest that PET and the resouces centre explore the possibility of initiating teachers, and through them, school students, into the use of weblog for mutual interaction outside their class-rooms. As RIE professor A L N Sarma put it, difficult concepts in science and maths can be better understood through the use of computer-assisted technology. Maths, science and other subject-specialised teachers would do well to open their own weblogs for interacting with students.

Blogs help share their thoughts on the latest development in respect of their subjects; address their concerns about the needs and shortcomings of their students; and encourage students to discuss academic problems and doubts with teachers. Such open and online discussions further meaningful learning. Besides, blogging enables students to have all-time access to teachers, particularly during off-school hours.

Class teachers can set up and moderate blogs specific to students of their class. For instance, there can be a blog for 'Std.VII - the Class of 2004', in which all Class VII students of the batch can sustain an on-going chat on common concerns of the students of a class. With proper moderation of the blog it would go a long way in empowering students and the teacher alike.

It may not be a bad idea for the Mysore Teachers Resources Centre to invite software professionals of local IT firms to give orientation to teachers on the potentials of blogging. Some software companies would be happy to volunteer part-time service of their professionals in guiding teachers design their weblogs.Dr Parpia could approach service-minded persons such as Mr M M Mookerji of SPI in this regard.