This essay argues for a particular form of student blogging as a powerful tool for generating and sustaining student engagement and conversation. After a brief discussion of pedagogical principles, "hub-and-spoke" blogging is presented as a means to facilitate a more student and discussion-centered classroom. Based upon recent research and the author's experience, blogging is shown to have a significant impact on both student and instructor preparation for class and to positively shape instructional time. (Contains 24 footnotes.)