Facilitating a literature circle takes skill and even the most practiced practitioners sometimes have challenges in encouraging the reticent to speak up. In her article “The Virtual Circle” Stacy Kitsis describes how she used blogging to support student participation and thoughtful reflection. This English teacher describes a number of positive observations including increases in engagement and interaction, completion of homework, and active reading. Ms. Kitsis described how the more reticent students chose to use pseudonyms for their blogs and were ‘not shy’ with their entries.
The success described could be taken a step further by conducting the literature circles in an immersive environment. Positive aspects achieved in blogging could be even more enhanced as students use their avatars to reflect and discuss the selected literature. The discussions could take place in voice or in text, the latter offers an archival benefit.