Third Place

In my opinion, this class would not be a third place because it formal and not really voluntary. The online blogging portion of the class, however, I think would be a third place. It fits the criteria that it is neutral ground and a leveler, conversation is the main activity on the blog, it is fairly assessible and accommodating considering most students have computers or access to one, there are regulars or the people in the discussion, it is more low profile and playful than the actual lecture or discussions,and I don't really know about being a home away from home, but I guess it could be for some people...