The ability to filter excess information can be quite a time consuming task. At times, it can even deter the most motivated student from engaging in some research. Research which could develop into an incredible learning experience. While the internet has opened the door for content to be openly accessed, it has also made it harder to filter valid information from that of misguided opinions. Without a doubt our freedom of speech is and should be protected, and the internet is proof of that. Yet in school settings, students need to know how to analyze sources and determine what is valid and what is not. RSS is a way in which students can find reliable sources and stay up to date. While bookmarking is a common and convenient way to store websites, the process of accessing the information on each of these sites can be daunting. My experience with RSS has been both convenient and time saving. As I am adding feeds to my Google Reader account, I find that the more I search and subscribe to, I learn what variables, tags or keywords give me better results.
While I usually use my desktop's mail application to collect RSS feeds, I decided that Google Reader would offer a better way to share. Not only that, but since I use other Google services, I figured it would just be more convenient. Here's a screen capture of it without any feeds.
As per usual Google layout and design, the navigation links on the left hand side make it easy and familiar to navigate through the service. Once I added more feeds it felt a bit more busy, but it wasn't overbearing, and it maintained an easy format to follow.
I liked the ease of use that Google Reader offered in administering each feed, the rating, suggestion, and sharing system all seemed fairly straight forward. Here's a screen capture of the listing of my RSS feeds with the administering options.
One of the blogs that I subscribed to offered an article on a YouTube video of the Nixon and Kennedy debate. I found it to be incredible that there are services available which offer these great historic resources to both teachers and students. The article made a note on how at that time people had different views on the debate depending on whether they watched it or listened to it on radio.
The article reminded me of a feature in Google Maps which displays the midterm elections. This showcases how we can use technology not only look back in time, but also look at current data and make our own predictions. I felt it was relevant, so I made a comment regarding the map tool.
Staying up to date in this fast paced world is never easy, but I have found RSS feeds to be a great way to quickly check out new information on my own schedule. The feeds suggested by the course, along with the additional ones I have subscribed to, have offered me information which I can use to make better suggestions when a teacher comes to me for suggestions.
Thanks for reminding me I need to pay more attention to tags when using my feeds. I don't often think to do that. I think I am still in awe of the process of gather so much information so quickly. You are correct in thinking this will be useful to students. I remember the days of searching out all the web sites before turning students over to the web. Way too much of a burden left on teachers to get the right sites for the right students. RSS makes it easier.
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