Thursday, June 30, 2005

NECC: Exploring Web Content Using Really Simple Syndication (RSS) Newsfeeds

RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication and is a model for having dynamic web content delivered to you, instead of you having to go to the content to see when it has been updated. Web pages that have RSS capabilities are usually represented with an orange RSS or XML box, such as on this New York Times page.

An aggregator is used to subscribe to and pull in a ‘feed.’ Examples of aggregators include:

*SharpReader - a windows based reader
*Bloglines - a platform independent web-based reader

The Firefox web browser also has RSS capabilities already built into the browser, so there is no need to download software.

RSS can save you time finding the dynamic material you want most by pushing it to you instead of you visiting multiple sites to discover what material is new on each site.

Other links of interest:

*Syndic8 - a search engine for newsfeeds
*Feedster - another search engine for newsfeeds

Podcasting was also discussed. Podcasting is like weblogging, but in an audio format as opposed to a text format. Podcasts can also use RSS. This entails subscribing to a podcast (just like a newsfeed), and having the MP3 file downloaded onto a MP3 player to listen to. Whereas the weblog (using RSS) allows for the common man to take on the role of journalist, podcasting allows the common man to take on the role of broadcaster.

*Podcast.net - a directory of available podcasts
*Podcast Alley - another podcast directory

How does all of this impact education? As more and more teachers and students publish their own weblogs using text and podcasts, virtual community is developed. In order to keep track of all of the dynamically chainging information, it becomes important to use a tool like RSS to keep track of that new content. We simply don’t have the time to visit all the pages and determine for ourselves whether there is new content worth reading or hearing. RSS changes the way we access information.

NCQ Talk is an example of a weblog that uses text and podcasts to communicate on issues of technology and learning. Will weblogging and podcasting take off in our district? What are the potential uses for students, teachers, and administrators? Both weblogs and podcasts are examples of how everyone can participate in the dialogue. RSS capabilities can make the information out there easier to manage.

Session Handout

Posted by Randy on 06/30 at 02:56 PM
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