RSS

After using Bloglines and Google Reader, I must say the ease of use of RSS was very satisfying. Using RSS eliminates all of the bookmarking and searching each time you want to visit a topic online. I was familiar with the idea of RSS as I have it attached to the NHS web page I created on the portal last year. I probably didn’t realize what an incredible tool it was designed to be until I completed all the reading for this particular part of our course. I love it when the light bulb gets a little brighter!! :>)

As I worked with the RSS tool online it reminded me of the alerts we set for our purchased journals on the library links for our staff and student body. We have spent hours training the students and the teachers how to set an alert for a topic(s) in one or more of the professional journals of their choice. I know the ones that choose to use it must find it as beneficial as I have. As new articles are posted, the notice is sent to their email in this case rather than online.

With the advanced technology taking place in cell phones, ipods, etc – we are able to get updated information any place and at any time! The RSS technology is a perfect fit for our kids to use when researching topics for papers, etc but also for notifications of new information provided by their teachers. I think it will just take time and practice to make it happen. As some become more familiar and use it more, it will continue to spread throughout. I love that I can be a part of the “spreading” process [no Thanksgiving turkey jokes here, Shawn!!].