When I first heard of RSS I had absolutely no idea what this term meant whilst learning the meaning overtime I realized that RSS aggregators are a very useful tool.
RSS actually stands for Really Simple Syndication. The RSS feed is a useful format for delivering web content which regularly changes. RSS allows you to easily stay informed by retrieving the latest information from the sites and blogs you are most interested in. (Lorna, 2009) By allowing you to be updated with new information from you favourite sites it prevents you from frantically checking websites to see if there is any new information; because the RSS aggregator (e.g. google reader) will show you what new information has been displayed on your favourite sites. (Software garden inc. 2004)
RSS aggregators can be an excellent format not only for students but for teachers as well. RSS aggregators can be taught to students so that when it comes to assignment work they can save their favourite sites to an RSS aggregator (such as google reader) and when it comes to finding information for their assignments all students will be well equiped with new information from sites relevant to their task.
Annette Lamb and Larry Johnson describe RSS feeds as, “ A great way to provide constantly updated content for young people. Although your students might not read the newspaper each morning, they can still get a great dose of timely information through RSS feeds. Unlike bookmarks that involve wading through the content of individual websites, aggregators provide students with access to the latest information.” (2008)
An RSS feed is also useful for teachers who spend their time on the internet discovering new information from their favourite teacher sources. An RSS feed will allow teachers to save time that they desperately need when teachers already have a lot of things to organise for the classroom.
Lamb, A & Johnson, L. (2008), RSS feeds in the Classroom, http://eduscapes.com/sessions/rss/ (1708/09)
Lorna, W. (2009) What is RSS? (Really Simple Syndication)?
Software Garden inc. (2004), What is RSS? http://rss.softwaregarden.com/aboutrss.html (1708/09)