RSS Feed Readers (really simple syndication)

Week three focused on RSS feed readers.  RSS means really simple syndication and its a tool to help you gather information on news and blog information.  The cool thing about RSS is the information comes to you once you have subscribed websites to the news reader. Sounds simple, doesn't it?  RSS explained by Common Craft 

Digital literacy is one of the nine elements of digital citizenship and to assume educators understand all the tools available is one of the downfalls of the digital world.  As Ribble (2015) says "even when digital technologies area readily available, too often teachers have not had adequate professional development on how to use the technology" (p. 36).  I place myself in this category.  Yes, there are endless tools to use but to learn how to use them takes time and practice.  As a working mom, my time is precious.  As I have posted previously I am not giving up on learning all the new tools but I wish the day was longer and I had the luxury of more time with less obligations.

On the other hand, I definitely can see the benefits for educators and students to have at their fingertips all the information available.It really is really simple: RSS for Educators

"Spare Time" (online image) retrieved from www. Dreamstime.com

 RSS feed readers are a time saver and wonderful learning tool.  It becomes a great tool for learning when dialogue between people is established where novel ideas can be displayed and shared.  Educators can monitors their students blog.  Students learn from each other and the basic principle of adult learning is demonstrate.  RSS tool is efficient, keeps students in touch with faculty and coursework. A very critical aspect of the RSS is once students have graduated they can easily and efficiently follow developments in their field of work (or study) which will be an important skill to have in the future of learning.
 7 things you should know about RSS

"The world" (online image) retrieved fromhttp://resourcesforyouth.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/global-citizens.jpg

In reflection, I understand some of the benefits of the RSS reader.  It make sense to have easy access to information.  One of the difficulties I have with this tool is the possibility of becoming overwhelmed with the amount of information that could be presented depending which feeds are subscribed to.  Some information will not be of value. 
Time will be required to sift through the information.  I don't believe I can read and follow more than 10 feeds from my feed reader.  Perhaps I can.  Only time will tell.


Christine

Ribble, M. (2015).  Digital Citizenship in Schools. 3rd Edition. Oregon: ISTE