Thursday, August 30, 2007

RSS feeds, Podcasts, Wikis

RSS stands for "Really Simple Syndication" and is a file format for delivering regularly updated information over the web. Imagine a way to receive news updates and website information everyday from sources that you visit daily. Newsreader and RSS enables you to access from just one place, without searching, without ads, without consuming alot of time.

1. Read more about RSS and see this Video at Blip TV
Use these directions to set up your own favorite feeds by setting up an RSS feed reader. You can create a free "RSS aggregator" using either Bloglines or Google Reader. Tutorials include Bloglines with three easy steps or Google Reader Tour.

2. Create a blog post about your experience. How might you use this feature in your classroom? Or your personal life? Here are some other resources to discover benefits of RSS.
3. Podcasts
The term refers to the audio or video broadcast of content over the Internet which can often be accomplished through RSS automatically. Podcasts include school district news, interviews, news casts, and presentations from many special interests. Since they utilize MP3 file format, the only device needed is a PC with headphones or a speaker.

Explore one of the following podcast directories and find something that interests you. The following unlike iTunes, don't require a software download.
4. Create a post on your blog about your discoveries about possible podcasting applications in education. To learn more about podcasts view this online tutorial at Yahoo: What is a Podcast.
Numerous resources about podcasting are available if you want to learn to create them. Try some of the following links:
5. Wikis
A wiki is a collaborative website which includes tools for creating, editing and sharing information or content. This Wikispaces Tutorial will give another perspective on this growing tool.

Some of the pros of wikis are simple no HTML-lingo required to produce, anyone can make changes, fee sources and flexible format. But some of the cons of wikis are it's disorganized, easy to edit or change, limited control and subject to spam or vandals.

6. View some of these examples of Wikis and create a blog post sharing your thoughts feelings and possible curriculum connections. Or try creating a Wiki yourself and learn first hand. Here are some free Wiki Space that you can register for as teachers.
Visit these examples of Wikis to learn how some teachers or schools are using them to share information and engage learners.
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