RSS

RSS stands for Real Simple Syndication. RSS is a tool aimed at helping you consume information in more efficient and relevant ways. Blogs and Websites generate a behind-the-scenes code which is usually referred to as a "feed" (as in news feed). This code enables readers of a blog or a website to subscribe to the feed. This means that the information comes to you, rather than you going and searching the Web for the information.
 * What is RSS?**

First, you need to set up an aggregator. An aggregator is a tool that collects your RSS feeds. If you create a google account, you have the option of using google reader. [|Google Reader] is an aggregator. Other aggregators available are [|bloglines.com], [|rojo.com], and [|yahoo news]. Next you need to tell the aggregator where to pull any news feeds from. You may see a symbol such as this on some websites. Click on the symbol and copy the URL into your aggregator. The aggregator will now deliver any new updates to the blog or Website directly to you. (The aggregator you choose will detail specifics how to subscribe to feeds).
 * How does it work?**

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 * Video: RSS in plain English**

1. If students are already creating and using blogs, put the student blogs into your aggregator. The aggregator will let you know when any of the sites have been updated. This means that you no longer have to check 30 or more blogs a day to search for updates- the updates will come to you. 2. Teach students to set up an aggregator for their own research and study. The breadth of current events and research allows students to collect a large amount of content specific material. 3. Use RSS feeds to search for specific terms. A student can create a feed that would bring any news to his/her aggregator about a search term (ie: global warming and Wyoming). The aggregator delivers the most current research to the student. These feeds can be created on any topic.
 * How do I use it in the classroom?**