RSS

= Home RSS = RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication. Which doesn't mean much. :-) RSS simply means that you can 'subscribe' to a website. It might be a blog, news, industry updates, podcasts...or whatever, but if you //subscribe//, you don't need to remember to go and check if there is anything new on the website - it gets 'sent' to you. Saves a lot of time when you are trying to keep up with what might be happening!
 * What is it? **

**Point me to something** Google Reader is a good place to start. They say "//Having trouble keeping up with the sites that you visit? Read them in one place with Google Reader, where keeping up with your favourite websites is as easy as checking your email//."

**What is happening in education?**
 * Educators are finding that they are able to more easily stay current with latest techniques, trends and information in their field of expertise. They are able to hear useful information without needing to set time aside to search for it....it is simply 'delivered to their door.'
 * Training organisations have added RSS feeds relating to a relevant industry area on the front of their website or online course, ensuring that the site looks dynamic and changes constantly, but with useful news that will assist students and staff.
 * Some trainers have created job search feeds which they add to the front of their online course, as a service for their students.

**Examples** It is difficult to provide an example as an RSS feed isn't something that one 'looks at'....it is a service...however following are some of the places where I subscribe: >
 * 1) Making Change (great blog about how to prevent boring e-learning!)
 * 2) 21st Century Teaching and Learning
 * 3) Douchy's Weblog (has a school focus, but still very interesting)
 * 4) Jane's Pick of the Day (Lots of bits & pieces...new tools & new thoughts)
 * 5) Mobile Learning
 * 6) The Rapid E-learning Blog
 * ...and here are some popular feeds from the ABC

**Show me how...** The video RSS in Plain English is an excellent introduction to what RSS is all about, and Google Reader has a tour which can be helpful. The resource A Beginner's Guide to RSS and Google Reader may also be useful. When you are ready to subscribe to 'feeds', look for one of these orange signs - for example, have a look at the Zits Cartoons blog...can you see the small RSS link on the right?

'RSS Girl' image:: CC licensed Flickr photo by Heather Weaver
 * Acknowledgement**

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