RSS Reader
Last updated
Last updated
RSS feeds are programs that allow the user to view a variety of content in one convenient location. If there are websites, articles, people, and ect., the user likes to stay current on, they can follow them on a RSS site and it automatically give updates. RSS Readers help save time by having all the content come directly to the user through the users preferred choice. There are several different types of RSS feeds available, web-based, mobile, email-based, desktop, and browser-based. Some applications can have multiple functions, for example, Feedly is a web-based and a mobile-based app.
Once the user decides on how they want their RSS Reader delivered, adding content is quite simple. To demonstrate how to use an RSS Reader, I’m going to use the web-based program Feedly. Feedly is a free site, you can upgrade for more detailed features like unlimited feeds, but for now we are going to discuss the free option. After signing up at feedly.com, the user simply needs to click on the “add content” button located at the bottom left of the page, as shown below.
The images show different options the user can use to select content. Once the user selects the desired content, based off their search, Feedly will ask what feed to place the content under. Categorizing the feeds will help keep the user’s content organized, if they wish. To categorize the feeds simply click the setting button located across from “feeds” like in image 1.1, then add new feed.
As an instructor, RSS Readers can offer many valuable tools pertaining to daily duties. The user can follow work related articles, this way they are always receiving updated information in their line of work. For example, if a user is in HR, they can follow organizations like SHRM, to keep up to date on law and leadership articles. For a teacher, the user can follow other teacher and have a community to learn from. RSS Readers provide the user with the ability to add content they find interesting, unlike many other ideas that will produce content based off your interest, Facebook is a common example of this. Below are examples of how an instructor can use RSS Readers
Staying current on job related topics.
Follow others in their field to learn new techniques.
Educating on issues that occur in training classes.
Getting involved in Teaching & Learning Community (TLC).
Save time having all feeds available in one location.
Taking control of individual professional development
Instructors can utilize RSS Readers to conveniently send out updated information by one post, no need to attach every student, students following the teacher they will automatically receive the information on the RSS. Time management is boosted with RSS Readers, assigned readings can be disturbed more easily. The instructor can also ensure the students are checking their content. The instructors can also use the readers to have students follow their classmates. Following the classmates gives the students many perspectives to consider, enriching their learning process. There are more advantages for instructors to use RSS Readers for students.
Allow students to choose course related content they find interesting.
Update students on school related material.
Students share information from many different sources.
Keeping students updated on classroom assignments.
Teaching students how to combine knowledge and apply it directly to their studies.
Adding a variety of content to engage all learners, like podcasts, videos, articles, and tutorials.
Adding content to address sensitive issues like bulling.
Students have the freedom to explore content that interest them and add it to their feeds. This will benefit students by helping them stay engaged in the topics. RSS Readers are a great way for students receive updated information with their school and classrooms quickly. “Giving students a choice over reading material can promote lifelong literacy & increases engagement” (Wilson, 2011). Most RSS Readers are user friendly, so they are easy to apply to students of all ages. RSS have the capability to add reminders, this way students can make sure they have all of their task completed, reduce the amount of missed assignments. According to research other benefits include:
Receive updates on school sports, academics, scholarships, and school activities.
Assisting with organization, putting all required feeds in one file and all additional content in anther feed.
Interact with classmates and gain new perspectives.
Expand on learning at own pace.
Enrich culture by connecting with students all over the world.
Preparing for professional career by following content that sparks interest.
Gaining technology tools to apply to future careers.
Encourage engagement with current events
Twitter is a popular reader, many people are already have accounts. It is a good idea to use a common tool, most students are already familiar with how to operate Twitter. Twitter can be access on line, a web-based program and can be downloaded to a mobile device. You can also post embedded links to other sources, like the link listed below for examples.
https://twitter.com/Interior/status/463440424141459456/photo/1
Twitter is another site that allows the user to follow desired content, whether that be people, organizations, brands, or sports.
Below are several different examples of how to establish and use an RSS Reader. I have also listed a website of the top seven free web-based RSS Readers. If you are more inclined to read, the kissmetrics is a good step by step process to setting up an RSS. If you are more of a visual learner there is a youtube link that shows a quick video on how to start and RSS. Each demonstration is simple and easy to follow the steps.
Collins, J. (2018, February 23). What Everyone Should Know About RSS Feeds. Retrieved March 03, 2018, from https://www.lifewire.com/rss-101-3482781
Embedded Tweets - Twitter Developers. Developers. (2014, May 05). Retrieved March 16, 2018, from https://dev.twitter.com/web/embedded-tweets
Hines, K. (n.d.). Kissmetrics Blog. Retrieved March 14, 2018, from https://blog.kissmetrics.com/blogs-rss-feed/
G. (2009, October 13). How To Make An RSS Feed. Retrieved March 16, 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTXnmMlipmo
Nations, D. (2017, July 07). Looking for an Online RSS Reader? Here Are Your Best Options. Lifewire. Retrieved March 13, 2018, from https://www.lifewire.com/top-free-online-rss-readers-3486649
Souza, Q. D. (n.d.). RSS Ideas for Educators. Retrieved March 16, 2018, from www.teacherhacks.com
Wilson, B. (2011, July 28). Cool Learning, Dynamically Delivered! (RSS Feeds for Upper Elementary). 21 Innovate. Retrieved March 03, 2018, from http://www.21innovate.com/write/cool-learning-dynamically-delivered-rss-feeds-for-upper-elementary
Name of Tool
Website URL
Cost
Download or Web-based
1 sentence description of the tool
RSS Readers
Feedly.com
Free/Upgradeable
Web-based
A website that online users can access to receive updates on feeds they have followed.
