T21-3 Implementation

For this week's activity we will be investigating the concept of subscription such as is used for RSS feeds. In previous years, we learned how to manage them conveniently with iGoogle and Google Reader, but Google Reader closed down at the end of June 2013 and iGoogle will close down later this year. As you will see, there are many alternatives to Google Reader. We will focus mainly on Feedly, but if you have a different preference and are already familiar with it, feel free to use it instead.

If you are not familiar with RSS, the first link and the short videos will help you get started. In each case the title is a link to use of the embedded video does not display on this page.

 RSS in 100 Seconds

Overview of Feedly

Before watching this video, note that Feedly is a website (feedly.com) but also has a component that can be added to Firefox (an add-on), Safary (an extension) or Chrome (an extension). To use it with Internet Explorer you need to have version 10.

Demonstration of Feedly

If you are new to RSS readers, follow this link as a way of seeing what Feedly can do. Don't worry if it seems a bit deep. There is a later video that can help you get started. If you are familiar with Google Reader, you might want to skip this video and watch the next one instead.

Introduction to Feedly for Those Familiar With Google Reader

 


Your assignment

Choose an RSS Reader such as Feedly and setup at least 3 categories, one of which should be related to education

Subscribe to at least one RSS feed (Add Content) for each category. When finished, create a screen shot to include in a forum post, showing a sample of your setup such as shown below.

If you feel the need for more help, do a Google search to find more specific search terms. (eg. add content feedly.)

Report on your Tasks.
Post a message in the forum and add the screenshot. If you have never added an image to a forum post, look for the icon with a tree (Add/edit image).

1. Comment on your experience in doing the assignment.
2. What value can you see for using RSS feeds with your classes or for professional development? If you already use RSS feeds, tell us what you use it for and the resulting benefits.
3. Respond to the implementation posts of at least two other people by posting replies.