Thing #3: RSS

I've always had a difficult time catching up with tech tools that involve lots of comments or info.  It seems I want to read everything, but don't have the time.  That's how I came about signing up for google reader.  It kept all of my different sites organized so that I wouldn't miss any topics of interest.  

I knew there were similar "readers" like google's but had never tried them.  

For this course I tried Netvibes and I like it.  I am seriously considering it as my new homepage since iGoogle will soon be gone.  (Netvibes has much more flair anyway).   

One of the things that I like about RSS feeds is that for me they are a one-stop shop.  I can add different feeds from all of my favorite news sites, web pages, library updates, and most importantly they are all in one spot.   Just sign in and everything is there for you to read, view and/or listen.

As a public librarian I used Google Reader to connect with relevant blogs, book review sites (children's, teens and Spanish), and stay on top of current library events.  As a school librarian, a RSS reader can connect me with lesson plan ideas, blogs from fellow educators and one of my favorites, PBS Teachers.  :)

I'm glad to have yet another cool tool to "play" with.  It helps me get ideas for use with my seventh graders.  My own kids like it too because they get to use the tools as well.

Thing 2: Online Communities



stephanandmike.files.wordpress.com

Online Communities are a great way to stay connected.  At first I was hesistant to join Twitter and Facebook because of privacy issues.  However, the more technology courses I took, the more informed I became on how to keep connected in a safe way. 

Using Facebook became a necessity to connect with family and friends who live out-of-state.  It also connected our family when my sister moved hundreds of miles away.  In my opinion, keeping safe online should always begin with the choices we make... So I am careful to "read the fine" print when posting online.

Twitter on the other hand did not really interest me until I began taking a school technology course.  Our professor had us connect with her on Twitter and we were required to "follow" edtucators who were focusing on Web 2.0 in the K-12 classroom/enviornment.  For me, this was an eye opener.   The connections I made with other educators has been fantastic.   Everyday there are new tech topics and things to learn from. 
 
Speaking of new tech tools, I tried the Paper.li and I love it.  It's my Tweet feed but in newspaper format.  Very Cool!