RSS-Google Reader

I read the chapter on RSS (Really Simple Syndication) in the Richardson text, and I have been working with the site all week. I knew that it would take me a few days to "fully" grasp the idea of an online reader, and I'm glad that I took the time to peruse its usefulness. I followed the blogs that my group mate's created and the UMW news feed at first and did not have any problems. At first, the website seemed cluttered-especially after I subscribed to some other sites including BBC news, Scientific American, and Nasa publications. Creating folders such as "Library Media," "Personal," "News," and "Science" definitely helped clean the page up!
I took the advice to write myself a note to continually check my reader, and I think that I'm getting the hang of the site. I definitely needed the extra push to start reading about News again because I don't have TV, and I don't get the newspaper. I may not be saving money, but I am getting the information that I was missing before!
The funny thing is that I was able to read the chapter on RSS without even using my own textbook! I substitute at Hellgate Middle School, and I substituted for the Tech. Lab. teacher who had the book on his shelf. I was able to read the chapter during the prep. period! (I could get used to being paid to go to school!)
I also want to text out the research capabilities of the site, so I am going to start folder for World War I. I am working on a project for Lit. 382, and I can use all the information I can get about female protagonists in WWI literature. I think that this research concept is the most promising for classroom use, but I would like to see how effective the processes turns out to be. I also love the idea of a paperless classroom, but I still struggle with the idea of keeping students anonymous on the web. Since the students at the school that I substitute in are not provided with e-mail accounts, I need to be careful with what web tools I bring into the classroom. I am, however, determined to find some ways that RSS feeds can be used in the classroom!
I also like the Word of the Day tip that the book suggests! I love finding ways to boost my vocabulary!