What is RSS feed and why do I need it?

Educators today have access to a vast amount of amazing content that supports both teaching and learning.  The Internet is overflowing with blogs and websites that contain rich resources, engaging activities, lesson plans and expert advice.  The problem has become-- How do we find this great content and how do we keep up-to-date without becoming completely overwhelmed?

Enter the RSS feed.  RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication.   Most websites have RSS feeds. You can use a free RSS reader to subscribe to your favorite websites and blogs.  When you subscribe, the RSS reader will alert you every time a website is updated with new content.  It is kind of like a subscription to a magazine.  RSS readers can be installed on all of your devices.

My favorite RSS reader is Feedly, but there are many free options out there.  Feedly works with my google account log in.  I did not have to create a new account.  Feedly was recommended to me by one of our administrators, Andrea Welch.  I used to spend a great deal of time visiting individual bookmarked websites and then having to return to them to check for updated content.  Now Feedly updates my reader with freshly published content as it is posted.  I use Feedly to check in with my favorite websites whenever I have a few free minutes (lunch break, sitting in a waiting room, reading before bed, etc.)

To give Feedly a try, start by copying the URL above from this blog and plugging it into the search bar in Feedly.  This allows you to subscribe to my blog.  Click on my blog and add it to your reader.  Next, copy and paste several more URLs from your favorite websites into the Feedly search bar.  You will now receive timely updates on the content that matters most to you.  Please share a comment below if you have a favorite RSS reader or a favorite website that might benefit another reader.