RSS stands for Rich Site Summary or, alternatively, Real Simple Syndication. An RSS Feed allows users to subscribe to interesting websites or blogs and have the new content updated directly in the user’s RSS Reader or Feed. Typically with web-based content, users must visit the web site in order to read updated information. With an RSS feed, however, the content is scanned automatically and brought directly to the user. No need to visit web site after website since it gathers it for you quickly and automatically!
What is an RSS Reader?
An RSS reader, sometimes referred to as an aggregator, is simply a software program that can be set to scan the web for newly created content on sites to which to user has subscribed. Think of it as a daily newspaper but filled only with the news that of interest to the person reading it. You can set your reader to scour the web on any preset schedule you’d like and alert you when new content is found or set it to simply do its search and you visit whenever you want to, with or without the alert. Both free and commercial RSS readers available.
The benefits of subscribing to an RSS feed.
RSS Feeds can save you so time! In addition, they allow you to quickly and easily receive the most current information on topics of special interest to you. No more wasted time browsing for to find relevant information. It comes to you! An unlike our in boxes that are filled to overflowing with spam, RSS readers eliminate that problem altogether! You will receive no content other than that which you specifically request via subscription.
The RSS Button
Just look for the button with your feed reader on it, somewhere near the subscribe area. Although they may vary, they will usually name the feeder or say something like RSS or Subscribe here.
On Workplace Toons, it is on the blog in the upper right corner and looks like this:
Get Yourself a Reader
A huge list of RSS readers is here: http://www.newsonfeeds.com/faq/aggregators
Bloglines, My Yahoo, and FeedDemon are all very popular. For an in-depth discussion on popular readers and the pros and cons of each, visit http://email.about.com/od/rssreaderswin/tp/top_rss_windows.htm.
I use Google’s feed reader. You can find detailed info on it here: http://www.google.com/reader/view/?utm_campaign=en&utm_source=en-ha-ww-ww-sk&utm_medium=ha&utm_term=rss+feed+reader#directory-welcome-1-page
Whichever one you choose, simply download and follow the instructions to install and you’ll be up and running within minutes. It is really that easy!
Practice what you’ve learned!
Once you have downloaded your RSS reader, go to my blog home page at www.WorkplaceToons.blogspot.com and look for the Subscribe Banner on the top right side of the page. Simply click on “Posts” to get all updates I add to the blog or “Comments” to get all posts/comments made by site visitors. When you click on either, it will open a drop down menu of buttons. Choose your feeder and follow the steps to subscribe. That’s all there is to it!
Consider burning your own feed! RSS Readers are a perfect way for your students to get training content delivered as it's posted. Keep your training varied and your students interested! There are many ways to engage your learners, and don't forget training cartoons! Get a laugh and lighten things up with training cartoons from Workplace Toons!
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