#rssfeedreader

Are you one of those people who checks the updates of their favorite websites manually by typing their URLs one by one? As much as it is inconvenient to do so, it is also a waste of time. So, in order to follow your favorite websites or blogs I suggest you to use an RSS reader.

                                                                                                      Taken from here

What does RSS mean? 

According to Wikipedia, “RSS, standing for Really Simple Syndication, is a type of web feed which allows users to access updates to online content in a standardized, computer-readable format.” Basically, it is a system which informs you when there is a new update on a website. So, an RSS feed means a kind of warning that appears in your reader or account informing you about the mentioned update.

Above is the RSS icon, which means the website supplies you an RSS feed service. While, there are big RSS icons on some websites, on other sites they may not be so obvious, being at the bottom of the page or next to the sub-categories. The picture on the right hand above is taken from the website of Reuteurs and an example of the later. To follow a website through RSS, first you need to use an RSS reader.

What is an RSS Reader and How do I Use It?

In order to follow many websites’ RSS feeds and manage them you will need an RSS reader. An RSS reader is a program which enables you to follow the updates of a website through RSS feeds. There are many options including online readers as well as the offline readers. The reader I use is Feedreader, which has both the online and the offline options. For the online option you need to create an account, while for the offline version you have to download and install the software to your device. Below is the screenshot of Feedreader with the blogs I follow:

In order to follow a blog via RSS, first you need to go to the website and check for the RSS service. If the site supplies such a service, then you need to click on it. After clicking the icon, you will be directed to the rss feed page:

Copy the address of the page to your feedreader, through following steps

Also, please note that the updates which you have not checked yet are in bold letters, which helps draw your attention to them

What are the benefits of it?

While RSS readers can be used for following the news sites or the sites you visit for entertainment purposes, they can be used for improving you professional skills and following the latest developments in your field. Since I am an English teacher to be, I follow English language teaching/learning blogs mostly. One of my favorite blogs is TEFLGEEK. 

One of the reasons I follow the blog is that it gives you an idea about the different and new approaches to follow in the classroom which depends on the experience of the blogger.

 It also supplies you lesson plans for specific objects and activities you can apply in your own classroom.

There are also many useful sources and other ELT blogs suggested on the website.

So, whether you are an inexperienced teacher who is looking for some advice and suggestions from the senior teachers, or you are an experienced teacher who is looking for new approaches or activities you can apply in your classroom, you can follow as many blogs as you want through RSS and manage to keep up to date with an RSS reader!