RSS or Really Simple Syndication is a tool for collecting and managing updated information via the internet. The RSS information, or feed, is collected by an application called a reader or aggregator. The user tells the aggregator to keep tabs on specific web pages, blogs, or podcasting sites and when these sites are updated the aggregator alerts the user that new information is available to read.

RSS readers can be downloaded and loaded on a local computer or they can be an online service like Bloglines. SharpReader is an aggregator that can be installed on a Windows computer and NetWire Lite is available for the Macintosh. Safari 2.0 on the Macintosh can also serve as a RSS reader as can the very popular Firefox browser.

Once the RSS reader is set up, users must subscribe to a site that offers an RSS feed. Look for either of these icons: or . These icons indicate that the site offers an RSS feed. Click on the icon and a web page will open. Each aggregator may have a specific set of instructions for subscribing to RSS feeds. Usually it amounts to simply Copying the URL of the web page that opened and paste it in your aggregator.

Find good feeds at this site that lists the Top 100 Most-Subscribed-To RSS Feeds.

For educators RSS readers are good methods for keeping track of news, RSS capable journals and other information. Many blogging sites offer RSS capabilities so if there is a student project going on where students are posting to a blog RSS is a good way of keeping track of the student work. Many to most leading magazines and newspapers are RSS feed sites and RSS is a good way to keep track of the news.

Educational uses of RSS are described in an article in Technology Source by Mary Harsch, RSS: the Next Killer App for Education.

Check out these RSS Resources, which includes the RSS Quick Start for Educators. This page contains links to articles, feeds, and other great items.