tarynshae

RSS (rich site summary) is a type of web feed format which is used to publish and deliver internet content that is frequently updated, such as news sites, blogs and podcasts. RSS allows regular users of the internet to stay up-to-date with changing information by being able to view summaries of updates all in the one place and in a personalised format.

 RSS works by using reader software called an aggregator which works by feeding information to a link provided by the user. The reader software regularly checks the links that the user provides and if any updates or changes have been made the software will feed this information through to the user.

 RSS could be used in this subject particularly well as due to the technological base of the subject content, this type of application seems appropriate. It can allow students to set up RSS feeds to sites they regularly use for learning sites relating to this subject. This way, students wouldn’t have to regularly check each individual website, they could just check the RSS update summaries and view the full version if they choose to do so.

An aggregator, or feed aggregator, is a web application which essentially aggregates or combines syndicated web content such as news sites, blogs and wikis and podcasts and vodcasts. Aggregation software regularly checks for updates to feeder sites at user determined intervals. They are also commonly built into portal sites such as Google and Yahoo. This type of application could be used in much the same was as RSS could for this subject.

In my work context, I have had various experience with e-learning.  In terms of participating in e-learning activities, I have completed numerous online training modules in areas such as Workplace Induction, OH&S, EEO and Global Privacy training. In terms of administering e-learning in a work context, I have contributed to the design, content and ongoing maintenance of many online learning modules, as well as an online learning space in which employees complete post-course assessments after attending internal training courses and also through a Learning Management System (LMS) by which employees can manage their own learning. While I managed my own learning online using this system, I also used it as a back-end user to assist in the management of other’s learning. While my work experiences are all forms of e-learning, they are quite basic forms, with no new movement towards the latest technology.

After hearing the term Web 2.0 for a little while now, I hadn’t actually understood what the concept enmbodied. Bryan Alexander’s article “Web 2.0: A New Wave of Innovation for Teaching and Learning” did a great job defining the term as no one single new development but rather the culmination of continuous improvement in a whole range of areas. The concepts, projects and practices that are included in the scope of Web 2.0 are divers. From social software, networking and sharing to weblogs and wikis, podcasting to RSS and aggregation. While all of the concepts have been around for a little while now, it’s the direction they’re heading within the education scope that it is important here. With some Web 2.0 metaservices heading towards being mobile, the ability to learn wherever, whenever and however is increasing with access being readily available for a wider audience. The collaborative nature of social writing platforms enhances the ability of group learning and also allowing peer editing and review and discussion. The ability for Web 2.0 to have an impact on teaching and learning is far greater now than it has ever been and the potential for further impact is great.

 Web based applications I’m familiar with include weblogs and wikis, though only ever in a learning context, web conferencing in a work context and social networking in a personal social context. In the future I would be interestedin further exploring how RSS and aggregation and podcasting can contribute to learning. One thing however I am not at all interested in is virtual worlds. While I understand the concept and can see it’s scope, I think access and interest wise it is far more limiting in reaching the majority of people, and learners.