RSS for Educators: Blogs, Newsfeeds, Podcasts, and Wikis in the Classroom [Paperback]

John G. Hendron (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 15, 2008

A powerful technology, but a simple concept, RSS ('Really Simple Syndication') makes it possible to easily access frequently updated content on the Internet. RSS allows you to 'subscribe' to content and have updates automatically delivered to your computer. Many Web 2.0 tools, including blogs, podcasts, and wikis, have been made even more useful with the advent of RSS technology.

Let expert John Hendron show you how to use a news aggregator to harness the power of RSS for a variety of purposes, including classroom projects, professional development, and keeping students and parents informed.

* Learn how to use free and inexpensive software such as Garage Band and Audacity to manipulate audio files and create podcasts.

* Explore the pros and cons of various blogging platforms.

* Have your students blog, and use RSS to deliver their assignments to you automatically.

With RSS and the Read/Write Web, the possibilities are endless.

A glossary and an extensive list of online resources round out this essential guide to the power of Web syndication.

Topics include:

-Web 2.0
-technology integration
-curriculum design
-curriculum design
-blogs
-wikis
-newsfeeds
-podcasts
-professional development

Also available:

Web 2.0: New Tools, New Schools - ISBN 1564842347
Toys to Tools: Connecting Student Cell Phones to Education - ISBN 1564842479

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is the trusted source for professional development, knowledge generation, advocacy and leadership for innovation. ISTE is the premier membership association for educators and education leaders engaged in improving teaching and learning by advancing the effective use of technology in PK-12 and teacher education. Home of the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS), the Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology (CARET), and ISTE's annual conference (formerly known as the National Educational Computing Conference, or NECC), ISTE represents more than 100,000 professionals worldwide. We support our members with information, networking opportunities, and guidance as they face the challenge of transforming education.

Some of the areas in which we publish are:
-Web. 2.0 in the classroom-RSS, podcasts, and more
-National Educational Technology Standards (NETS)
-Professional development for educators and administrators
-Integrating technology into the classroom and curriculum
-Safe practices for the Internet and technology
-Educational technology for parents

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John G. Hendron has been employed since 1999 as a teacher and instructional technologist for Goochland County Public Schools in Virginia. Hendron produces a regular podcast for members of the Virginia Society for Technology in Education (VSTE). He also freelances as a graphic and Web designer. In December, 2006, he received the Virginia State Technology Leadership Award from the Virginia Department of Education.

Product Details

• Paperback: 120 pages
• Publisher: International Society for Technology in Education (March 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1564842398
• ISBN-13: 978-1564842398
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #900,403 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars RSS for Educators Book Review, July 14, 2009

By 

Bobby - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: RSS for Educators: Blogs, Newsfeeds, Podcasts, and Wikis in the Classroom (Paperback)

Whatever happened to Web 1.0? Readers of John Hendron's (2008) book, RSS for Educators, will quickly realize the speed at which web technology has evolved. From its humble Web 1.0 beginnings of one-way, read-only applications on the information highway, we now have two-way, read-write RSS (Really Simple Syndication) apps and tools in a new revolutionary freeway of innovations of computer commuters networked by information using blogs, podcasts, newsfeeds, and wikis. This can be about everything, be from anywhere, happen everywhere, and on all kinds of devices (Wesch, 2008)
For someone who has an older one-way computer background, John Hendron's book is an eye-opener not only for techies, but also especially for educators who must merge into the new-era of Web 2.0 information travels. The new features of this highway are succinctly defined with helpful diagrams picturing Client/Server/Local User paradigms to help us understand where we are located in this interactive information highway called the Internet. For someone who had little background on Web 2.0, this book was very readable with new technologies clearly explained. Much of the author's discussion of blogs, wikis, etc. seamlessly interact with his classroom experience as a teacher and liaison to district administrators and parents, in bringing them together to experience and benefit from the slew of technologies available to help them communicate and better education.
The strength of the book is in its balance of presenting Web 2.0 technologies in a readable but also very technical fashion. Teachers can quickly make progress by using the recommended websites to start blog accounts, wikis, etc. A brief range of the most popular and powerful technologies are presented for the consumer to choose from depending on his/her situation. Whether it is blogs, wikis, podcasts, VoIP, or newsfeeds, the author usually surveys the most effective tools, always giving attention to both platforms, whether it is PC or Macintosh. His only weakness is his unhidden bias for Macs. However, the detail of his interaction with the technology is fair. His treatment of these is up-to-date and current.
In relation to Wikis, John gives helpful examples of using wikis for department meetings, notes, minutes, and even curriculum development. Here is where the "Ah Haa" moments echo where he provides specific uses of wikis from his own educational experience. The technology of Web 2.0 is not confined to the classroom, but transcended by things like videoconferencing, and also usable in teacher business as well as district business. The two-way roads of technology are expanding to the many facets of education.
When it comes to blogging, the author adequately surveys the popular blog resources available to begin web 2.0 applications. Again, both PC and Macintosh platforms are represented. The section does seem overly technical for educators, but as an educator with computer background, I found it very helpful. What I appreciate about Hendron's treatment is the balance of adequate technical help with the creativity of the Web 2.0 applications. Especially eye-opening were the classroom lesson plans using blogging technology to accomplish educational objectives. What administrator would not drop his/her jaw to see this kind of technology used in the classroom to engage and bring much needed collaboration to the classroom using technology? The lessons were replete with collaborative ideas using engaging technology. The only criticism is that the lesson plans did not include a single math lesson. This reviewer is a secondary math teacher.
In the final analysis, the esoteric technical title of the book is actually a rich and readable ride into the revolutionary Web 2.0 technology of not the future, but the present. It's explained clearly across both platforms and surveyed across the most popular tools. This is an excellent primer on information travel for Web 2.0.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Introductory book, July 2, 2008

By 

Lisa (Powell, Wyoming, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: RSS for Educators: Blogs, Newsfeeds, Podcasts, and Wikis in the Classroom (Paperback)

This book gives you an excellent introductory to Rss, podcasts, blogs etc. I would recommend this book for those who need a quick, informative read about
web 2.0. If you already blog, podcast or use RSS, I think the book will be nothing but review. It really has been written to introduce these topics.

5.0 out of 5 stars RSS for Educators Review, April 9, 2011

By 

Diana_A - See all my reviews

This review is from: RSS for Educators: Blogs, Newsfeeds, Podcasts, and Wikis in the Classroom (Paperback)

RSS for Educators is a good source for K - 12 teachers to use in order to learn more about RSS tools and the possible ways of implementing them in their classes for different tasks. John G. Hendron, a teacher and instructional technologist for Goochland County Public Schools in Virginia, tries to review the rich possibilities Web 2.0 can create for learning in the classroom. The book consists of three main parts that cover the technological characteristics of blogs, podcasts, wikis, and newsfeeds. In addition, Hendron describes several alternative ways of creating and using different types of RSS tools. Hence, he provides very useful suggestions on how to use Web 2.0 tools during the lessons. The examples of lesson plans show a wide range of possible opportunities to integrate blogging, podcasting, wikis keeping, and newsfeeding in different subject areas.
Another important factor is that it is easy to read and understand the language of the book. John G. Hendron managed to explain the technical details on how to work with RSS tools in an understandable way. In the Appendix B a reader can find a little glossary for every chapter, clarifying some technical terms, making the content even more comprehensible.
RSS for Educators not only describes different possible ways of creating Web 2.0 tools, but it also suggests more affordable and appropriate software, platforms, and aggregators suitable for school settings. The book also encourages teachers to use these tools for their professional development and cooperative planning of lessons. John G. Hendron specifies the convenience of blogging and podcasting in keeping contact with students' parents. Hence, the book mentions and supports the necessary National Educational Technology Standards. The sample lesson plans described in the book promote cooperative learning along with creative and authentic natures of the tasks. In addition, all of the tasks contribute to the development of critical thinking skills and make learning more meaningful for students.
RSS for Educators is a valuable resource for school teachers to learn from. Moreover, the application of Web 2.0 tools in classroom will help teachers to make learning more meaningful, challenging and motivating for their students.