RSS

Before the unit on RSS, it was something that I had really never heard of. I imagine this will be a regular occurrence in the world of technology.
I created a google page and added some sites with RSS feeds that were overwhelming to manage. The key was to try to manage what I wanted to know with folders. I can learn more from the feeds based on interest than reading the entire paper. RSS to me is instant gratification for what I want to know.
In my classroom, I would want to follow events currents to what we are studying in science. Sometimes there are more or less depending on topic. When students are working with current events, they may be able to grab a page to browse. Students would be able to have many choices for current events.
I would like to use RSS more in science when the genetics and evolution units are learned. Many times there is news about some research. Those units involve the most critical thinking which is where the feeds may come in handy for the students.
I would like the students to have certain topics in their feeds whether it be density disasters or robots. Students do not need the same feeds since this is based on their interest. With relevance being associated with our curriculum, RSS makes it easy for students to make their learning relevant.

portaportal

Portaportal is a gift for me. I have a portaportal and this is the fourth year it has been in use. I find that booking marking the sites by unit offers communication to students easily. Whenever I need the students to access their website, they will find it on portaportal. It works well with every class and the students are familiar with the set up which makes my life easier. Many times when the students would type sites in themselves mistakes are made. If they do not get the immediate gratification of the website, then it does not work. Portaportal allows the instant gratification of reaching the site and allows for an engaged classroom.
I use portaportal almost daily and offer resources for research. The next project my students complete is density. I am hoping to make another folder for research websites to help students struggling with information. The students are able to access reliable sites bookmarked by myself with pertinent information.

If you would like to see my portaportal, you can use the guest password: mannwe

I am still adding sites when new finds arise. I feel this is truly a successful method to bookmark sites. Reimaging of laptops is no longer scary.

blog summary

I find that with blogging the hardest part is where to start. I feel that the fear of the unknown with technology can be overwhelming and exciting at the same time. Instead of balking at it, why not embrace what we will be the future.
Blog writing genres can relate to interest. Many people will read a blog they are interested in for informational purposes. I find myself reading blogs to compare notes on consumer items I am interested in purchasing. As far as students, the blogs need to be designed in a way that promotes rigor at the same time relevance. If it is not relevant to students, they may dismiss it. Our unit asked us to offer ways we would blog with kids. I think we need to choose the genre that will interest them. Blogging in general can be a method for students to engage without using a voice that is heard.
Blogs are a great way for kids to communicate in ways they would not express vocally. Teachers need to keep a handle on the language used. Blogs are a newer genre as a method of expression. While a child may not be the best artist, their technology may be what is most comfortable.

Sorry to ramble.