BP4_20091101_5_RSS_FEEDS

I am so new to this, I had to look up what a RSS feed was before I could contribute to the lesson requirement. I feel as if i am 100 years old. I need a dictionary and a manual to play with todays technology. That certainly was not me when I was mastering that Atari back in the day.

The assignment is to research and explain five RSS feeds in education. I first looked up my action research topic: technology in the classroom. I chose this subject first because my topic now is so broad and I am looking for ideas to make things narrower a bit. Once I accomplish this, I will know which route to begin my research in. I have tossed back and forth several ideas. Should I do technological equipment in the classroom or should I do the use of Web 2.0 in the classroom. I hope to figure it out soon, I think I am falling behind on the research portion of my AR requirements.

Next, I researched "how to" for blogging. I chose this search because it seems that this is what I will spend the next four weeks (at least) doing most of the time. I might as well learn how to do it correctly. And also because this something that i can incorporate into my lessons straight away. But again, I need to know what it is that I am doing.

The next educational search was for me as a teacher. I researched US History. I am looking for technological things that I can incorporate into my lessons on a continuos basis and not just here and there throughout the year. I came up with some great sites that I plan on combing through a little more thoroughly when I get a little extra time.

The next research was a tough one. What to search now? I needed to think outside of the box. So, that is what I researched: "Thinking outside of the box in education". The search results were not quite what I had hoped. I did see some information that will help with trying to engage my students on a constant basis. The ideas and discussions were not really outside of the box though. Too bad, I got a little excited when I first began the search.

My final research topic was virtual field-trips. I thought of this for two reasons. First, is because I live in Central NJ. As a US History teacher, this is a field trip jack pot. Washington's Crossing where George Washington crossed on Christmas and surprised the British. NYC where Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty are. Princeton NJ where homes were used as part of the underground railroad. Trenton NJ, the Trent House and Trenton Barracks of which both create reenactments from the early Revolutionary period. Philadelphia, the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Betsy Ross House, Ben Franklin walking tours, etc. etc. None of which I can take advantage of because of budget constraints. This is very difficult to swallow as an educator so close to so many great things for my students. What is the next best thing. Lets give virtual field trips search a try. Another research topic I plan on looking closer at in the near future. The second reason I researched virtual field trips is to see what is available via visiting with other classrooms in other countries. I would love for my students to have access to discussions with students in other parts of the world, learning from them, getting different points of views.

RSS feeds, offering the world at your finger tips.