I found the information about this topic accessible and easy to follow. RSS allows me to connect to my favourite websites and receive updates. It will enable me to stay more up to date because I will automatically receive feeds when these sites have posted comments or updated their information. Interestingly, I discovered that as a Google Account User, I already had a Google Reader Account and because I had already become a follower of some people's blogs, I could see their updates. I added SLAV and The Wheeler Center onto my RSS subscription feeds.
This will be particularly useful with my class. Rather than checking to see when they have updated their Outprac Blogs, I can now subscribe to a RSS feed and this will streamline the process.
My only concern is whether I have created another thing to continually check. I already struggle to keep up with home and work emails, texts, phone call messages and I'm not even on Facebook! Nevertheless, I think the advantages outweigh this concern.
RSS or Twitter?
This was an interesting debate. According to the reading, some people are abandoning RSS for Twitter. Raph T noted that "I still don't get how people can possibly compare RSS with Twitter. One is asynchronous, the other is synchronous." From Andrew: "Twitter will ultimately beast RSS because (1) discovery of new content is built into the system and (2) twitter is much more publisher-friendly than RSS because it drives readers back to the publisher's site."
I went on to the website of the SLV and discovered that there was no RSS feed but I could follow them on Twitter.
# 16 Subscribing
There was no active link to the "Feed Me : A Gentle Introduction to Internet Feeds" but I did find the video called "What is RSS?" by Common Craft to be useful. I spent some time subscribing to various blogs such as Read alert.
The view from Mt Oberon, Wilsons Promontory
One of my favourite views.
Monday, 25 April 2011
# 13 MySpace and # 14 Facebook
I was disappointed not to be able listen to the audio link from MySpace.
MySpace or Facebook?
My understanding was that Facebook had overtaken MySpace years ago and I was surprised to learn that both were seen as viable platforms. In fact, the statistics about Facebook proved this; stating that there were 500 million active users and that it is the most visited website in the world.
As to which is better? I think that comes down to personal choice. I can see that MySpace looks more dynamic and has a younger edge about it. In contrast, Facebook seems to be more mainstream and accessible.
I can see the benefit of creating an account if you want to share information about yourself and join groups. The "Angela Scenario" was interesting to read and it clearly outlined the advantages for her and enhanced her learning about a new place and university. However, I just can't get excited about it. I find the fact that the average user is connected to 80 community pages and has 130 friends overwhelming and unappealing. I have resisted the request to create accounts because I don't wish to publish information about myself in this way nor do I have the time or interest to find new friends.
Interestingly, there is now research going on which is looking at whether Facebook interferes with students' results."Early samples suggest that 40 per cent of those surveyed believed it [Facebook] cost them points." ("Students face up to the pros and cons of Facebook" by Jewel Topsfield. The Age, March 21, 2011).
On a more positive note, I found the article called "Five Easy Steps to Stay Safe (and Private!) on Facebook" to be excellent. This article notes that many people ignore the Settings tab and the article clearly outlined how to set up your account in a way that suits you.
Ning
I signed up for an account, but despite spending a lot of time searching, could not find anywhere on the site that would enable me to search for groups. Any ideas?
Blogger Comeback
I had a look at the Youtube clip and found it useful. Are they seriously trying to complete with Facebook??
MySpace or Facebook?
My understanding was that Facebook had overtaken MySpace years ago and I was surprised to learn that both were seen as viable platforms. In fact, the statistics about Facebook proved this; stating that there were 500 million active users and that it is the most visited website in the world.
As to which is better? I think that comes down to personal choice. I can see that MySpace looks more dynamic and has a younger edge about it. In contrast, Facebook seems to be more mainstream and accessible.
I can see the benefit of creating an account if you want to share information about yourself and join groups. The "Angela Scenario" was interesting to read and it clearly outlined the advantages for her and enhanced her learning about a new place and university. However, I just can't get excited about it. I find the fact that the average user is connected to 80 community pages and has 130 friends overwhelming and unappealing. I have resisted the request to create accounts because I don't wish to publish information about myself in this way nor do I have the time or interest to find new friends.
Interestingly, there is now research going on which is looking at whether Facebook interferes with students' results."Early samples suggest that 40 per cent of those surveyed believed it [Facebook] cost them points." ("Students face up to the pros and cons of Facebook" by Jewel Topsfield. The Age, March 21, 2011).
On a more positive note, I found the article called "Five Easy Steps to Stay Safe (and Private!) on Facebook" to be excellent. This article notes that many people ignore the Settings tab and the article clearly outlined how to set up your account in a way that suits you.
Ning
I signed up for an account, but despite spending a lot of time searching, could not find anywhere on the site that would enable me to search for groups. Any ideas?
Blogger Comeback
I had a look at the Youtube clip and found it useful. Are they seriously trying to complete with Facebook??
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