My RSS feed is so large, I could not get a great picture of my screen. I decided just to show four of the many sites/blogs I am following. I am finding that I love I-Google. I check it multiple times a day. All of the information I care about is on one screen. I am reading more professional articles and feel like it is already helping me become a more successful teacher.
I posted just a brief comment to a blog article that discussed the importance of not spending too much time in front of the computer. From lesson plans to researching the latest and greatest for my students to my new educational endeavors at MSU, I find that I am probably spending four to six hours in front of the computer to complete my work. The article discussed that this is unhealthy and to take a much needed break! I am trying to put this into practice. I am only allowing myself two hours at a time to sit in front of the computer before taking a break. I don't care if I get up just to wash the dishes or do a load of laundry, I get up and move!
Thus far, I have had a great experience keeping track of my RSS feed. Like I have already mentioned, I check my I-Google mutliple times a day. The articles and posting are always changing. I have ready many articles that are keeping my mind fresh and updated. And this all happens with the click of a button on one page!
I read an article titled What If We Did School for Kids, Not Adults? from the Will Richardson site. It discussed how children are not involved in their educaiton and how schools are failing because of this. Schools, and the people who run or work within them, are often not willing to change. They continue the same day after day expecting students to adapt to their archaic design. It was stated that,
Our schools are now, and have for more than a century, largely been structured for the convenience of the adults involved with them than for the real benefit and learning of the students whom somehow we seem to want to treat as interchangeable parts.Students should be actively involved in their education. We need to ask them what they NEED. It seems that the "powers that be" do not think that children can think and be actively involved in their education. I know that this is a generalization--there are GREAT leaders out there in education trying to change the system. But the system is bogged down with folks who aren't educators; they are simply the source of funds.
Another article I read entitled Why Science Teachers Should Write was found on the National Writing Project site. This is one of the new four feeds I chose to add to my RSS feed. It was written by a Science teacher who supports cross-curricular writing. I battle each day with students who destest writing and do not understand why learning to use our language effectively is important. It is a huge help when we can collaborate to write in all content areas.
I have been able to keep up to date with a daily dose of grammar fun-facts as well. Although I love grammar and use it well, it is always good to have those gentle reminders. When first introduced to the idea of an RSS feed, I was unsure if I would actually use it or not. I have already been encouraged through the articles read to implement new ideas into my classroom and collaborate more effectively with my teammates. My RSS feed is going to keep me on task and keep my professioal development flowing. I LOVE my RSS feed!
