RSS Reader Reflection

As a solitary teacher in a classroom, it is easy to become isolated. The isolation of educators not only erodes the morale of teachers, but it also prevents the continued growth and education of teachers. Through the utilization of the RSS Reader, teachers are able to stay connected to a very large community of teachers.

In our digital age, teachers are of all ages are reaching out to the great ether, sharing their triumphs and frustrations as participants in the educational process. Whether they are just venting, attempting to remind themselves why they want to be teachers, or are trying to reach out to other teachers, many educators are blogging. These blogs are valuable resources to all teachers as it reminds us that we are not alone. These blogs give teachers of all experience levels a means of connecting with one another in ways that teachers prior to the invention of the blogospere couldn't have even imagined. Teaching can be emotionally draining and just knowing that you're not alone can make all the difference.

The community of teachers online isn't just a resource for emotional recompense for those needing validation or a shoulder to cry on. Teachers are able to share lesson plan ideas and project concepts. This is important because none of us are bottomless wells of fabulous and inspiring teaching ideas. Sometimes we hit a brick wall and having an online resource in which we're able to search and draw from to find tested plans that engage the students is a win win scenario for everyone.

The utilization of the RSS Reader is an intriguing and innovative tool for educators that brings all of this together. Rather than scouring the internet and bookmarks for these resources, I am able to subscribe to the resources using Google Reader. In addition, I can share these resources with my fellow teachers so that they, too, can avoid the pitfalls of isolation. This allows me as a teacher to "Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership" while also "Model[ing] Digital-Age Work and Learning".