This week one of the main applications explored was RSS feeds. Five years ago I worked for an entrepreneurship website in its beta stage gathering entrepreneurial resources. In order to find the latest articles and resources I set up RSS feeds (first I started using Google Alerts but then migrated over to using RSS feeds because then all of the resources were in one place & I could quickly scan through them to see if they were "post worthy". Since leaving that position I haven't used RSS feeds much but now that I'm reading more blogs on a regular basis I've decided to re-establish using this tool. I like the idea of the updates all being in one place rather than having to go to each site individually to see if any new changes have been made.
Many people worry about adding one more thing to their plate & often say, "I don't have time for (you fill in the blank)" when it comes to new tech tools/applications. I can't tell you how many times I've gotten that response when talking to teachers about Twitter..."I don't have time for that!" If they only new how much time it saves me, just like RSS feeds, because the information/resources COME TO ME! I don't have to do any work finding the resources....zero time spent researching. It only takes me time to quickly determine if it is something I want to read through in more detail, "favorite" to read in greater detail at a later time, or take a few minutes to read through at that moment. I don't quite get it...if it is something that is going to make your life easier, why not take the hour (if that) to set up your account and subscribe to some sites/blogs/etc? The amount of time it takes to set up the account will quickly be made up in the time you will save finding resources later since you don't have to find them....they find you. :)
Becky,
ReplyDeleteCall it what it is, sheer and utter ignorance (maybe a little fear, too). That is the reason people will not invest the time to learn these new tools. I am speaking from experience, that is, being ignorant of these new tools that will make my life easier. I am overwhelmed, yet excited to the nth degree. Imagine a Neanderthal, the 1st time he saw fire and suddenly realized he could use the light to find his way...that's me!
You are too funny, Bill!
ReplyDeleteBill says ignorance but I think it is just laziness. The hour to set up always seems too long or that there is something else that needs to be done. Complaining is easier. You know I wonder how many people of the younger generation actually use RSS feeds?
ReplyDeleteI agree. I think a lot of it has to do with already being a technophobe. They're not comfortable with it, don't want to take the time to learn the stuff. It's kinda like a man who continues to use a dull saw instead of taking 15minutes to sharpen it, keeps on using it.
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