RSS
acronym for Really Simple Syndication

Definition: RSS is a protocol that allows users to examine online content using an RSS reader, which checks subscribed web pages (including news, sports, blogs etc...) and automatically downloads new content.

What does it do?: It keeps users current on a topic of their choice through one interface.
The user has then access to information from the sites that are included in the aggregator without having to visit individual web pages for information.

How does it work?
Download an RSS reader
Some free readers are listed below
http://www.sharpreader.net/ 
http://www.feedreader.com
http://www.curiostudio.com/download.html

Click on the RSS icon (shown below) that appears on the desired webpage. Select the feed you wish to get updates on

Copy and paste the URL that appears on the screen into your web-based RSS reader.
 

Blogs

Definition: "blogs are a from of internet publishing that has become an established tool"
A blog is similar to an online journal, where the blogger enters his text.
the content is then available online. Users can comment on the post, search by keyword, date and subscribe to the blog (if it has an RSS feed application)

In an academic setting, blogs offer students and faculty a shared space for exchanging ideas, interacting with peers and expressing their point of view regarding a given topic.
Students enjoy active and peer to peer learning.

However, since blogs are maintained by individuals, they may be bias or misleading.
Blogs are an expression of the writers opinions and unlike chat rooms they are not mediated.

Adapted from Educause site http://www.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI7006.pdf
 

Podcasting

"Any software and hardware combination that permits automatic downloading of audio files (most commonly in MP3 format) for listening at the user's convenience." 
Podcasts use the RSS feeds technology that searches for exact content you specified in your search and deliver the content at your desktop.
In simple terms, "a podcast is the name given to a file that is a voice recording for playback on a computer, or saved onto an MP3 digital audio player and listened to at some future point".

Samples podcasts
Yahoo: http://podcasts.yahoo.com
Podzinger http://podzinger.com



Bradley, Phil . How to use web 2.0 in your library. London: Facet Publishing, 2007.
Educause http://www.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI7003.pdf