RSS readers

Over the years I've gotten many questions (and given several presentations) about "what is RSS?" Basically, "RSS" (Really Simple Syndication) is a version of a website that separates the content of articles from all of the graphical layout and design of the site... and gives you just the good stuff - all time-stamped and searchable. Most websites that update content frequently automatically create RSS versions of their site. If you regularly check a number of websites, it is in your best interest to aggregate the RSS versions of those websites using an RSS-reader service. This brings all of your regular websites to you in one place, and lets you skim them very quickly, reading only what interests you. As you read articles you can also, very easily, share the ones you see as valuable (with your comments) with your class or colleagues.

I'm not endorsing it as the only or the best RSS reader out there (there's always something better if you look around), but the one that I've used for years is Google Reader, and it has worked out very well for me. The Google Reader team has just released a quick introductory video for anyone interested in getting started with an RSS reader, so I'm including it in case any of you might find it valuable.