Google Reader

Part of the  4th challenge from Edublogs Teacher Challenge  was to set up a Google Reader account. This I have already done, but I think it would be valuable share on my part of how I use Google Reader in my daily life.

I started really using Google Reader about 3 years ago. Since that time I have added and deleted blogs that I find valuable. I use it for personal learning, reading for enjoyment, inspiration, professional learning and lesson plan inspiration for my classes.

I have categorized a lot of the blogs I follow into areas of interest using folders. The numbers next to the folders represent the number of posts in the category that I have not read. At first, that used to make me nervous and I tried to make sure that I was reading everything, but found out that isn’t really what blogs are about.

Blog reading isn’t like reading a book from the start to the finish and linear in fashion. For me, it is more about using my spare time or wait time to gather knowledge. There are a few blogs that I faithfully read most every day or at least when I log into Google Reader, but I only have about 2-3 of those.

I have Google Reader buttons set up on both my home laptop and work computer by using the bookmark bars.

On my iPad, I have Reeder application and a saved bookmark for the online Google Reader site. I have some issues with the viewing Google Reader on the iPad though, so tend to use the Reeder app more. This is the Reeder App showing my folders. And this is how you read the blog posts. I haven’t figured out all the bells and whistles on it yet though.

Google Reader is invaluable to my professional development. I learn so much about technology in education that I  couldn’t possibly learn from books. Who publishes that much knowledge freely? What about timing issues? I stay abreast of important topics, relative information to my classroom, co-workers, job and school. I can participate in important conversations and connect with others

For my classroom:

• I learn about new teaching strategies and techniques
• Bring in creative and innovative projects that I have found online
• Connect my class to other classes and professionals in the area of web design and graphic arts
• Keep on top of relevant topics, new trends and help plan for the future

For my Co-Workers

• Find relevant information to pass along to them about topics they teach or discuss in their content areas
• Pass on relevant research to Principal and Superintendent for their planning and innovation

For my job and school

• Participate in global conversations regarding technology in education
• Plan for the future of our school through things I gather and learn in blogs that others are discussing and writing about in other schools
• Bring new training to students, teachers, parents and the community that are relevant to many areas

Personally

• I keep in touch with family members
• Read other family, faith and food blogs to help my family
• Learn from other photographers about techniques, cameras, software, marketing techniques, etc
• Help my daughter learn through crafts and activities I hear about from other mom blogs

There are probably so many other ways that I use my blog reader that I can’t think of right now. It is usually the way I start my day and the way that I end my day. It has changed how I read and how I learn.

Google Reader Shared Items

Oh..and I can’t forget. My daughter has a favorite blog she requests to visit every now and then to see pictures of a little girl her age named Harper.