RSS as a course information delivery method

Technology has changed the way students interact with instructors as social networking and collective intelligence become primary facilitators of course information. One such method emerging with each new web creation is the integration of really simple syndication (RSS). Although RSS came about in the 90's, it is only in recent years that it has taken on a form of delivery that can easily be applied to the classroom. While dissemination of information is regularly done via lectures and course websites, in this case RSS was implemented to provide students an alternate method of receiving course announcements. This paper details a study in which RSS was implemented into a freshman level course as a method of distributing course announcements. In addition, this paper discusses the findings of the study to determine the usefulness and effectiveness of RSS in the classroom.