Google Reader

The Google tool my group focused on is the Google Reader. It allows you to subscribe to:

• blogs
• YouTube video channels
• podcasts
• any other website that updates content that you are interested in.  

For example, on my personal reader, I have:

• our class blogs
• my sister's blog
• the Angels baseball trade rumours site
• a fan site for The Office (best show ever!)

Now, instead of going on a wild bunny hunt for information on everything I want to stay updated in, I can open my Google Reader and PRESTO - it's all there! 
This tool is amazing for personal and professional use.  As a teacher specifically, I can:

• keep track of blogs relating to education (other teachers, my students)
• stay updated on legislation and school board activity
• subscribe to sites specific to my content area (National Science Teachers Association is a great one)
• encourage students to utilize the web for research, news, and to interact with their peers

I'll admit it took me a few tries to figure this out, but it is user-friendly, and the always helpful "help" tab is available if needed.  Now that I have it, I can't emphasize enough how much time this tool saves.  No more pop-ups and obnoxious ads floating over the screen - just the content you want to browse.

I assisted with writing our document, as each of us wrote (simultaneously!) our viewpoint.