Downes, serialized RSS feeds and micro learning

Today I listened to a podcast from Jan 28 in which “E-Learning Einstein” Stephen Downes was interviewed on a few subjects. What caught my interest the most was probably his comments on serialized RSS feeds. This is an idea, which has been around for a little while, but which has not really come to life. Yet. Funded by the NRC, Downes is helping to develop a system which enables teachers, trainers, students and trainees to create RSS feeds which start only when someone is adding the feed. With this tool, anyone could read a book a page a day or learn a subject little by little. The point is that they can start when THEY are ready as opposed to start in the middle of such an educational program, because the RSS feed has been running for 2 weeks already. In the world of micro learning, this could be more than a breakthrough because there are so few really great micro learning systems around. Imagine this: Serialized RSS feeds in small chunks of learning material on a mobile phone. Now that sounds like a plan to me!

The serialized RSS feed system does not yet have a website according to Downes. Similar systems already do exist, but Downes expansive knowledge should really create a great system. Unfortunately no time frame was given as to when the site will be up with more information.

Great job by Paul Miller on this interview!

Links:

Paul Miller’s interview:
http://blogs.talis.com/xiphos/2009/01/31/stephen-downes-talks-about-oldaily-and-online-learning/

Downes’ explanation of the serialized RSS feeds:
http://halfanhour.blogspot.com/2009/02/serialized-feeds.html

NRC (National Research Council Canada, Downes employer) :
http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/

Post about other serialized feed systems: http://ouseful.wordpress.com/2009/01/06/serialised-openlearn-daily-rss-feeds-via-wordpress/