Google Reader and Pinterest

Hello, again, my one reader!

So, tonight I am writing about my experiences with both Google Reader and Pinterest. Just in case there is a soul on Earth that does not know what these things are, Reader is an blog aggregator, and Pinterest is an image aggregator (I don't know how else to explain it... better head over there and check it out for yourself).

Anyway.... I started using Reader as soon as I learned about it, being the Google fan that I am. I think that just to have some use for the product I started following a few blogs. Over time, my list grew as my interests expanded. As of now, I follow about 25 blogs that I access through my Reader page, ranging from urban bicycling to green living, with everything in between-- including teaching, of course!

I have come to love the clean and simple interface, so I am beyond sad that Reader is disappearing in July. I have already opened an account with Feedly, but I have not really used it, and I probably won't until I have no choice. I'll comment on it later, although I signed up for it based on some good reviews.

On Pinterest, I don't even remember how I came across it. Thing is, it has become incredibly useful and entertaining to me. In fact, I have found a few interesting blogs by clicking on posts by other people. Also, the social quality of it is just genius! I have found some of my Facebook friends' Pinterest boards and have been able to check out some interesting materials based on known affinities with my friends. Not to sound like a snoop, but you can also find out unexpected interests on your friends' boards :-)

Besides the entertainment value, Pinterest has been an amazing tool for teaching. I have gotten tons of ideas on how to deliver lessons, create anchor charts, and organize and manage my classroom. A quick search delivers a huge number of results, and it is very easy to pore through them by just looking at the pins.

I have to say, if I had to stick with only one of these web tools, I would choose Pinterest in a pinch! have you tried it, my dear lonely reader?