"Google+: The Complete Guide"
Parr, B. (2011, July 16). Google : the complete guide. Retrieved from http://mashable.com/2011/07/16/google-plus-guide/
Summary: I found this blog highly beneficial. Before taking this technology class I had always heard to buzz about Google+ but I had never taken the time or the interest to create my own account. I have had a Facebook for several years and the thought of having to "re-start" my social network with Google+ seemed a bit overwhelming. This blog has made the entire Google+ process seem very simple! There are a lot of aspects about Google+ that most users would be unaware of without reading this step by step guide. Perhaps the most intriguing feature of Google+ would be the "circles." I love the idea that you can set up who you choose to share information with. On Facebook there are privacy settings that allow you to prevent certain users from seeing content on you page but it is actually very confusing. Google+ makes it easy to set up circles which will help you manage who is able to see what on your page. I also really like the "hangout" feature that Google+ offers. Hangout makes chatting with your friends so easy! This video chat service makes it simple for individuals to come together and collaborate on projects, catch up, meet new people, etc. I love the feature that allows users on hangout the ability to watch Youtube videos together! This is a wonderful feature. Google+ is a much cleaner social network that appears much more professional than its competitors. After reading this blog article I have definitely been motivated to expand my Google+ account and start customizing it.
Question: How does the "spark" feature benefit classroom learning?
Answer: Sparks is a content recommendation engine that finds the most relevant and
interesting articles and videos on almost any subject you can imagine. This can help students in the classroom find relevant articles to classroom discussion and further their knowledge on the subject. Students will also be able to share this information between each other and comment on what they find interesting.
"Educators-Google Plus is For You"
Brogan, C. (2011, September 30). Educators - google plus is for you. Retrieved from http://www.chrisbrogan.com/gpluseducators/
Summary: Chris Brogan helps educators see how simple and educational Google+ can be for classrooms. This article started off by helping educators see how easy it is to set up a Google+ account. It is advised that each student in the classroom start to add each other in "circles." These circles will allow students to share information between each other and only relevant content to the classroom discussions will be seen by the class. Brogan then recommends that educators post lesson plans, share YouTube videos, photos, and more via links. This will then allow students to comment on these posts and get involved in classroom discussions. The collaboration between students will be present for the teacher to see as well as other classmates. This makes it easy for educators to see how the discussions are going. Probably the most beneficial for the students is the feature of "hangout." Students can set up video chats between classmates and get involved in class discussions. Brogan also suggests that special guests can be invited into the hangouts! This would be a great opportunity to get guest speakers from around the world into the classroom discussions!
Question: Do you agree that Google+ can be beneficial to a classroom?
Answer: Yes, I definitely agree that Google+ can be beneficial to a classroom. Especially after learning about the hangout feature. Often times it can be difficult for educators to schedule public speakers. Hangout on Google+ allows for a more convenient way to align schedules. I also feel it is a great way for educators to easily see classroom discussion between students.
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