Journal 6: Google+: The complete Guide & Educators-Google Plus is for You

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Part I- Google+: The complete Guide

“If Facebook and Twitter had a baby, they’d call it Google+.” ~ Olaf Wempe

Parr, B. (2011, July 28). Google: The complete guide [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://mashable.com/2011/07/16/google-plus-guide/

This article explores the abundant tools available within a free program, Google+.  Directions on how to exploit Google+ and its endless possibilities are explained through instructions, pictures, and even videos.

Google has evolved as a social site, as well as other capabilities.  Instructions explain how to add friends, like Facebook; and how to mention them, like Twitter.  A profile needs to be fulfilled, as the other social networks.   What sets Google+ from the other social networks is that rather than having different accounts to converse with different social groups, Google+ allows the user to create Circles, groups of friends that can only view what the user allows them to view, under the same account.  In other words, a Circle can be composed of only friends, while another can be composed of PLN members and another for business or coworkers.

Streaming, like in Facebook, is also possible with Google +.  This tool is called Google+ Stream and it is a bit different from Facebook News Feeds.  A demonstration of liking a post can be done by clicking the +1 button, rather than clicking Like on Facebook.  When posting a status there is a choice of sharing it with the public, all your circles or followers, or only with certain circles.  A selection on whether or not the users comment can be shared by other is also available.

Research can also be done through Google+ Sparks.  This tool finds relative news on the subject that is searched.  There is a “What’s Hot” link that allows the user to view the most interesting content across all of Google+, like Trends on Twitter.  The best of this feature is that all searches can be saved.

Skype?  Please, that is so last winter! Use Google+ Hangouts.  This tool allows users to create a group of up to 10 people and begin a video chat.  Invitations can be done individually or with the users circles.

Photo albums are also incorporated in Google+.  These are powered by Picasa.  Pictures are not only shared with other users but they can be edited from Google+.  Photos can be cross processed, auto contrasted, rotated, and even changed to black and white.

There are many more features are explained in this article that set Google+ apart and ahead from today’s social networks.

Q1:  How is Google+ beneficial to today’s teachers?

Many teachers would agree that in today’s hectic world time is precious.  Google+ offers users many tools under one account.  Teachers are able to communicate with their PLN circles, while discussing or being involved with their student circles, and also keeping in touch with family members and friends through hangouts, all under one account.  This takes away the multiple usernames, endless passwords, and diverse social networks.  Making it is less time consuming.

Part II: Educators-Google Plus is for You

Brogan, C. (2011, September 30). Educators- google plus is for you [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.chrisbrogan.com/gpluseducators/

Chris Borgan shares many ideas and the tools in Google+ that can help teachers share with other teachers, in this article.  He explains how circles can be created and shared so that other users can add each other to the same circle.  With a screenshot, Borgan describes how lesson plans, YouTube videos, photos, and links can be shared with certain Circles.  He even mentions that teachers can do” location-related homework by having people post location check-ins to the circle” in response to the user’s lesson plans.   Special guests can be invited to hangouts to share a discussion within the users.

Q2:  How can Google+ improve our teachings?

Google+ tools allow us to share and ask for lesson plan ideas with other teachers in the nation, in the world.  This improves teaching and maintains teachings fresh and up to date on various subjects.  Students may also be incorporated in a Hangout and have a teacher from another location to teach the lesson or to discuss with the students. This allows students to receive teachings from another perspective, catching their attention at the same time; for being so innovative.