Welcome to my Google+ Classroom!
TeacherThink’s Google+ Classroom is a place to get REAL Google+ experiences and advice. Although class is not in session yet, I plan on implementing Google+ in at least 3 sections at the high school level this school year. I will be updating it before school and during.
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Facebook v. Google+ [Infographic]
Below is my post entitled “5 Reasons to Have a Google+ Classroom“:
[5] It is NOT Facebook: My first reason has less to do with Google+ and more that it can learn from the mistakes/reputation of others. Facebook too has the potential to break down classroom walls and connect our learners around the world. However, because of Facebook’s security and privacy faux pas, educators and parents alike have kept it out of the classroom. Most districts firewall Facebook and other social networks. Because Google has the ability to add Google+ to it’s Google Apps for Education repertoire, districts will have no choice but to keep it open.
[4] Google+ Mobile [Android]: I am a strong advocate for smartphones. As an educator, they are a great way to lesson plan [I use Evernote and Google Calendar], communicate with colleagues and students [via email], and keep up with the latest goings on in the profession [ie, Google Reader, Twitter, etc.] without being held down by a computer. Google+ has a great app on Android which includes the following features:
Huddles: Quit telling students the same thing in different conversations. Create huddles .
Instant Upload for Android: Upload student videos and pictures to your own private album in the cloud. From there, just edit and share them with whoever you want.
[3] Sparks: Sparks have the potential to be a great way to find new information and find out the latest on that information. Doing some research for a lesson? Want students to get connected to a current event? Check out Sparks. I think this feature will only get better, as Google will utilize it’s ninja-like search algorithm skills on Sparks.
[2] Circles: If any feature sells Google+ to educators [and the Oz who controls your Firewall] it is Circles. Circles allow you to differentiate between personal and business. In the case of a Google+ Classroom, you may want to create Circles for separate classes [for example, I teach Algebra, American Government, and AP Government and Politics. I can create separate Circles for each]. On Facebook I refused to “friend” students until they graduated. Now, I can create a circle for “Current Students” and “Former Students” each very limited in what they are seeing about me and how we interact. Check out a screenshot of how I set up Circles. I set them up before adding anyone so I could easily drop them into their new world. The beauty of Circles is the people in the Circle will know they are in one of your Circles but never know the name of the Circle. I added Circles for other people in my Professional Learning Network [called it TeacherThink] and a circle for people I am interested in following [called it TechThink]. I will also add a NewsThink circle soon.
[1] Hangouts: In my classroom, Hangouts have the most potential to completely blowdown my walls. Hangouts allow for video chat with up to ten other people. When I heard that, I immediately translated that into 10 different classrooms or several classrooms connected to professionals throughout the world. I am passionate about connecting kids with other learners and professionals. Right now I use Skype, which does a great job with the video end but Hangouts paired with Google+ create the connection needed to make this work on a regular basis. Hangouts can also transform a classroom by holding study sessions or lessons outside the regular bell schedule. No, I am not saying we ought to be teaching 24 hours a day. Hangouts don’t need to be led by a teacher. Students can form study groups, then have hangouts on their own time. I am sure they would only stay focused and on-task.
James Loewen, author of Lies my Teacher Told Me wrote, “Emotion is the glue that causes history to stick.” I believe that emotion is the glue that causes ALL learning to stick. Google+ may be that emotional connection that 21st century learners need.
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