Social networking is a way of life for most teachers today. It is a marvelous way for us to share and learn about new ideas that can really enhance our teaching. We know about social networks like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for example, all designed to let you share up-to-the
second updates,
ideas, thoughts, links and media with your colleagues. But have you discovered Google+? This is a social network of note that I have only recently explored. One thing I am discovering about Google is that they usually bring a very creative and different slant, with additional features, to something that others might be doing; and the result is very pleasing. These are a few features which makes Google different from the other social networking networks.
- Google
has
integrated Google+ with
its other
services (and continues to do so) e.g.Search, YouTube, Gmail and more. Google+ is already built into services you use
every day. - Google+ uses the concept of circles (groups), and this differentiates it from Facebook for example as it allows users precise control over who sees what.
- Google includes the free use of ‘hangouts’ with Google+ and this feature has incredible positive implications for education.
Slideshare presentation
This is a Slideshare on Google +. It covers:
•What
is Google +
•Highlights
of interesting features
•Circles
•How
to write a post
•How
to receive a notification
•Benefits
to education
‘Google Hangouts’ will receive a post of its own later.
Get to know Google plus! from Fiona Beal
Webinar recording
This Slideshare was presented as part of a SchoolNet Adobe Connect webinar on Google+. If you would like to know what was said, here is the webinar recording: Get to know Google+
Further reading
Many very interesting posts have been written on Google+. Here is a list of some of them:
1) Google + – what does it mean for education?
2) 27 ways to use Google+ to support education (a presentation)
3) Circle me up – exploring circles in Google+
4) 40+ Google tips for newbies
6) The Google plus project – a quick look
7) A livebinder of Google+ resources
