Google+, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and
the like are all social networks. They’re designed to let you share up-to-the
second updates,
ideas, thoughts, links and media with your friends and the public. There are a few features which makes Google different from these other 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. 

Webinar presentation

This is a Slideshare of the webinar presentation on Google + from last night.  The webinar covered:

•What
is Google +•Highlights
of interesting features
•Circles
•How
to write a post
•How
to receive a notification
•Benefits
to education 

Get to know Google plus! from Fiona Beal

Webinar recording

Here is the webinar recording.

Get to know Google+

Further reading

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

5) The Google+ 50

6) The Google plus project – a quick look

7) A livebinder of Google+ resources

8) Classroom uses for Google+