Webinar: Google+

What is Google+?

David Chan led the Webinar on Google+ and explained how to utilize some very interesting features that can be used professionally and in the classroom. Google+ is a social networking service that allows you to communicate with other users through many different formats. Through Google+ you can share and collect photos by simply linking Google+ to your phone and uploading them or allowing Google+ to upload them after the photo was taken. Google+ is available and user-friendly on a mobile device so you can communicate at any time. You can also conveniently group your contacts into separate categories (ex: friends, family, co-workers). This feature allows you to filter your contacts so they are easily visible in various groups. Google+ has many efficient elements; however, David specifically explicated the benefits and functions of hangouts, events and communities.

Hangouts

Hangouts are a great way to communicate with individuals and groups of people. Hangouts are video conferencing calls in which users can share documents and their screens with others. Multiple people can participate in the hangout through screen share and the chat function. Hangouts allow you to watch YouTube videos together and chat about it at the same time. You can also add many various apps to your hangout feature. Hangouts on air are accessible to anyone and are similar to a broadcast. Many people can participate at once and you can control whom you want to see on screen. These hangouts are recordable and you can schedule it in advance.

Events

This function allows you to schedule events, invite others, and share about them. You can access recorded events through YouTube and collaborate after the event has been live. David shared an example of using this tool in the classroom by letting students teach each other by leading discussions through the videos.

Communities

Communities allow users to create conversations about various topics. This allows others to gather together by communicating in groups based on your interests. You can post within these communities and create resources.  You can also share and receive information anytime and anywhere though this feature.

My Thoughts on Webinar

I really enjoyed participating in the Webinar. I believe it is an effective and efficient tool to use professionally and within the classroom. It allows you to communicate with others through chat, webcam, microphone, and screen sharing. It is very easy to use and I would love to use it again. I think it is perfect for lectures that can take place out of the classroom. I also liked the feature that allows you to record the session for people cannot attend live or want to watch it again. It is also very effective because multiple people can participate at once through the written chat or by enabling your microphone. Webinars are a great way to communicate via technology and I believe it is a valuable tool for people in any profession and for students.