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.
