In my recent readings into multi-access learning I have come across some recurring technology. Classroom websites, google hangouts, Skype, FaceTime and other video conferencing tools such as Polycom and gotomeeting.com have been referred to frequently. Skype and FaceTime are tools that I am quite familiar with having used them to enhance my own learning experiences in discussion with peers and colleagues as well as to stay connected with family members. I have used classroom websites such as Moodle and the newer Coursespaces in my university career to stay connected with upcoming assignments, blogs, ongoing discussions and to share teaching resources. Google Hangouts however is a tool that I am largely unfamiliar with. The little internet searching that I did on the google hangout site showed me a functionally complex conferencing tool that seems simple to use. Needless to say it left me wanting to know more.
Google Hangouts is both a video conferencing tool and a group chat. Hangouts allows for ten users to join the meeting at a time with realtime capture of themselves or a still image. It can be used on any device; monitor, laptop, iPad, cellphone, you name it. Google Hangouts strength seems to be in content sharing as Google Drive is integrated and connected into a Hangout. Participants can share content in a chat box, screen share, make screen shots or connect into their Google Drive and edit or view documents together. They can also connect to Youtube and add many other apps and effects to enhance their experience within Hangout (who doesn't like sound effects and backgrounds?).
Google Hangouts provides many opportunities for classroom use. Students could join in class instruction that is being streamed by Google Hangouts. It could also be very effective for group work with students joining in both face-to-face and online. The integration of Google Drive allows for both real-time collaboration (visual) and discussion. As a teacher content can be shared with students joining in online and projected for students who are face-to-face. The draw tool is also very handy as a whiteboard. Hangouts also allows important content to be curated for later use in the chat box or by taking screen shots. One final suggestion is the screen sharing option to give process instructions, use other desktop applications within the chat or provide remote assistance to students who are struggling and joining in virtually. Have you tried using Google Hangouts in your classroom? How have you used it?
For a basic overview of Google Hangouts check out their webpage: http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/
https://sites.google.com/a/lsr7.net/hangoutsforteachers/classroom-ideas. is an excellent site describing how to use and set up Google Hangouts. It also has additional links to resources for using Hangouts in the classroom The Hangout video embedded on the Hangout Tools page, created by two educators, was especially insightful for newbies to the world of Google Hangouts in the classroom like me and although it is long it is worth the watch. They also explain the use of Google Hangouts on Air and the additional features this service provides.
Google Hangouts is both a video conferencing tool and a group chat. Hangouts allows for ten users to join the meeting at a time with realtime capture of themselves or a still image. It can be used on any device; monitor, laptop, iPad, cellphone, you name it. Google Hangouts strength seems to be in content sharing as Google Drive is integrated and connected into a Hangout. Participants can share content in a chat box, screen share, make screen shots or connect into their Google Drive and edit or view documents together. They can also connect to Youtube and add many other apps and effects to enhance their experience within Hangout (who doesn't like sound effects and backgrounds?).
Google Hangouts provides many opportunities for classroom use. Students could join in class instruction that is being streamed by Google Hangouts. It could also be very effective for group work with students joining in both face-to-face and online. The integration of Google Drive allows for both real-time collaboration (visual) and discussion. As a teacher content can be shared with students joining in online and projected for students who are face-to-face. The draw tool is also very handy as a whiteboard. Hangouts also allows important content to be curated for later use in the chat box or by taking screen shots. One final suggestion is the screen sharing option to give process instructions, use other desktop applications within the chat or provide remote assistance to students who are struggling and joining in virtually. Have you tried using Google Hangouts in your classroom? How have you used it?
For a basic overview of Google Hangouts check out their webpage: http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/
https://sites.google.com/a/lsr7.net/hangoutsforteachers/classroom-ideas. is an excellent site describing how to use and set up Google Hangouts. It also has additional links to resources for using Hangouts in the classroom The Hangout video embedded on the Hangout Tools page, created by two educators, was especially insightful for newbies to the world of Google Hangouts in the classroom like me and although it is long it is worth the watch. They also explain the use of Google Hangouts on Air and the additional features this service provides.