http://chronicle.com/blogs/wiredcampus/professors-consider-classroom-uses-for-google-plus/32131?sid=at&utm_source=at&utm_medium=en
Though I don't think anyone really knows how to use it yet, or if it'll catch on, Google + is here, and looks to have some promise that other technology hasn't caught up with yet.
I am often a little weary of befriending my past or current students on Facebook. I will sheepishly admit that I have a bit of a mouth, and that I post a lot of dumb stuff on Facebook. I like the idea of using Google + as a professional tool, where I could share articles with my colleagues, discuss assignments with my students, and share lessons with fellow teachers. I have heard Garth suggest that is what he does on Twitter, but I never got the hang of Twitter. I like the idea of having circles of friends, family, co-workers, students, or whoever that I share certain items with.
In the article Professors Consider Classroom Uses for Google Plus, the author discusses using Google + as a tool for virtual office hours. I could see students video chatting with me, or with each other, about topics related to class. I could see having a "chat session" or a "hangout" as it's called here, to hold my weekly TA meeting or even a class discussion. I love the idea of being able to look at 10 or 20 of my peers, friends, or colleagues - and doing so from wherever I want.
I also think that using the newest technology keeps students fresh and engaged, and thinking about how the latest and greatest will advance us as a society. As teachers, we should be trying things that make us just a bit uncomfortable, so that we can share our knowledge with others.
Though I don't think anyone really knows how to use it yet, or if it'll catch on, Google + is here, and looks to have some promise that other technology hasn't caught up with yet.
I am often a little weary of befriending my past or current students on Facebook. I will sheepishly admit that I have a bit of a mouth, and that I post a lot of dumb stuff on Facebook. I like the idea of using Google + as a professional tool, where I could share articles with my colleagues, discuss assignments with my students, and share lessons with fellow teachers. I have heard Garth suggest that is what he does on Twitter, but I never got the hang of Twitter. I like the idea of having circles of friends, family, co-workers, students, or whoever that I share certain items with.
In the article Professors Consider Classroom Uses for Google Plus, the author discusses using Google + as a tool for virtual office hours. I could see students video chatting with me, or with each other, about topics related to class. I could see having a "chat session" or a "hangout" as it's called here, to hold my weekly TA meeting or even a class discussion. I love the idea of being able to look at 10 or 20 of my peers, friends, or colleagues - and doing so from wherever I want.
I also think that using the newest technology keeps students fresh and engaged, and thinking about how the latest and greatest will advance us as a society. As teachers, we should be trying things that make us just a bit uncomfortable, so that we can share our knowledge with others.
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