Google +
What is it?
Google + is a social networking platform developed by Google
Inc. as a means to connect their suite of apps together. Many users consider
Google+ a Facebook alternative, but, Google Inc. claims that its’ + platform is
another layer to the popular Google Apps Suite (Docs, Drive, Sheets, Chrome,
Sites, Youtube, etc.). Google + users can seamlessly create, share, and revise
Google Docs using their + profiles. Businesses can create + profiles to market
their good and services to customers. Google + is the second largest social
networking platform, second only to Facebook.
Educational Uses?
Google + is a great option for educator trying to have one
platform to use across many different applications. An educator could use
Google + to create a profile, course website, and community, then share that
with a group of students. Want to grade student work and leave comments? Yep,
once a student shares their paper, faculty
could read, make comments and grade the paper. Using one platform for
all your teaching needs can make things easier.
Pros?
First, Google+ and the common use applications are free with
a Google account. Users simply need to go to www.Google.com and click signup to
get started. Second, Google is really good about providing video tutorials on
how to use all of their services. Need to know how to create a website using
Google Sites? Google it and watch a video on how to use the service. Third, if
you own a smart phone, you have the power of everything Google right in the
palm of your hand. All Google Apps are available on IOS and of course Android
devices. Taking attendance in class today? Put your roster in your phone and
pretend your texting your significant other, your students will never notice!
Cons?
Lately, Google has been doing some upgrades, seems great
right? Wrong! The updates to their messaging service “Hangouts” is causing some
“service interruptions” (Please see here for info) which means if you use one
platform for everything, when it goes down, your down to! Thankfully the
outages only last a few minutes, at most an hour, but it can be a big con. Another con is some of the Google Apps do not
display correctly on IOS, but Google is always doing updates!
Bottom line, Does It Work for Educators?
Yes, in a BIG way. Just spend a few minutes looking over the
resources link below and you can see for yourself that Google + and the
accompanying apps are a great, free resource for educators.
Alternatives?
Facebook (www.facebook.com)
For many faculty or educators, course management systems
like D2L, Canvas, and Blackboard have social network integration, and similar
profile elements.
Resources?
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