Hangin' Out Google Style

Communicating with a global audience has never been easier with the plethora of social media tools at our disposal. One such tool is Google Hangouts. Google Hangouts is an instant messaging and video chat service that can be accessed via a computer or mobile device. One feature of Google Hangouts that is of particular use to educators is the sharing feature that allows users to share documents, images, YouTube videos, etc. This feature possesses great educational value for teachers because it allows educators to create and collaborate in real time on a variety of topics with their fellow colleagues worldwide.

How to Get Started:

The video tutorial below provides a complete overview of the key features of Google Hangouts. Thank you to Martin Shervington for sharing!

Teach-nology:

(the pedagogical rationale for the use of technology in the classroom)

Skill	Teach-nology
Use of Technology	Use technology as a tool to research, organize, evaluate, and communicate information. Use digital technologies,  communication/networking tools, and social networks appropriately to access, manage, integrate, evaluate, and create information to successfully function in a content rich environment.
Communication	Listen effectively to decipher meaning, including knowledge, values, attitudes, and intentions. Use communication for a range of purposes (e.g., to inform, instruct, motivate, and persuade) and in diverse environments.
Collaboration	Develop, implement, and communicate new ideas to others effectively. Be open and responsive to new and diverse perspectives; incorporate group input and feedback into the work.

Sample Activities:

1. Professional development seminars, workshops, etc. are very empowering for teachers as Google Hangouts allow users to share ideas, resources, etc. in real time with an limitless network of colleagues worldwide. For example, educators can collaborate on an innovative teaching idea such as Genius Hour.

2. Students can connect with their peers to share and collaborate on any topic. For instance, students can share their perspective and opinions on a current events topic. Or they can work on a collaborative project or assignment with other student(s) from across the globe.

Connecting with others from around the world using Google Hangouts is educationally very rewarding. Click here to get started!

This post originally appeared on The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers.

Here Goes Something ... I guess

For well over a year now, my professional goal has been to expand my interaction with the global teaching community.  As you can well imagine, the benefits of developing a supportive and passionate Professional Learning Network (PLN) have been very inspiring and thought-provoking.  The way in which I approach teaching my classes now is very different than it was even a few short months ago.  In particular, I am most pleased to report that my students have also benefited from these new teaching practices as we have incorporated many innovative ideas into our daily classroom activities.

Without question, the connectivist approach of #etmooc has certainly motivated me to continue my pursuit of life-long learning.  Specifically, #etmooc participants are encouraged to act upon the following principles as outlined by Alec Couros in his welcoming comments:

1.  Make your learning visible.

2.  Contribute to the learning of others.

Even before #etmooc started, I was very good about applying and practicing both of these principles.  However, I was definitely starting to hit a rut.  It is this powerful video that made me realize I need to continue pushing my limits and boundaries in order to fully maximize the potential of the global connections I have made.




Okay, so where do we go from here?  What new challenge am I willing to take on?  Well, here goes something ... I guess:

I have always wanted to connect with my on-line colleagues in a more direct and personal way.  I have also wanted to try Google Hangouts.  So I have decided to challenge myself and host three - 1 hour Google Hangout sessions this week.  Accordingly, I am extending a formal invitation to all those interested, especially to my fellow #etmooc participants, to join me.  The schedule is below along with potential discussion topics.  

Wednesday, January 30  9 pm EST - #etmooc Thoughts so far

Thursday, January 31st   4 pm EST - The Global Teaching Community

Friday, February 1st        1 pm EST - Connected Learning

If you are interested in joining us, please feel free to contact me beforehand or just join in.  The Google Hangout will be entitled "etmooc Faculty Lounge".

I look forward to the opportunity of connecting with you.  See you Wednesday!  


photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68051075@N02/8380341879/">alisonseaman</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/">cc</a>

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gforsythe/7549370822/">giulia.forsythe</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/">cc</a>

Getting Fired Up about #etmooc

Hello for Kamloops, BC Canada!

This post is a bit different than my usual entries as starting this week, I am participating in an amazing online professional development opportunity - #etmooc.  (More information can be found at - http://etmooc.org/).

In the coming weeks, I will be writing about my #etmooc experiences so that we can all benefit so look out for those upcoming posts!

Below is our first #etmooc assignment - an introductory piece about ourselves.  Please feel free to check it out!