Friday, July 26, 2013
The Conclusion of My Credential Work
Monday, January 21, 2013
Monday, January 14, 2013
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Using Google+ Hangouts for Multi-User Videoconferencing in Education
This
week I met up with classmates Christina Foy and Connie Choi via a Google+
Hangout. As most of us know by now, Google+ is a feature-rich addition to
Google's standard services that combines features of Facebook, Skype, Blogger,
an RSS Reader, and even a hint of Pinterest thrown in. Specifically, a Google+
Hangout is a virtual video chat room where multiple participants can interact
with one another at the same time.
I
think that it should be pointed out that Google+ Hangouts has several
advantages over competing services like Skype. First, Google+ Hangouts easily accommodates
multiple users in the same conversation. The software nearly immediately
detects who is speaking and features their video in a centered large frame
while all other participant’s videos are seen in smaller windows at the bottom
of the screen. These features are not standard in Skype. Additionally, unlike
Skype Google+ is seamlessly integrated with an email service (Gmail) so that if
you know someone’s Gmail address, you are able to send them a Hangout
invitation or participate in a Hangout that they’ve started (assuming it’s not
a private Hangout).
So
how would I use this? Let’s start with students. I would never, ever use this
service (or any other telepresence service) to communicate directly with
students outside of the classroom. I think that it transcends a boundary of
familiarity that is just not appropriate or necessary.
When
it comes to parents, I think that it would be a highly useful means of
communication for follow-up meetings
or for including a second parent in a meeting when only one parent is available
to meet face-to-face. As useful and convenient as a Google+ Hangout is, I think
that it removes a level of personal “vibe” from communication. It is harder to
read someone’s facial expressions, body language, and even tone of voice. I
want to meet with my students’ parents face-to-face first. Then, once rapport
has been established, I think that using a Google+ Hangout is a great option.
For
fellow teachers and colleagues, I think that this is a fantastic opportunity to
have quick and convenient collaboration. All teachers are overworked, and all
teachers find themselves called into numerous meetings that take too long, have
no agenda, or are just plain unnecessary. All of this serves as motivation for
teachers not to collaborate
professionally, but the convenience of being able to do this online opens a
whole new opportunity for collaboration. I think that most teachers would be
open to this once they become comfortable with the tools.
One
additional use deserves mentioning: Interviewing field professionals in the
classroom. Imagine this scenario: You
have connected in a Google+ Hangout with a professional scientist at MIT. Your
goal is to discuss how higher-level algebra plays into the everyday job of a scientist.
The Google Hangout is clearly and largely displayed on the screen at the front
of the room. A webcam points back at students to complete the Hangout. With
your computer screen mirrored on an iPad (via Splashtop, AirDisplay, or other
software), you pass the iPad around the room and give the students
opportunities to ask questions directly. This has the makings of an engaging,
informative, interactive, technology-based lesson that students will certainly
remember.
In
order to further the discussion, I’d like to pose the following, which focuses
on parents. Often, parents are less technologically willing to try things than
their students are. How can we as teachers effectively overcome this by helping
parents see the value in classroom tech (like Google+ Hangouts) without frustrating
them? (they and their students are, after all, our customers)
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
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