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)