Google+ communities in the classroom
I realize Google+ gets a lot of flack for being one of the least popular social media sites for the young crowd BUT I think it could be a diamond in the rough. The mechanics work similar to that of Pinterest: +1, share, and comment on posts you like. Super simple. The appearance is also similar to Pinterest as well so viewing posts isn't a problem either.
The upside to Google+ Communities, in my opinion, is the option to make your network completely professional. The atmosphere of the platform itself comes off as professional. Personally, I see Pinterest as a way for friends to swap ideas for recipes and crafts and not really a way to network with other people. Google+ puts off vibes I would expect from websites like Indeed or LinkedIn. Crisp, clean, and full of content coming from industry leaders. That being said I think the disapproval of the platform makes it sweeter for those who do use it regularly. Ya know, similar to the way a concert feels when the band is starting out and there are only a few hundred fans who really love the music versus a huge venue filled with genuine fans but also a bunch of people who are there just because. Does that make sense? Yeah? Cool.
Anyway, during my search through Google+ I learned some pretty neat things. Everyone already uses Google Forms as a way to collect information and create assignments. In fact one of my finals last year was taken via Google Form. It was kinda cool honestly. Google Forms in general are pretty cool in my book. Well now the tool has the option to create branching within an assignment to customize the assignment to the learner. The article I read showed the graphic to the right as a way to help explain the concept. Basically if the student answers a question wrong they are redirected to review the question content before they are able to continue. If the student is able to answer correctly they advance to the next question. Nifty, right? I certainly think so. not only is this option paperless it also takes out some of the lag time between the student finishing an assignment, receiving a grade, going over the material again, and then finally having the chance to correct the mistake.
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During my hunt for new information I came across Global Class Connect-- a service that connects international classrooms with one another to provide direct contact with another culture. I've heard of classrooms having other classes in another country as pen-pals of sorts, however, this tool makes the act of that so much easier. Teachers are able to go through a catalog online and get in touch with other educators that have also signed up with the service. Giving students the chance to see other cultures can be so beneficial and work in many different lessons.
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All in all I think the idea behind Google+ is great. As a classroom tool I could see this as a way for students to share assignments with one another and collaborate ideas over projects. I would also consider using the platform as a way to participate in discussion. Students are able to post within a community anything the teacher asks. It could also serve as a platform for students to research topics they are interested in and create a collection to help with a paper and keep sources organized. If you are in search for a tool that students and teachers could incorporate inside the classroom and go beyond really consider Google+ I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
Until next time!
Samantha
P.S. Images are taken from the websites I have linked them to, none of the images were created by me.
Until next time!
Samantha
P.S. Images are taken from the websites I have linked them to, none of the images were created by me.