Google+

I am a social networking addict.  I love connecting, communicating, and collaborating I cannot get enough.  I take part in weekly twitter chats where I can get a plethora of information.  Facebook is where I socialize.  And Google+ has now become my go to place to communicate and find resources.  I am loving the compatibility it has with all the other google apps and it is growing.  The user friendly and clean features make it fun and appealing as well.  Below is my list of ways people can use Google+ in education to enrich their overall experience in the classroom and potentially outside the classroom.

1. A great LMS: Edmodo, Lore, Schoology, etc. are great but it's kind of like tricking kids into social networking and they catch on fast.  Using an LMS is a great way to keep things organized and communicate with students and I think Google+ can be accessed in this way by creating a Community for your class.  If you are a GAFE school this can be done if your administrator gives students access to Google+.  I have started implementing this in my classroom.  The students are using a school account so rules apply.  I think it is a great way to teach digital citizenship, keep contact, and keep things organized (assignments, due dates, discussions, etc.).

2. Staff Meetings and Collaboration: About a week ago I had a meeting to attend but I was not available, but because we are a GAFE school I was able to join in on the meeting via google hangout.  It was a great experience and it was just like being there.  I think it's a great idea to get staff involved on Google+.  Staff can post updates on what is going on in their classes, events can be lined up, and it's a great way to communicate and share information.

3. Resource Center:  Since Google+ has opened up their community feature (similar to groups/pages on Facebook) people are able to connect in a new way.  People (especially teachers) love sharing information and joining these communities is a great way to access this shared information.  Some good ones to join are Google Apps for Education, Google Apps in Education, EdTech, Tech in Edu., and Educational Technology.