Journal 6

 Google+ The Complete Guide, by Ben Parr 

Parr, B. (2011, July 16). Google+: The complete guide. Retrieved from http://mashable.com/2011/07/16/google-plus-guide/

Summary: Google+ has many great features that I believe teachers can use educational with their students. Parr describes that Google+ can be a little confusing for beginners and by him providing video clips it will make it easier to be able to navigate. The features that Google+ offers are Stream, sparks, Hangouts, huddle, circles, and photos which all will help organized our own Google+. With Google+ Google is looking towards many people getting one and being one the most popular social networks. Teacher should use Google+ but first they should provide students how it should be used responsibly. By students using a social network for educational purpose students will be more aware of how to avoid dangerous situations. 

Question 1: How do you believe teachers can educate students on how to use it responsibly? In my opinion teachers have the hardest job when it comes to educating students to do the right thing when using any sort of social network. I would first inform the students if used responsibly they will gain useful knowledge. Also, if teachers make their students sign up for any social network teachers should strictly only be used for educational purposed. Teachers should be involved in the network and if any bad behavior occurs she should immediately take action.

"Educators – Google Plus is for You," by Chris Brogan

  Brogan, C. (2011, Sept 30). Educators – Google Plus is for you. Retrieved from http://www.chrisbrogan.com/gpluseducators/

Summary: Brogan explains how Google+ offers a great feature that helps people separate their social and educational social network. Google+ offers class circles, which is a tool where it lets you choose who you want in each circle of friends. Also, you can invite friends to a whiteboard collaboration, which is a group of people that get together and are able to see each other face to face. Google+ can be used in many different ways and is unique because it offers many more features and people are able to connect with people that are interested in their same field. 

Question 2: How can video chats be educational? I think having the ability to video chat can be educational depending which circle of friends you are being connected with. I am a visual learner which being able to talk to my professor through a video chat would make me understand anything better. Although, I do not recommend teachers from K-12 to use it for educational purposes because parents can interpret it as unprofessional.