Journal #6

Parr, B. (2011, July 16). Google+: The complete guide. Retrieved from http://mashable.com/2011/07/16/google-plus-guide/
The article, "Google+: The complete Guide" first introduces the reader to what Google+ is and later offers step by step instruction on how to use the neworks tools to your benefit. The article also answers the question, "Why would anyone want to use Google+?" Google+ can be considered a social media rival to Facebook and an improvement from their previous attempts to dip into the social media world: GoogleBuzz and GoogleWave. However, it does have many features that Facebook does not like Sparks, Hangouts, Circles, and Huddles. Some reasons that people seem to favor Google+ in comparison to Facebook is that it has an overall "cleaner" look to it. One reviewer mentioned that distractions like games on Facebook are not available with Google+.  Another reviewer thought that it was a more adult way of being involved in Social Networking. Google+ also gives users the opportunity to sync other socail sits to their profile like Twitter, Facebook, Linked, or even a personal website or blog. Another benefit to using Google+ is the amazing privacy features. Photos and videos are automatically private after an upload until the user changes the settings. Circles offer users the opportunity to limit what is being shown to certain people linked to their profile and all profiles are automatically private.

Q: What is a "Circle?"
A: A circle is a feature on Google+ that allows you to separate users into different categories. For example, you may have a family circle, a friend circle, and a business circle. This feature is so important because it allows for the user to limit the content of their page to certain groups of people. You may not want someone from work to see what you may be showing your friends, which allows for more opportunity and less stress in sharing information.

Q: Can you "like" things using Google+ like you can with Facebook?
A: Similar to Facebook, Google+ offer a "+1 button" that they are trying to push. The +1 button gives users the chance to express interest in any subject without actually writing a comment about it.

Brogan, C. (2011, Sept 30). Educators – Google Plus is for you. Retrieved from http://www.chrisbrogan.com/gpluseducators/
The article, "Educators - Google Plus is for you" was very useful as a future educator. Using the circles feature on Google+, an educator may separate their classes, offering specific information to each one. To share class content, you simply click on the "share this circle" button. Using the stream feature, similar to a status update on Facebook, an educator can post lessons for each class that can be easily accessible to students. And a way for teachers to know that their students have read the material is by "checking in" to the assignment. Another way that students can communicate with each other and their teachers better is by engaging in online chats or "hangouts."

Q: How does a "hangout" work?
A: First, you create a "hangout," then type in your name and then simply invite people to join. When the computer notices that someone is talking into the microphone, the attention is then on that person, so everyone involved in the chat can see that person speaking. However, one limitation to these online chats is that it only has a ten person capacity, so it cannot include an entire class. The article also suggested to invite special guests to chats.

Q: How does Google+ help a classroom?
A: Google+ has many features that can benefit a class in different ways. If a student is to miss class, they can simply check into the circle and observe the teachers feed to check for any assignments they missed that day. Students are also connected to each other, so it a good place to create a forum where they can discuss any difficulties or interests they have in class.