Updated Group Video
For our blog conference we used Google+Hangout. I was a bit unsure of how this would work so I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to get everything working. Everyone was present in our group and it was very interesting to listen to everyone's take on the project and get different feedback on what we were going to try to do.
We used a lot of different software...video part was one, we could see everyone, hear everyone and that went great. We also used the Google doc tab. This tab allowed us to modify a document that we started about the project. I realized that I couldn't add anything, but it was a simple function of sharing that allowed me to add to what everyone else was doing.
We used the side "chat" bar to share links and iPad app ideas. This was a good idea as we could be chatting and then add something that we could all view in a different window. We also did a screen share. I believe Maer showed us a different screen and then we were able to discuss and look at the different aspects of the screen. We added a few apps to our hangout. It was fun to try out "Scoot and Doodle." This was a drawing app. I could see our group using this to collaborate on our ideas. Another great app we used was the "symphonic" which is a virtual sticky note. I think this will be very useful when were are brain storming about the project. The sticky notes will help me remember what roll I am supposed to do and side comments.
I do not know if I would do much different with this dry-run. I thought it was successful. I think it will take more collaboration and getting used to the tool, but I think we picked some good add-ons and we utilized the different tools of the Google+Hangout.
I do not know if I would do much different with this dry-run. I thought it was successful. I think it will take more collaboration and getting used to the tool, but I think we picked some good add-ons and we utilized the different tools of the Google+Hangout.
I see this being very useful with my students. I will use thing with my group projects. I like the idea of the video being recorded...that way you know if the students are talking about the project and who is participating more. It also helps with them in keeping focus and on the correct topic. It makes them more accountable. I also like the Scoot and Doodle to see how students can create a visual of the project and how everyone will participate. I also like the Symphonical as a way for students to add ideas to an app like Scoot and Doodle or a screen shot of what they are all looking at. I will defiantly look more into this and how I can use this in my own classroom...especially with PBL!
Janet, you have done a wonderful job of describing your group's exploits and explorations of the Google Hangout environment. Based on your review, I am looking forward to spending some quality playtime in a Hangout and checking everything out first hand. I loved your ideas for using web conferencing tools with your students and future PBL projects. I can see students getting together in a Hangout to collaboratively work on a small group project. I've used Skype in the past with my students to visit with our sister schools. I can see teachers eventually using conferencing tools to extend the classroom into the homes of students who have a long term illness that necessitates their missing school for long periods of time. .
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