Google+
The technology tip of the week is all about Google+. Simply defined, Google+ can be thought of as a type of Facebook or Twitter in the sense that you can connect with anybody in the world. I don't know that any of us really needs another social networking service, so I'm going to suggest you think of Google+ simply as a means of networking, professionally.
Google+ needs to be embraced as a professional networking service within our school district, for sure, but can become so much more as you begin to understand all it has to offer. All of us come across ideas, lessons, videos, etc. that could benefit teachers within our department, our school, the district, and even those teacher friends who live in another state. Why not collaborate with one another using a free and simple tool like Google+ that can be accessed right from your GDrive? As you begin to create your profile Google+ suggests that you create "circles". Circles are groups of people you would like to network with on a regular basis (e.g. "4th grade teachers" or "HS Social Studies Department"). Perhaps you are a department head. Maybe it would benefit you to create a circle of all the teachers within your department; and, then, maybe you create another circle that has all the teachers on every campus within your department. However you choose to set up your circles the end result is collaboration at the touch of a button.
One of the great features of Google+ is its endless amount of communities of which you can become a member. Communities allow for professional networking on a much grander scale than simple "circles" in that they can help you to learn more about a particular topic or subject. I am a member of many communities, myself, including ChromeBook Edu; Google Apps For Education, Technology In Education; Google Certified Teachers and Google+ Discuss. All of these communities have helped me to learn more about 21st Century Learning. So, if you are looking for communities to join any of these would be a great starting point. Check out the tutorial below to set up your Google+ profile. I think you'll be surprised how many of our teachers are already embracing Google+! And, remember, if I can be of any help to you please don't hesitate to contact me.
One of the great features of Google+ is its endless amount of communities of which you can become a member. Communities allow for professional networking on a much grander scale than simple "circles" in that they can help you to learn more about a particular topic or subject. I am a member of many communities, myself, including ChromeBook Edu; Google Apps For Education, Technology In Education; Google Certified Teachers and Google+ Discuss. All of these communities have helped me to learn more about 21st Century Learning. So, if you are looking for communities to join any of these would be a great starting point. Check out the tutorial below to set up your Google+ profile. I think you'll be surprised how many of our teachers are already embracing Google+! And, remember, if I can be of any help to you please don't hesitate to contact me.
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