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Google Hangouts

Page history last edited by Brienna Stoller 7 years, 11 months ago Saved with comment

 

Overview:

 

Google Hangouts is an application that allows multiple people to communicate through messages, video, or voice calls.  In a world of collaboration, Hangouts provides the means for up to fifteen people anywhere to work together.  Unique built-in features make it useful for educators.

 

  • Face-to-face contact with high-definition video and sound provide a quality experience
  • Automatic screen focuses on whomever is speaking
  • Minimal background noise and "intelligent muting" 
  • Easy-to-use interface from phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop
  • Built-in screen share accommodates slide shows and online tutorials
  • Built-in chat for added accessibility
  • Activate from Google Calendar with just one click
  • Custom Administrative control ensures privacy 

 

 

Video: 

 

 

Uses:

 

  • Online office hours
  • Tutoring
  • Study groups  
  • Parent-teacher conferences 



Pros and Cons:


Pros:

  • Free
  • Mobile compatible
  • Can be used to make phone calls
  • Can be used to send text messages 

 

Cons:

  • Does not work when using Internet Explorer and Windows 8 combined
  • Possibly needs a combination of Google plugins and the Hangout app which can be tricky to navigate
  • Does not work with all microphones, webcams, and audio devices 

 

 

Alternatives:

 

AnyMeetingAnyMeeting is another software for synchronous communication, including VOIP, webcam, screen-sharing, textual chat, and archiving capabilities.   It is free for meetings of up to four people; otherwise, users must have a paid account.

 

Blackboard CollaborateCollaborate is a virtual classroom software for synchronous communication.  It includes VOIP, webcam, screen-sharing, white board, textual chat, and archiving capabilities.  

 

GoToMeetingGoToMeeting is another software for synchronous communication, including VOIP, webcam, screen-sharing, textual chat, and archiving capabilities.  There are a couple pricing plans available.

 

Skype: Skype is a free software for synchronous communication, including VOIP, webcam, and screen-sharing capabilities.

WebEx: WebEx is another software for synchronous communication, including VOIP, webcam, screen-sharing, white board, textual chat, and archiving capabilities.  It is free for meetings of up to three people; otherwise, users must have a paid account.

 

 

Resources:  

 

Google (n.d.). Google Hangouts Help Center. Retrieved from https://support.google.com/hangouts/?hl=en#topic=2944848.

 

Null, Christopher (2014). The Top 5 Reasons Why Google Hangouts Never Works.  

     Retrieved from http://www.pcworld.com/article/2883313/the-top-5-reasons-why-google-hangouts-never-works.html 

 

Swallow, Meredith (2014, November 12). Leveraging Google Calendar in the Classroom. Tarrant Institute for Innovative Education.

     Retrieved from http://tiie.w3.uvm.edu/blog/leveraging-google-calendar-in-the-classroom/#.VZrhI_lVhBc

 

Comments (1)

Pam Bice said

at 8:25 pm on Jun 21, 2015

Added formatting

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