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Google Hangouts

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

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:

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

GoToMeeting: GoToMeeting 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.