What are your thoughts on the use of Google Hangout for tonight's class? If you were to use this, or a similar platform, in your own class, what "lessons learned" would you apply?
I think it is a great idea to use this type of platform with students, and faculty. I have used WebEx, Skype (my students actually Skype or FaceTime each other while we are in class!) and Wiggio with my students during snow days, and they love how they are being professional and communicating like their parents do, or like they do in the business world. I would like to see that online learning be somehow included in the state law that dictates how many hours and days we need to attend school. There is no reason, in the 21st Century, why we cannot conduct class virtually. Unless of course there is no electricity. ;)
It is a great way, too, for students to collaborate on projects. Gone are the days that you need a ride to another student's house. Our students are so savvy and literate, we would do well to follow their lead, mentoring them on the social and educational use of these platforms.
There are always tech issues depending on the computers that students have at home. It is a good idea to take a survey of your students computer access, model how to access the platform in the classroom, then actually have a play date where you can test out your sound, video, ad chat options. Platforms that are designed for businesses and schools have an option where you can record and save your sessions and chats, which is helpful if you are using it as an assessment tool, or want to refer back to a lesson.
I think that virtual and distance learning is FUN!
Mr. D, I agree that using Google Hangout has some good benefits. I agree that students would have a fun time with it given that they are 21st century learners. It is a great platform for collaboration and since it is internet based, access is easy and can be done from almost anywhere. Modeling how to use the site to you students is essential though.
I loved it. How nice was it to be in the comfort of our own homes, yet still be able to learn and communicate with each other!? My personal experience was that it was easily accessible, the sound and video quality were great and it was nice to be able to chat while sitting on my sofa! I think it is extremely efficient and I can foresee many ways that this can be beneficial in the classroom. For example, one of my students is quite ill and misses a lot of school. It would be amazing to actually teach her via Google Hangouts, rather than just send her page after page of work to do with her tutor. I also think that students would be able to get a lot of group work done at home using an app like this, as well. Obviously some of the hurdles would be IF everyone could get into the hangout. I felt badly for those who struggled tonight and for our one who didn't get the experience at all. If that were a student, a parent complaint could follow and then there would be an issue with using the program, for sure! Knowing this, I'd have them practice finding the app ahead of time- maybe giving them a hand out or sending them an email with step by step directions, showing multiple different routes one could take to access the hang out. I would also emphasize with them the need to set aside some quiet time in a quiet space. The microphones were SO sensitive! I was surprised! It would be hard for some of our more distracted learners to remain focused if the TV was on, siblings were playing, or pets were barking. This was a great class! I can't want to brag about it to my colleagues tomorrow! How efficient and fun! :) -Laura B.
I like your idea of getting a student who is out ill and missing a lot of classes back into the classroom virtually. I could picture a laptop set up at a student desk with your student's image up on the screen and the camera pointing to the front of the class. Your "virtual" student could even collaborate with other students working in the classroom.
I think it is so interesting that getting on and having good sound quality went so well for you, I had the opposite experience. I tried many times to connect, and had to get help, In the beginning it just keep bouncing me out, and the sound was sporadic. But I think that part of the problem was where I was in the house- I moved to a different room and then the problems for the most part stopped. I think a lot of it is learning what works best.
I completely agree! It may also have been the fact that I was using an iPad. Were you using one as well? I wonder if the device being used had an impact, especially after hearing about Cindy's issues with the new update on her laptop. Though, Trish also seemed to have a tough time with her brand new laptop. You could totally be right in thinking about how close we all were to the WiFi in our homes. There are SO many different variables to consider. I can't imagine what would happen if students were brought into a class taught that way. Actually, they'd probably be better than we were! :) -Laura
Over all I enjoyed the experience, It was nice not having to rush off to make class on time. Once I resolved my initial problems I was able to enjoy the class.
Google hangout was great. I did not know that such a platform existed. I initially had trouble finding the link to join in but once I was there it was fine. Everyone’s video quality appeared to be good and their sound was great. What a cool way to teach class! Thanks for the introductions to this Shane! According to what I heard, Google hangout can only accommodate 10 people, so there must be other platforms that would allow more students access. If I were to teach a class such as this I would first do a dry run in my actual classroom so that I could instruct the students specifically how to access the program. I may even write out step by step instructions because if there is any ambiguity or wiggle room they would use it as an excuse to opt out or say they couldn’t figure it out. Today’s students that are training to be tomorrow’s professionals will undoubtedly encounter video conferencing, so there should be a component of this in every schools’ curriculum.
Well, I was unable to participate in the class via Google Hangout for reason I am not sure of yet. Maybe it was my inexperience, ineptitude, or lack of clear instruction. However, I was able to access the site and connect with Dave for a few minutes of face time. I think that Google Hangout would be a great alternative to the traditional classroom. Google Hangout is internet based so you can access the site and have a class from virtually anywhere. Yes, it is nice to have class from the comforts of your own home. I think that this site would be great if students were doing projects together because they can easily collaborate with each other from a distance. It is also great that you can have multiple people access the site at one time. As 21st century learners, I think my students would really enjoy this type of instruction.
Given the technical difficulties that I had accessing the virtual class last Tuesday, I would definitely instruct my students ahead of time.
Don't feel bad, Kevin! I had an awful time myself. Thank goodness I had a tech savy neighbor to help me (he's 14!). I like your idea of having students working together on projects, using google hang out.
Meeting with everyone virtually was a fun experience. The anticipation of trying something new, something out of the ordinary was exciting. Getting on line and not being quite sure if it was going to work put me a little out of my comfort zone, a good place to be for a learner. I felt a little intimidated by the whole experience initially and was is interesting figuring out the etiquette of communicating with 9 people on line. I think like anything, it would become smoother and easier the more we did it. The quality of the audio and video was great and it is a great tool to connect people at a distance. I could definitely see this as a great tool in the classroom. In elementary school, I could see using it to connect with other classrooms to share a project, or connecting to people to enrich a lesson. I could see a tool like this creating a lot of excitement for my students and maybe taking them a little out of their comfort zone, which is a great place for any learner.
John, I think it would be a great idea to use this platform as a way to connect with other classrooms or even perhaps it could be a way to have a guest speaker talk to the class without having them actually come. Thinks of the demonstration possibilities for tech ed class too. I guess the possibilities are only limited by our imaginations or by the reliability of the technology in our buildings.
Good point, bringing up etiquette, John. It's definitely a good idea to go through a practice session in class to go over the new feel of it and work out kinks. Or don't, and just expect that kids will get distracted, then have a discussion in class afterwards on how to improve for next time. The incident comes to mind from our session where that one immature person rudely muted Cindy while she was trying to talk (nothing personal, I was trying to get familiar with the options!).
Besides my baby having to take over our end of the conversation, it was great! I was actually surprised how easy it was to use. Typically, in chat type of situations, you can't see people's expressions and "lol" isn't as effective as actual laughter. So, in my opinion, I think it's an awesome way to use technology without losing the personal aspect of relationships. Thanks for trying that out with us, Shane!
I enjoyed it. It had the conversation element that we all learn so well from in class, but it was also in a comfortable setting. Unfortunately, I foresee that being the biggest problem if we were to try it with a group of young students. As adults, we can stay focused enough in our comfortable environments to still get things done; kids will be much more easily distracted and will tend to goof off--even more than we did!
I agree that there would be distractions galore from students' home settings if it was done with a group of students. Like Laura said, TVs, siblings, etc... could be really distracting for students and the online group as a whole.
I really liked the class. My video and sound were a little choppy though. Of course, my computer is a little old so I am sure that had something to do with it. I could see this being useful for an on-line extra help session in my honors class. That way, it would not matter if not everyone could "make the class". I could see kids having trouble getting on, or having video issues, etc... so I would walk them through it with my computer in class ahead of time. I don't think it is something you could make mandatory however, as there is no way that an entire class could all make a designated time to "meet" online. We can do that in our cohort because we met in place of our class, but in high school we would not be meeting in place of our class. That is why I like the optional extra help session some evening before a test. I think students could use it to work with each other on projects or to study together too.
I just thought of something else.... Would parents or administration have a problem with this because I was communicating with students on-line? I am sure Laura would get in trouble for doing something like this with her students!!!! And what about students who don't have Google accounts?
I thought it was exciting and challenging to participate in the online class. I had a lot of issues with sound and fel like, Cindy that it was a little choppy but am thrilled it all worked out! I prefer the regular classroom setting though. I agree with John that it was exciting to be outof one's comfort zone and that is how I feel with my first tech class. But to me, that is invigorating. It was fun seeing everyone's setting. I know some of my special education students would have quit with frustration I faced but I realize now that my robotic-loving student who is often sick would benefit greatly from this format. David's idea to utilize this for a guest speaker is a great one!
I think it is a great idea to use this type of platform with students, and faculty. I have used WebEx, Skype (my students actually Skype or FaceTime each other while we are in class!) and Wiggio with my students during snow days, and they love how they are being professional and communicating like their parents do, or like they do in the business world. I would like to see that online learning be somehow included in the state law that dictates how many hours and days we need to attend school. There is no reason, in the 21st Century, why we cannot conduct class virtually. Unless of course there is no electricity. ;)
ReplyDeleteIt is a great way, too, for students to collaborate on projects. Gone are the days that you need a ride to another student's house. Our students are so savvy and literate, we would do well to follow their lead, mentoring them on the social and educational use of these platforms.
There are always tech issues depending on the computers that students have at home. It is a good idea to take a survey of your students computer access, model how to access the platform in the classroom, then actually have a play date where you can test out your sound, video, ad chat options. Platforms that are designed for businesses and schools have an option where you can record and save your sessions and chats, which is helpful if you are using it as an assessment tool, or want to refer back to a lesson.
I think that virtual and distance learning is FUN!
Mr. D, I agree that using Google Hangout has some good benefits. I agree that students would have a fun time with it given that they are 21st century learners. It is a great platform for collaboration and since it is internet based, access is easy and can be done from almost anywhere. Modeling how to use the site to you students is essential though.
DeleteI loved it. How nice was it to be in the comfort of our own homes, yet still be able to learn and communicate with each other!? My personal experience was that it was easily accessible, the sound and video quality were great and it was nice to be able to chat while sitting on my sofa!
ReplyDeleteI think it is extremely efficient and I can foresee many ways that this can be beneficial in the classroom. For example, one of my students is quite ill and misses a lot of school. It would be amazing to actually teach her via Google Hangouts, rather than just send her page after page of work to do with her tutor. I also think that students would be able to get a lot of group work done at home using an app like this, as well.
Obviously some of the hurdles would be IF everyone could get into the hangout. I felt badly for those who struggled tonight and for our one who didn't get the experience at all. If that were a student, a parent complaint could follow and then there would be an issue with using the program, for sure! Knowing this, I'd have them practice finding the app ahead of time- maybe giving them a hand out or sending them an email with step by step directions, showing multiple different routes one could take to access the hang out. I would also emphasize with them the need to set aside some quiet time in a quiet space. The microphones were SO sensitive! I was surprised! It would be hard for some of our more distracted learners to remain focused if the TV was on, siblings were playing, or pets were barking.
This was a great class! I can't want to brag about it to my colleagues tomorrow! How efficient and fun! :)
-Laura B.
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI like your idea of getting a student who is out ill and missing a lot of classes back into the classroom virtually. I could picture a laptop set up at a student desk with your student's image up on the screen and the camera pointing to the front of the class. Your "virtual" student could even collaborate with other students working in the classroom.
DeleteI think it is so interesting that getting on and having good sound quality went so well for you, I had the opposite experience. I tried many times to connect, and had to get help, In the beginning it just keep bouncing me out, and the sound was sporadic. But I think that part of the problem was where I was in the house- I moved to a different room and then the problems for the most part stopped. I think a lot of it is learning what works best.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree! It may also have been the fact that I was using an iPad. Were you using one as well? I wonder if the device being used had an impact, especially after hearing about Cindy's issues with the new update on her laptop. Though, Trish also seemed to have a tough time with her brand new laptop. You could totally be right in thinking about how close we all were to the WiFi in our homes. There are SO many different variables to consider. I can't imagine what would happen if students were brought into a class taught that way. Actually, they'd probably be better than we were! :)
ReplyDelete-Laura
No I was using my lap top.- and I think your right- the kids are better- or more at ease trring new things, then I am.
ReplyDeleteOver all I enjoyed the experience, It was nice not having to rush off to make class on time. Once I resolved my initial problems I was able to enjoy the class.
ReplyDeleteGoogle hangout was great. I did not know that such a platform existed. I initially had trouble finding the link to join in but once I was there it was fine. Everyone’s video quality appeared to be good and their sound was great. What a cool way to teach class! Thanks for the introductions to this Shane! According to what I heard, Google hangout can only accommodate 10 people, so there must be other platforms that would allow more students access. If I were to teach a class such as this I would first do a dry run in my actual classroom so that I could instruct the students specifically how to access the program. I may even write out step by step instructions because if there is any ambiguity or wiggle room they would use it as an excuse to opt out or say they couldn’t figure it out. Today’s students that are training to be tomorrow’s professionals will undoubtedly encounter video conferencing, so there should be a component of this in every schools’ curriculum.
ReplyDeleteWell, I was unable to participate in the class via Google Hangout for reason I am not sure of yet. Maybe it was my inexperience, ineptitude, or lack of clear instruction. However, I was able to access the site and connect with Dave for a few minutes of face time. I think that Google Hangout would be a great alternative to the traditional classroom. Google Hangout is internet based so you can access the site and have a class from virtually anywhere. Yes, it is nice to have class from the comforts of your own home. I think that this site would be great if students were doing projects together because they can easily collaborate with each other from a distance. It is also great that you can have multiple people access the site at one time. As 21st century learners, I think my students would really enjoy this type of instruction.
ReplyDeleteGiven the technical difficulties that I had accessing the virtual class last Tuesday, I would definitely instruct my students ahead of time.
Don't feel bad, Kevin! I had an awful time myself. Thank goodness I had a tech savy neighbor to help me (he's 14!). I like your idea of having students working together on projects, using google hang out.
DeleteMeeting with everyone virtually was a fun experience. The anticipation of trying something new, something out of the ordinary was exciting. Getting on line and not being quite sure if it was going to work put me a little out of my comfort zone, a good place to be for a learner. I felt a little intimidated by the whole experience initially and was is interesting figuring out the etiquette of communicating with 9 people on line. I think like anything, it would become smoother and easier the more we did it. The quality of the audio and video was great and it is a great tool to connect people at a distance. I could definitely see this as a great tool in the classroom. In elementary school, I could see using it to connect with other classrooms to share a project, or connecting to people to enrich a lesson. I could see a tool like this creating a lot of excitement for my students and maybe taking them a little out of their comfort zone, which is a great place for any learner.
ReplyDeleteJohn, I think it would be a great idea to use this platform as a way to connect with other classrooms or even perhaps it could be a way to have a guest speaker talk to the class without having them actually come. Thinks of the demonstration possibilities for tech ed class too. I guess the possibilities are only limited by our imaginations or by the reliability of the technology in our buildings.
DeleteGood point, bringing up etiquette, John. It's definitely a good idea to go through a practice session in class to go over the new feel of it and work out kinks. Or don't, and just expect that kids will get distracted, then have a discussion in class afterwards on how to improve for next time. The incident comes to mind from our session where that one immature person rudely muted Cindy while she was trying to talk (nothing personal, I was trying to get familiar with the options!).
DeleteBesides my baby having to take over our end of the conversation, it was great! I was actually surprised how easy it was to use. Typically, in chat type of situations, you can't see people's expressions and "lol" isn't as effective as actual laughter. So, in my opinion, I think it's an awesome way to use technology without losing the personal aspect of relationships. Thanks for trying that out with us, Shane!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed it. It had the conversation element that we all learn so well from in class, but it was also in a comfortable setting. Unfortunately, I foresee that being the biggest problem if we were to try it with a group of young students. As adults, we can stay focused enough in our comfortable environments to still get things done; kids will be much more easily distracted and will tend to goof off--even more than we did!
ReplyDeleteI agree that there would be distractions galore from students' home settings if it was done with a group of students. Like Laura said, TVs, siblings, etc... could be really distracting for students and the online group as a whole.
DeleteI really liked the class. My video and sound were a little choppy though. Of course, my computer is a little old so I am sure that had something to do with it. I could see this being useful for an on-line extra help session in my honors class. That way, it would not matter if not everyone could "make the class". I could see kids having trouble getting on, or having video issues, etc... so I would walk them through it with my computer in class ahead of time. I don't think it is something you could make mandatory however, as there is no way that an entire class could all make a designated time to "meet" online. We can do that in our cohort because we met in place of our class, but in high school we would not be meeting in place of our class. That is why I like the optional extra help session some evening before a test. I think students could use it to work with each other on projects or to study together too.
ReplyDeleteI just thought of something else.... Would parents or administration have a problem with this because I was communicating with students on-line? I am sure Laura would get in trouble for doing something like this with her students!!!! And what about students who don't have Google accounts?
I thought it was exciting and challenging to participate in the online class. I had a lot of issues with sound and fel like, Cindy that it was a little choppy but am thrilled it all worked out! I prefer the regular classroom setting though. I agree with John that it was exciting to be outof one's comfort zone and that is how I feel with my first tech class. But to me, that is invigorating. It was fun seeing everyone's setting. I know some of my special education students would have quit with frustration I faced but I realize now that my robotic-loving student who is often sick would benefit greatly from this format. David's idea to utilize this for a guest speaker is a great one!
ReplyDelete