Get Started with Google Hangouts

Google Hangouts functions like chat (think instant messenger) and video chat (like Skype or FaceTime).  You can use it on ANY device - desktop, laptop, tablet, phone.  Not only can this web tool make your life easier, you can use it in your classroom with your students and colleagues as well.

MAKE LIFE EASIER

Everyone likes when products make life easier, right?  I mean, I do.  Google Hangouts is one my favorite tools for communication and collaboration.  

• Contact colleagues without sending yet another email.  This comes in handy for quick questions, tracking down a student, or making decisions, among other things.
• Join a meeting virtually that you’re unable to attend in person. You can do this via the chat feature OR the video call feature.
• Group conversations more efficiently.  Think about clubs/groups co-advisors, school or district teams; students can also use it for group work in and outside of school

USE IN THE CLASSROOM

Beyond making lives easier, Google Hangouts is an incredible tool to use in the classroom as well.  Think student collaboration, guest speakers, virtual field trips… the list goes on!

• Here’s a list of seven ways to use Google Hangouts in the classroom.  Skip the intro; numbers 3, 5, and 6 are particularly interesting.
• Here’s a short article on how educators and school can make the most of Google Hangouts.  It includes ideas for elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as professional collaboration.

GET STARTED

To get started using Google Hangouts, you’ll need to find your preferred method of access (there are several).  You can…

• use Hangouts in Gmail,
• download the Hangouts Chrome Extension,
• download the Hangouts Desktop App,
• or use your phone, as Hangouts is available for both iOS and Android devices.

For future reference, bookmark this blog post or download Google’s Cheat Sheet.