| Google Hangouts: This week, we got to experience video-conferencing through Google Hangouts. I think it's a great tool considering it's possible to record and stream live to other locations. I think Google Hangouts would be great for tutoring, distance learning, and flipped classrooms. However, there are always issues with technology that occur during things like this. For example, during my Google Hangout, I was unable to access some of the extra features, like adding your name to the bottom of the screen, or adding visuals. If that was a part of a lesson, that would have been problematic. Also, I experienced many delays. I'd start talking, but someone else would continue talking because it was very delayed. Issues like these can make it a bit time-consuming and/or tedious to fix. However, in a perfect world without glitches, this is a great tool. Do chat lines hold any educational value? I think that chat lines can/could hold an educational value. For online courses or distance learning, it would be very valuable. However, I can't imagine myself using a chat line in a regular classroom. Email, or apps like Remind101, are the closest I'd get to a chat line. Although many Education professors provide their cell phone number, for texting, to students, I think I'd want to keep work separate from home. Instagram and the Classroom: My TA in PS1 had an interesting approach to digital citizenship and awareness: She had an Instagram account in which she encouraged her students to follow, and she followed them back. She said it encouraged students to think twice before posting anything on their account. Pinterest: I wish I would have thought about using Pinterest in the classroom! I had students make a collage during PS2 on dystopias/uptopias (while reading the Hunger Games). Pinterest would have made that process more efficient - and more fun! I will definitely remember this idea for the future! Significant Comment: |     |
