The newest hype in the social networking world is Google+, developed by Google as a way for people to connect on the web as they would in the real world. Although it is still in beta testing with a limited number of users- the internet is buzzing and most users have great things to say about Google+. After we explored the platform ourselves, we found great ways both students and educators can use the Google+ platform to enhance their education, careers and make social networking an acceptable educational tool.

Easily Share Information with Different Groups of People

Is Google+ an acceptable way educators can connect with their students on social networks? We think so- here’s why. One huge advantage over Facebook is that you are able to create “circles” that group your contacts into categories you create. Instead of adding a student as a “friend” and then giving them access to your Facebook wall, pictures and friends- you can simply add your students into a circle, and then choose what you want to share with them. For example, you can group each of your students into specific courses or classes and communicate with each circle individually.

Google+ and its circles also make it easy to network with other educators across the globe. Teachers can create teacher circles where they can share lesson plans, on-line resources and more. This has the potential to replace popular listservs that fill your inbox with thousands of e-mails that may not all be relavent to you.

Post Messages Instantly for Your Colleagues or Students

One benefit of social networks like Twitter is instant posting. Like Twitter, Google+ has a stream feature (with no limit on characters) that allows users to post messages. Unlike Twitter, you can choose whether the post will be visible to the public or only specified circles. For example, just say your students’ AP test scores were just put on-line. You could message your student circle (or even a parent circle) and let them know instantly that the scores have been posted:

Often teachers make their tweets private on Twitter to make sure that students do not read more personal tweets that are intended for their followers. Google+ makes it possible and easy to have a public page but be selective in what people see what information.

Share Relevant News and Recommend Resources

Another great aspect of Google+ for educators is its integration with google search. When you find a great article or website, you can click the +1 button next to the site on the search results page. This will make the site then appear in your Google+ account in the ‘+1’s’ section.

This is a great tool for educators to share resources, articles and references with students and other educators. Google says, “+1 gets conversations going. Click the +1 button to give something your public stamp of approval. Then, if you want to share right away, add a comment and send it to the right circles on Google+.” If you have created a circle for your class- you can share great articles relating to a particular topic or class with them easily while including a comment with your point of view.

A New Approach to Group Projects

Google+ will also be a great tool for educators to recommend to students for use in group projects. The Hangouts feature allows “face-to-face-to-face chat”- making it easy for students to connect with other students across the country and abroad. Students can use live video chat and hold meetings or work sessions without leaving their dorm rooms.

“Spark” Your Own Personal Interests

Finally, Google+ is a great tool for educators to continue learning and expand their current interests with information from the web. On the Sparks page, you can add interests that will collect stories and information on those particular subjects. For example, let’s say you teach mathematics. You can add it as an interest so you will be kept up to date on the world of mathematics.

Sparks presents a way to generate conversations with friends or other people that share your interest, while also using the +1 tool to recommend links that are recommended by other users.

Since Google+ is in beta testing, there are a limited number of users as well as a few glitches they are working through. Also, Google+ is only made available for people 18 years or older- so this would not be ideal for students in K-12. However, it is ideal for university-level courses, or for teachers to connect with one another. We highly recommend you check it out if you are given access- and share with us ways you think this new social network may benefit students and educators!