Google+Groups




 * Google Groups ** is a free service that allows discussion groups based on common interests. Users can find discussion groups on their chosen topic and join in a threaded conversation, as well as starting new groups based upon their interests.

Links

 * Google groups website: Go to Website
 * This link will take you to a Google Group

Uses in Education:

 * By setting up a class group, students can have discussions and share thoughts and files
 * Google Groups can also be used for student collaboration tasks. As they can work together out of school hours without having to meet in person.
 * Another use of Google groups is for teachers. It is easy to follow the students' progress, make comments on progress or to assist students. Teachers are also able to make announcements to their students through Google Groups.
 * This program can be used for file sharing of resources between teachers and even parents.
 * Google Groups is a great source of information.
 * This tool is excellent for backing up school files and keeping them in a safe organised place.

Advantages/Disadvantages:

 * Google Groups requires a Google account, which parents and teachers may not want the students' to have.
 * You need to sign up to use Google Groups, which means giving personal information.
 * As some groups can be set to be private, it can make it more difficult for teachers to follow students' discussions.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">The teacher in charge of the Google Group will need to spend time on maintenance of the site.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">The issue of cyber-bullying arises, but can be combated with strong monitoring and a class agreement.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">There is no outside advertising, which is important when using inside schools.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Able to use from home or other places with internet access.

Links to My Discussions:

 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Cyber Bullying
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">The Changing Ways of ICT and Our Schools

<span style="color: #007f80; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Other Discussions:
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 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Kids and laptops
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Emails for kids
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Physical Education and the use of the Nintendo Wii
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Computers and Equity

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;"> Return to Assignment 1