Connecting MPS

Classrooms with Hangouts

on Google+

Connecting MPS Classrooms is an initiative created by the MPS Educational Technology department to provide teachers and other district personnel with resources to connect their students, departments and programs with innovative learning opportunities, such as virtual field trips, on Google+. With Internet access, webcams and innovative minds, the possibilities are endless.

We can’t wait to see the ways you you bring innovation into your classroom through Google+.

Google+ and Hangouts

● Set up your Google+ profile (visit: www.mpsaz.org/edtech/resources/googleplus)

● Follow co-workers, other educators and organizations

● Learn about Hangouts vs. Hangouts on Air

● Watch a Hangout on Air

● Follow these steps to activate your MPSConnect Google+ Account

● Build your profile with a professional photo of yourself, a cover photo or theme, and information about your background (teacher tip: include your

school information to connect with other teachers)

Circles keep you up-to-date with the people and things that matter to you.● Add people you know and other

educators you meet on Google+ to your Circles.

Communities connect you with like-minded professionals.● Find work-related communities

to join or create your own.

Hangouts on Air

● Connect with up to 15 people in a public video call.

● Broadcast live to millions of viewers and have it recorded to your YouTube channel. NOTE: Currently, you cannot start a HOA from your MPSConnect account, but you can join one.

● Additional apps such as Q&A allow everyone to become part of the conversation

Hangouts

● Combines messaging (formerly Google Talk) and video conferencing.

● Connect with up to 15 people in a private video call

● They are NOT recorded

● Use for personal conversations you don’t want to share with the world

● Find a field trip you are interested in watching on Google+

● Search YouTube for Hangouts on Air (classroom)

● Visit: http://connectedclassrooms.withgoogle.com/

Considerations for Teachersand other Employees

● Are any of your students on the “Opt-out” list? If so, you will need to make sure that student(s) is not on camera when you do the Hangout.

● Do you have a webcam and microphone available? What about a projector and screen? This equipment is available on every campus. If you do not have it in your room, make arrangements ahead of time and have it set up and tested prior to the Hangout.

● Have you had any training or practice with Hangouts? If not, it is highly recommended. Check the ERO for district trainings or find video tutorials online.

● If you are doing a Hangout on Air (live broadcast over the Internet), do you have permission from your site administrator and parents?

What’s next?

● After reading this guide, be sure to complete this form

● Follow the directions, navigate to the community and “Ask to join”

● Don’t be a lurker! - a person who joins an online community but doesn’t participate

● Search the community to find other teachers/classrooms to collaborate with

● Find ways to connect your classroom with others in the district and post requests (e.g.. I will be teaching a unit on _____________. I would love to have my students discuss _____________ with another class in the district.)

● Contribute to the discussions

● Share tips and tricks

● Post links to your recorded Hangouts.

See you soon!