Google Hangouts
Google Hangouts is a Google-designed video messaging app that enables users to communicate remotely, send instant messages, video chat, and exchange images, computer screens, and files. Online or via mobile applications available for iOS and Android, Google Hangouts can be accessed. Chat histories and files are stored online and are available for synchronisation between various devices. For educators, Google Hangouts is a perfect tool to involve students outside the classroom in collaboration. It overcomes geographical barriers and offers more face-to - face contact opportunities.
Google Hangouts
Messaging, Voice and Video Calls
Learning Activities
Geography: Host a Mystery Skype session using Google Hangouts. Connect your class with another class (ideally located in a different state or country) and engage your students in the fun challenge of trying to figure out where the other class is located.
Collaborative Class Projects: Students can use Google Hangouts to work on class projects outside of class time. They can brainstorm ideas, exchange files and share screen to work on a group project together. Also, the communication history can be saved for team evaluation evidence.
History & Cultures: The teacher can use Google Hangouts to connect with a tour guide to give a virtual tour of a target city or historical site.
Other: In any subject, the teacher can invite an expert as a guest speaker to talk to students in class through Google Hangouts. For example, invite an author of a book, which students are currently reading, might join as a guest speaker to have a lively chat with students to discuss the book content and students can ask questions through Google Hangouts.
How to Use Google Hangouts
Click “Sign in” and sign in with your Google account (If you do not have a Google account, you can simply create one at www.google.com)
There are two ways to start a Hangouts
Click “VIDEO CALL” icon, a “Invite people” window will pop-up
Enter the name or email address, click “INVITE”. Or
Enter the name, email or phone number in the search box on the left if the person you would like to start hangout is in your contact list
Click the name, email or phone number in the list, it will start a conversation on the right.
Send messages in the bottom line, or click the “Video call” icon on the top.
After your partners click “Accept”, the “Hangout Video Call” window will pop-up.
You will see the presenter in the centre, your own webcam in the lower-right corner.
Click on “people icon” on the top-right to invite more people.
Click on “gear icon” on the top-right to change general settings (eg. Video, Microphone and Speaker)
Click on “… icon” to explore more options (eg. Share screen, Full screen, Chat, Help, and Feedback)
Click “Hangup icon” to end the Hangouts.