I was able to connect with Kirk on Google Hangouts. We were able to chat about different uses for using these tools in education. Google hangouts was a very easy platform to utilize. All you needed was the website on your computer or app on your phone. If you were someone with a gmail account already, then using the features just took a click of a button. Google can then access your contacts or you can give someone your phone number or email and you are connected. Through Hangouts you can message through text, voice or video.
I could see the video aspect of either tool as a connection tool for students to chat with other peers across the country or world. They could also go on virtual field trips using this feature as well. This would give students access and experiences to different ideas and cultures that they would not have been exposed to before. In a online classroom, this could also give students time to connect and get to know others in their class. This would help develop more of a regular classroom environment. Professionally, Skype or Hangouts is a great way to connect with other professionals or experts around the globe. It is a very easy way to share thoughts and ideas with others.
One way I would like to use Skype or Hangouts to find other libraries in Pennsylvania and connect both group of students. I would do this around the time that I am doing the Pennsylvania Younger Readers Choice Award. This is when my students read a selection of books and vote on their favorite. I would connect the libraries and see what the other students thought was their favorite story. This would give my students a chance to voice their opinions and also hear the opinions of others from a different place in PA.
Learning in the Library 
Lauren, connecting with other libraries in PA using Skype or Google Hangouts is a fabulous idea. Since most schools only have one librarian, it’s almost as if they are on an island all by themselves. Technology allows them to reach far and wide and create a true network of like-minded people.
LikeLike
I’m glad you had the opportunity to connect with Kirk. It seems like the two of you had an interesting educational conversation. I could definitely see how you would use both tools in the library to connect with other librarians and students. I do not know how your library set up, but that is where most of our technology is located. That would make the ideal place to connect.
LikeLike
Your potential use of connecting with other students in libraries around Pennsylvania is a fantastic idea. It would be really cool for your students to see what other areas of the state like to read, etc. Just in general exposing them to other cultures away from their “bubble”. I wish I could be that creative and think of ways to connect. Here’s to using that to maybe create competition between other AP Psych classes in my area.
LikeLike
I love your idea about connecting with other librarians. You could also have your students connect to other students reading the same books- like a virtual book club. Neat ideas!
LikeLike
Lauren,
I appreciate you working with me during this assignment! I believe that we were able to discuss various uses of Skype/Google Hangouts within the classroom. I found it very easy to use and something that the students would find interesting and would be excited to use during the school day. I like your idea of incorporating these tools into your Pennsylvania Younger Readers Choice Award!
LikeLike