Yesterday was my first experience using Google Hangout. As a group, we struggled a little bit getting the program running at the beginning. However, once we worked out the kinks, it was interesting to learn about the application. It was also nice to have a face-to-face conversation with my group members.
As we were working together, I was already starting to think about using Hangout in my school. We have been using Skype at our school, but there were a few parts of Hangout that I liked better. It was nice to have several people or groups in many locations that can participate in conversation at once. I also felt like the program itself ran more smoothly. It seems like Skype has many connection issues, and I didn't notice that with this application. I can't wait to try this out with my students!
I have also used Skype before for video calling, but I now prefer Google. I liked that we could all see each other and that the person who was talking came up bigger. Do you know if you can video call with more than one person at a time with Skype? How have you used Skype in your school?
ReplyDeleteBethany,
ReplyDeleteMy impression is that we are all imagining ways to use what we are learning; for example ... using Hangout at your school. Do you anticipate the kind of technical problems that we had?
Lauren, I am not sure if you can Skype from multiple locations. I have never experienced that, but I was wondering the same thing. We have a Skype camera on a rolling cart with a projector that we recently received at school. I have used it before for a virtual field trip. I am actually taking a different class on virtual field tripping, so I am hoping this will spark some ideas for Google Hangout!
ReplyDelete