GooglePlus

[|Google+ Example]
My email is alyssalbowyer@gmail.com. Password is Password111.

After using Google+ and trying to figure out how it works, I have decided I do not think it would be suitable for students in the classroom. I started using Google+ last week and started creating "circles". I created a "circle" called Ms. Bowyer's Class. I posted a sample of what you could post to reach your students. I did like Google+, but it is confusing at first to use. Each student would need an account and it could be a very good educational tool. I like that "circles" are already created for you to follow. I followed a "News" and "Politics" circle and it gave tons of information on a news feed!

A pro of this is that you can make your circle private and only your students could be a part of it. It could keep the students safe from outside contact as long as they stay on the class' page. You can easily post assignments, reminders, and even school cancellations! It would be a good communication tool because students can have Google+ on their cellphone and check it in the morning or even when they are on the go! Students can easily comment back on the teacher's post too.

A few cons of using Google+ for educational purposes is that students could be added to other people's circles. The student could be put in danger of being contacted by someone they don't know, or seeing something that is extremely inappropriate. Students may also get too curious and look at other cirlces which are not suitable for students. It could also be a distraction rather than an educational experience for students. If a student didn't have a cell phone, or internet access at home, it could truly hurt them because they would be behind on what was going on.

Overall, I believe that Google+ should not be used for educational purposes.