Google Hangouts on Air allows you to broadcast a live discussion that is posted to your YouTube channel. I previously used video conferencing tools ie; Skype and Go To Meeting, however Hangouts on Air brings this to a whole new level because it records your online activity. I can honestly say it was difficult to get this up and running. In class we had several issues with just a few of us trying this. Some of the issues were with the computers and others were a bit more complex. Through trial and error we worked through these and I was able to have my own hangout that involved inviting two of my colleagues and two of my instructors that joined my broadcast.
This tool isn’t meant for a student using Google apps for Education because student accounts are protected due to privacy issues. I learned that the hard way. Audra Kaplan and I tested Hangouts with one of my classes and through troubleshooting realized that the accounts were protected. After that, I tested one student who was willing to use their personal gmail account while the other students observed and this worked well. I was careful to remove the Hangout on my YouTube channel immediately after recording to protect the student.
Screencast – Zaption
Google Hangout on Air – Zaption
Google Hangouts on Air covers the following ISTE Teacher Standards:
Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity
Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments.
Design and develop digital age learning experiences and assessments
Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessments incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning and context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the standards.
As for additional support, it was imperative while learning this tool that we had support from our instructors, both educational and technical. Now that I am familiar with the tool, I am able to use the tool without support.
I don’t see a use for implementing Hangouts on Air in my curriculum; however, I can see value to using a Google Hangout in my curriculum. A Hangout can be used to have a live conversation with students outside of traditional class time.