google+groups

View the EDET 2305 Multimedia Literacy Google Group by [|Clicking Here] and signing in.

About Google Groups
Google Groups is another online tool which allows for collaboration from a range of users. The tool connects users with other members for sharing of information and discussions through a ‘chat’ style interface. When a member has been granted access to a group they are then allowed to access a common ‘group page’. Each Google group has a home page which may have information explaining the use and purpose of the group. The user can then move on to access discussions amongst the group members. To access a Google Groups page an invitation must be sent to that person via an e-mail. There are options for Google Groups to be setup and used for a range of specialist areas such as home use, work use, school use and social use. Furthermore, users can be linked to multiple groups with only one account.



Education Implementation
The educational advantages of this tool have the potential to enhance student learning and development through the use of this technology. Students can be working on a collaborative assignment in different places and with the use of Google Groups students can communicate suggestions for changes and arrange times to meet for team work. Furthermore, a whole class could collaborate on an assignment through use of Google Groups.

Advantages:
Online web tool which requires no software installation Can be used anywhere with internet access Sharing of information Online discussions Suitable for secondary school students Groups are invitation only Easy to use It’s free

Disadvantages:
Need to subscribe or create an account for use To create an account one person needs to become an administrator to manage the account and allow for inviting other members Requires internet access Not suitable junior primary school students May be blocked in some schools due to its social collaboration focus

Summary of Google Groups
<span style="display: block; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; marginbottom: 0pt; marginleft: 0cm; marginright: 0cm; margintop: 0cm;">To gain access to Google Groups a free Google account is required which also allows for access to the other range of Google online tools. The tool receives a four out of five for functionality and ease of use. A great tutorial for beginning users of Google Groups can be accessed on the Google Groups web page or by [|clicking here].

Tool Rating 4 / 5 Stars:

A short tutorial about using Google Groups...

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