How are Educators Using Google Plus Hangouts? (fwd link)

[Phillip E Cash Cash]

July 26, 2011 | 11:51 AM | By Audrey Watters

How are Educators Using Google Plus Hangouts?

As more people join Google’s new social network, Google+, they’re
figuring out how to take advantage of some of the innovative uses for
the site.

One obvious use for educators is to boost their personal and
professional network, particularly as the service offers more granular
controls for privacy and sharing. Within these Circles, as each
designated group is called, educators and students can create
discussion groups without having to worry about the awkward or
troubling “friend” or “follower” relationships that come with Facebook
and Twitter.

But beyond that, Google Hangouts opens up another realm of
possibilities for educators.

Google Hangouts allows up to 10 people to video chat with one another.
Hangouts are free and easy to use (once you download and install a
browser plug-in, you’re all set). You can invite specific people to
join a Hangout with you, although it’s worth noting that anyone who
joins can in turn share the Hangout’s URL and invite others. As being
in a Hangout appears in all the participants’ Streams, it does mean
that these are public gatherings.

Access full article below:
http://mindshift.kqed.org/2011/07/how-are-educators-using-google-plus-hangouts/

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ILAT Note: I imagine this to be potentially useful for language
interaction/learning!  Let us know if you have tried this.