Google plans to change the focus of Google+ and split it into separate products for Photos and Streams. Photos and Streams will no longer just be features of Google+ under new leadership. The document then provides an introduction to the basics of using Google+ for educators, including using profiles to share school information, using circles to share resources selectively with groups, using Hangouts for video calls and broadcasts, joining communities around interests, and organizing photos in Google Photos. It includes challenges for educators to create a circle, join a community, and use Google+ to connect with other educators.

1. G+ for Educators
Ellen Cordeiro

2. Note - video is a little dated, but still a good intro to G+
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hC_M6PzXS9g

3. Sources confirm that Google
has no immediate plans to
ditch the name “Google+,”
but what that name
represents is about to
dramatically change. It
appears Photos and
Streams will cease to
be simply features of
Google+, and will
become two distinct
products under Horowitz’s
watch. (Google wouldn’t
elaborate on its plans
except to say no product
changes are happening
right now.)
-David Pierce

5. Here are some basics.

6. Information about yourself. When using G+ for professional development it’s a good
idea to include your school information in your profile description.
Profile

7. Circles
Think of Circles as groups. When you share information, you can share with
everyone (public) or just a select circle (group) of people. This is great if you you’re
working in a PLC and only want to share resources with specific people.

8. Connect with up to 10 people in a private video call. Share your screen, chat,
collaborate on a Google Doc, wear a party hat all in one place. Hangouts on Air
allow you to Broadcast publicly and your Hangout is recorded and published to your
Youtube Channel. Connect with another class or meet with someone across campus
in Google Hangouts.
Hangouts

9. Connect with others who have common interests in a Google Community. Organize
posts in topics and keep your community private or public. A lot like subscribing to a
group, but not to be confused with circles.
Communities

10. Organize all your photos in Google plus. Auto back up all your images and play with
some cool features like auto awesomeness and stories. Share publicly or privately.
Photos

11. Let’s take a tour.

12. • Create a circle that
includes everyone in the
room
• Share a link to your favorite
educational resource with
the circle you just created
Challenge 1

13. • Join a community
Challenge 2
Bonus - first person who figures out how to turn off email notifications and can teach
the group wins bonus points!

14. • Use Google Plus to
connect with other
educators to fuel your
Professional Learning
Community
Challenge 3

15. Fall in love with learning