Google Hangouts
Common Sense Media says
Chat, listen, and learn on Google's communication platform.
What parents need to know
Violence
Sex
Language
Consumerism
Drinking, drugs, & smoking
Privacy & safety
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Google Hangouts are a way for kids, families, and teachers to communicate online for free. You can video chat, instant message, and share photos. However, to get the full range of offerings, you must sign up for Google+, Google's social networking tool. As with all social networking, kids' usage should be monitored, as there aren't any safeguards that keep it completely kid-friendly.
What kids can learn
Subjects
Language & Reading
- discussion
- presenting to others
- speaking
Skills
Thinking & Reasoning
- asking questions
- making conclusions
- problem solving
Communication
- conveying messages effectively
- listening
- speaking
Collaboration
- cooperation
- group projects
Tech Skills
- using and applying technology
Engagement, Approach, Support
Of course, it all depends on who you're hanging out with, but Google Hangouts can be incredibly fun. Kids will appreciate the emoji selection (special smiley face icons), and face-to-face discussions promote real engagement on any subject.
Whether kids are chatting away over One Direction songs or pondering string theory, they'll learn communication skills that transfer to the non-digital world. It's a great way to extend learning beyond the classroom.
With Google's vast network of products, support is plentiful. Hangouts can be saved and revisited, which is a nice feature for learning.
User reviews
Parents say
Kids say
What's it about?
Google Hangouts are simply that: hangouts that occur online -- through text or video -- with friends, family, teachers, or anyone else in your network. Users can communicate with a single person, a group, or create a \"Hangout on Air\" to broadcast their video to the world. When you're signed in to Google (through Gmail, or one of their other sites), click on \"Try Hangouts;\" you'll be prompted to install a quick plugin onto your computer. Once that's done, it's easy to start a Hangout with someone: Simply hover over their name with the mouse; a small window pops up with clickable icons for a video, chat, or email. Hangouts can also be recorded and archived if you ever want to revisit a conversation or lesson.
Is it any good?
QUALITY
Google Hangouts are great! For kids who already use Gmail or Google+, getting acquainted with Google Hangouts should be pretty straightforward. Google knows how to make things user-friendly, and Hangouts is no exception; getting started is very intuitive. The ability to chat with up to 10 people at once is pretty exciting, and there's tons of potential, not only for families, but for school-related projects and group work as well.
Families can talk about...
Use Google Hangouts to create a family reunion of sorts; see if you can gather up to 10 family members for a five or ten-minute video chat. If it works, make it a monthly or weekly event.
Encourage your kids to use Google Hangouts for fun, but also as another way to stay connected with school. They can check in with classmates to talk about school-related stuff, quiz each other, find out about missing assignments, or anything else related to school. The possibilities are endless.
Website details
| Genre: | Video Sites |
| Pricing structure: | Free |
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What parents and kids say
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QUALITY
Really Good! There are some concerns a parent might have, though...
There are some concerns for parents, though. This is a very good site to use for contacting friends and family. However, when I signed up, I did not know it was linked to Google +, so I explored it. I joined some communities, and that's where the concerns come in. If you are a parent, view your child's communities. If they are in any communities called "Funny" or "Funny Stuff," I would view these to see if they are appropriate. I can't guarantee they will be. Also, cyber bullying can happen. If your child chooses to post things on Google +, there is a drop menu that will able you to disable the comments. That way, nobody can comment nasty or harmful things on his or her posts. If you would rather they did not post to the public, you can switch the post to "private." Keep in mind that anyone can see your child's profile and add them to their circles , allowing them to start a hangout or even a video chat with your child. If this occurs, you can block that person so it won't happen again. Have your child let you know if any bullying occurs. Make sure they tell you before they start a video chat and who is in their hangouts. Keep in mind that there are hackers out there who will try to steal their identity, so don't let them use their first and last name. They might also hack into their camera so the hackers can see them through their camera and steal their identity. Try covering up your child's camera when it isn't in use. If there are any other concerns you have before signing your child up, explore the site. I can't guarantee there isn't sexting or violence, but so far I haven't seen any. There is lots of swearing, and if a person swears on your child's post, have them tell you immediately so you can delete the post and block that person so your child can't view his or her comments. Thanks for reading my overly long review, and I hope it helped you decide.
What other families should know
Too much swearing
Safety and privacy concerns
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QUALITY
Cool
You can chat with friends and family. You can also video chat. Say your child's best friend moves away. They can get Gmail accounts and keep in touch easily.
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