Google+Wave

​​ =Google Wave =

Google Wave is a Web 2.0 tool that can be used to effectively manage a group of individuals working together for a common purpose. Google Wave offers its users a shared space on the Web that allows the invited members of a particular Wave to freely interact, add images, and view all comments that are made. An additional feature that I found would be helpful is that the site updates immediately and there is only one copy of the wave so everyone has the same current information. This tool is very simple to use and best of all free. It may require the user to download a free version of Google Chrome Framework in order to use Google Wave. A very nice tutorial I found that after watching led me to take a deeper look can be found at the address below. @http://www.youtube.com/googlewave

Google Wave would be a wonderful tool for me to use with Parents as Teachers to:

· Gather information from their questions or stories · Educate the parent through links and video · Collaborate with therapists and other parties involved

For some families there are many different professionals in and out of the house giving different directions and many times this leaves the parents confused. Using a tool like this would help the parent, myself, and any therapists communicate more freely and directly.

Benefits for all parties and the adult learner/ parent would be:

· The parent could ask questions at their convenience without a child present needing their attention and get an immediate response. · Receive professional recommendations and directions with all parties’ agreement with treatment. · Be provided with additional links of information even maps of where treatment facilities are located. · Be provided with videos that show a type of therapy being performed. · All parties would know who is making sure certain issues are being handled and all would be on the same page.

I created a wave with a pretend parent and therapist to give an idea how the process would work. Unfortunately, in order to see a live wave one must be a registered user and invited to the wave, but I copied and pasted the wave into a word document so one could see what it would look like.



I think most teachers could use this resource in subject areas where the students can have online discussions or research assignments in a safe place. With Google Wave the teacher would have the opportunity to interject to keep learning focused or answer questions the students had while at home. I think Google Wave will be something I incorporate in my instruction and I am looking forward to seeing the benefits.

Pamela Bruce