Imagine creating an online community for your next collaborative research project. Online community tools are available in Google+ Hangouts - you just have to build it (see below).
Why use Google+ Hangouts? Here are three important reasons, especially for collaborators.
People Connections. If you're looking to collaborate, don't you need people? I can't think of a better place right now to make people connections than Google+ Hangouts. At first, the name struck me - really, I was 'hung up' with 'hang out' - but what's in a name?
Online Communities. Some people may argue whether you need an online community of your own for collaborative work. But just maybe having access to like-minded people to test out your collaborative project is one way to find out. An emerging social network like Google+ provides a platform to personalize your online community, whether it's strictly for business or for personal use.
Online Meetings. Google+ Hangouts gives you the platform tools to conduct an online meeting. Google Docs can be shared as well. In the collaborative world, online meetings can now be easily structured at the time of your hangout.
So, high school days are here all over again. Think about it - the informal nature of a hangout gives people the chance to kick some ideas around.
To create your own online community:
- Create a circle with specific criteria for your online community. Are you a Google+ user already?
- Install Google+ Hangouts. Cool new stuff - video (requires webcam), voice, and text chats are at your fingertips.
- Invite people. Have fun!