Does Google Plus Pass the Safety Test for Online Educational Interaction?

With the internet social media landscape morphing faster than a Bumblebee transformer, many questions arise. What’s good? What’s bad? What’s on the way out and maybe far more importantly what is the SAFE option?

Social media has changed the perspective of online interaction forever. With the introduction of Google’s social media platform, this perspective shifts yet higher still. The question we want the answer to is: How safe is the Google Plus platform for online education from perspective of both students and educators?

Truth be told Google has crafted  a revolutionary platform for interaction when it comes to Google Plus. It is designed much more in tune to the basic human psychology than Facebook or Twitter. All this translates to an increased level of safety and security unlike other social media platforms. It really does set the bar much higher in providing a controllable, safe and fully adjustable environment.

ADVANTAGES

The most notable safety feature on Google plus is its overall settings abilities. Every single action taken on Google Plus can be controlled and adjusted. Every post, picture or link can be shared with everyone or easily narrowed down to a select few via the “Circles” feature. This is great from a safety aspect as it allows an environment with all information safely directed without reaching unwanted eyes.  It makes quick sharing of ideas and thoughts safely almost effortless. The “Hangouts” feature is where the magic truly happens from an educational standpoint.

The student now has the power to sit in with his teacher, mentor or tutor as easily and safely as in a classroom. Control over what is presented and who is invited into this live and interactive session is also easily controlled. Access to the Google Docs feature live or watching a real time video simultaneously with multiple people is a powerful new feature easily used in bettering the learning experience. All this is influenced by a safety and security setting designed to completely control the information and even the actions being taken by the user.

DISADVANTAGES

Although the Google Plus is a platform of a great safety potential, humans will be humans. It’s impossible to put human nature, curiosity or a plain honest mistake on a leash. Basic human common sense is at times sadly not very common.  This may be forgivable for the younger generation. An average parent or teacher can educate their younger child quickly on the proper use of Google Plus safely and arrange the settings to protect their child. The good news is that Google Plus is only getting warmed up, with more features added and new tweaks being made, the experience will only get better and safer. The ultimate safety online is in the hands of the user, it is their responsibility to be a vigilant digital citizen.

The co-operation of students and their educators whilst interacting can make the use of Google Plus a powerful and safe learning experience.

About the author:

Boris Karesin is a direct response copywriter from Brisbane Australia. Contact email: bkaresin@gmail.com