Google Hangouts is Google’s free video-conferencing tool that is available for teachers to use as part of Google Apps for Education. Up to 10 participants can join a Google Hangout at a time. It’s a great way to connect your classroom with other classrooms anywhere in the world. This site will provide teachers and administrators with step-by-step directions how to get started on Hangouts, joining a Hangout, collaboration tools available inside a Hangout, and ideas for ways to use Hangouts in your classroom.
Getting Started
Setting up your Google+ profile
Note: if you have already created your Google+ profile you can skip to the ‘Start a Hangout’ tab.
1. Begin by visiting http://plus.google.com – or in the black bar across the top of the Google home page click the option on the far left that says “+You“. If you are not logged in to your hancock.k12.ia.us Google Apps account you will be prompted to do so.
2. Create your Google+ profile. This must be done before you can create or join a Google Hangout. Be sure to also add a profile picture! This will not only be visible in a Hangout but also in Google Docs when sharing documents with other staff and students. When finished entering all required information, click the Upgrade button in the lower-right corner.
3. Next you will be prompted to find others you know on Google+. Click > Skip then click > Continue anyway. Don’t worry, this can be done at a later time.
4. Click > Continue
5. Finish filling out any other information you would like to include on your profile. Click > Finish.
You have now successfully created your Google+ profile! Take the guided tour of Google+ if you wish to learn more, otherwise click > Not now.
From here forward, you will be able to access Google+ by clicking the +YourName link in the top of the Google.com home page.
Start a Hangout
1. From your Google+ home page click the Hangouts button located on the right side of the screen.
2. The Hangouts sidebar will open on the right side of the screen. After you have participated in some Hangouts, a Hangout history will be displayed in this sidebar.
3. Click > New Hangout. Begin typing in the Google Apps address(es) of the individuals you wish to invite to the Hangout.
As you type each address, the participant’s picture will appear (if they have already set up their Google+ profile). Click the check box next to their name to add them to the list of invitees.
After you have invited everyone to your Hangout, click either the speech bubble icon ( to have a text based Hangout) or click the video camera icon (to have a video call).
Starting a Hangout Using the Google Hangout Extension
Another way to start a Hangout is to install the Hangout extension for Google Chrome. Click here to go to the Chrome Web Store and install the extension.
Once installed, you will see the extension appear in the upper right corner of Google Chrome.
The Hangout extension looks like a green speech bubble.
When you click on the extension, it will open Hangouts in a small window in the bottom-right corner of your screen. This will show you any previous hangouts you have participated in as well as your current Google+ contacts. A contact that has a green line underneath their profile picture denotes that that contact is currently online. You can use the Hangouts extension to access Hangouts without having to move from the web site you’re currently on.
Using the ‘Hangouts Call” app
Another option to start a Google Hangout is to use the Hangouts Call app; which is available in the Chrome Webstore.
When launching this app it will open a new window to immediately begin a new video Hangout. It will automatically prompt you to invite additional people to the Hangout.
Join a Hangout
A great way to be notified when you’re invited to a Hangout is to install the Hangout extension for Google Chrome. Click here to go to the Chrome Web Store and install the extension.
Once installed, you will see the extension appear in the upper right corner of Google Chrome.
The Hangout extension looks like a green speech bubble.
When you click on the extension, it will open Hangouts in a small window in the bottom-right corner of your screen. This will show you any previous hangouts you have participated in as well as your current Google+ contacts. A contact that has a green line underneath their profile picture denotes that that contact is currently online. You can use the Hangouts extension to access Hangouts without having to move from the web site you’re currently on.
When invited to a Hangout and you have the extension installed, the Hangout window will automatically appear in the bottom-right corner of the screen and a notification sound will play. This example shows an incoming video call:
Clicking “Answer” will open the new Google Hangout window. If this is the first time participating in a Google Hangout, you will be prompted to install the Hangout Plugin.
After the plugin has finished installed, you will be prompted to adjust your webcam and microphone settings if needed.
When you’re ready to enter the Hangout, click > Hangout.
Hangout Tools
Using Hangouts in the Classroom
Connect your class with another class in the district, metro area, state, or another country!
