The DigiSkills Cymru Guide to Google Hangouts

T he

guide

to setting up a private group video call using Google+ Hangouts Google+ hangouts is a bit like Skype – it lets you make free video calls.

What makes it really useful is that it's easier than Skype to make group video calls and it works inside your web browser (Internet Explorer, Safari, Chrome, Firefox, etc). Calls can be private or broadcast live on YouTube.

------------------------------------------------To do this, you and everyone involved will need: • a computer with a web camera and microphone (participants can also use a mobile device with the Google Hangouts App installed) • a good broadband internet connection • a Gmail or Google account • to make sure your internet browser & flash player is up-todate • to make everyone aware of the date and time of the meeting • email addresses for everyone you want to join the conversation and a corresponding list of phone numbers in case gremlins get into the system • a little bit of patience and perseverance because browser “plug ins” and slow internet speeds can cause hiccups along the way

Step 1: Log on to Google

Go to the Google homepage and click “sign in�

Log into your Google (i.e. Gmail) account or create a new account.

Step 2: Go to Google+ Back on the Google Homepage, click on the grid symbol in the top left hand corner and then on G+.

This will take you to Google's social network, Google+.

Step 3: Start a new Hangout

On the Google+ homepage, click “start a video hangout hangout” in the bottom right hand corner Step 4: Join the video call

After giving it a moment, you should see yourself on the screen.

You might then have to “Join” the virtual meeting room by clicking the green button at the bottom of the screen.

Step 5: Invite others to join you Next, you need invite your group to join the virtual meeting room.

The “invite” box may simply pop up as you enter the room, or you might have to click the “invite people” icon at the top of the screen.

It is often best to invite people to the room using your normal email account.

Simply copy the link and paste it into an email message.

You can also enter each email address and then click “Invite” to send an automatic email to everyone. This option will “call” the whole group but, for it to work, everyone must to be logged in to their Google+ or Gmail account at the time.

Step 6: Enjoy your interactive video meeting Sit back and wait for everyone else to join you in the room. As they enter you'll hear a “ping� and see them appear in windows at the bottom of the screen.

The main camera view will switch automatically to highlight the person who is talking. It's often a good idea to ask others to switch off their microphones using the button at the top of their screen until they need to speak. It's always possible to communicate silently using the text Chat App. If anyone is experiencing problems with a slow or unstable connection, a good tip is to try switching off the web camera. It's still possible to see others and to hear the audio.

The Screenshare App lets anyone give a presentation, display a document or show a web site to the group. Other Apps can be added too, such as one that allows you to show YouTube videos to the group.

DigiSkills Cymru: Public Services Learning & Working Online

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This guide is current as of 13 October 2014 and has been released on a Creative Commons-Attribution-Non Commercial licence.

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