Google Duo is an incredibly simple but useful app. Available for free to both Android and iOS, this video calling app is very smooth, stable, and easy to use. You simply call someone through their phone number and if they do not already have the app it will text them an invite with a link (no need for usernames or other account information).
Connecting students through Google Duo could take many forms to aid in their collaboration.
1. Students could be working alongside another class in another school during class time and could collaborate with their partner or group through Google Duo. Bring your own device would be a great way to implement this type of activity.
2. Students working on a project together could continue their collaboration after class time through Google Duo rather than needing to get together (perhaps they live far apart or transportation to get together is difficult to arrange)
3. Students working on a project together could separate to be more efficient within the school and stay connected through duo. For example, one student could go to the 3D print lab while the other could go to the library but they could continue their conversation including showing each other things they are gathering for their projects.
4. With much advanced planning, connections to students from around the world could be arranged. Of course things like time zones could be a large limiting factor with this type of connection.
Not only is Google Duo a great tool to use for class related student collaboration, but it would also help students to be more comfortable talking to their peers face to face and encourage them to make video calls to their peers/friends after class time. In a time where texting is quickly overtaking phone calls and face to face conversation, introducing a way to reintroduce face to face (or at least almost face to face) communication is also of great social benefit.
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