Given the fast growing MOOC phenomenon (read our article on MOOCs), Google launched an online video university recently.
Google Helpouts is an online service providing a platform for users to collaborate, share expertise and assist other users by means of live, real-time video streaming.
To use this service, you have to be a member of Google+. You will be able to access Helpouts either through your computer or tablet or by downloading the Android app for your cellphone.
Within seconds you can have a personal instructor at your disposal or when it suits you. No limits on time or location exist – you can have access to expert advice any time of day or night.
Helpout schedules a session when it suits you best and outomatically adds it to your Google calendar. An option to be reminded via sms or e-mail also exists to ensure you don’t forget your session.
Thousands of providers have already joined Helpouts and teach in a wide range of specialist fields. Experts or, as Google refers to them, “providers” can be small, medium or large companies, but also individuals.
Even you can host your popular origami class on Helpouts. Just remember, experts have to be approved by Google and need to list their qualifications, prices and schedules.
Unlike MOOCs, Google’s new service comes at a cost.
Clients pay per minute or session for a live video conversation with an expert who gives Google 20% of his fee as payment. Free sessions are also available for some companies as part of their marketing strategy
Payment is made via Google Wallet, which holds your credit card details, and you can pay per session or per minute. If you’re not satisfied with the service, Helpout will provide you with a full refund – if you request one within 72 hours.
Do you suddenly feel the urge to learn to play guitar? Matt Gibson is waiting for you at Google Helpouts …
[SOURCE: www.iol.co.za en www.wikpedia.org]
In lyn met die vinnige groei van MOOCs (lees ons artikel oor MOOCS), het Google ook die week `n aanlyn “video-universiteit” op die been gebring.
Google Helpouts is `n aanlyndiens wat gebruikers die geleentheid bied om te kollaboreer, kundigheid te deel en te help met behulp van lewendige, intydse videostrome.
Om die diens te gebruik, gebruik moet jy `n Google+ lid wees, waarmee jy toegang tot Helpouts kry met jou rekenaar of tablet, of deur die Android-toepassing op jou selfoon te laai.
Binne sekondes kan jy ‘n persoonlike instrukteur tot jou beskikking hê of wanneer dit jou pas. Jy kan enige tyd van die dag of nag toegang kry tot `n deskundige se kennis – geen beperking op tyd of geografiese grense nie.
Helpout skeduleer jou sessie wanneer dit jou pas en plaas dit outomaties op jou Google kalender. Jy kan ook kies om deur middel van sms of e-pos herinner te word.
Helpouts het reeds meer as 1000 verskaffers wat enige beroep insluit en lesse gee in `n verskeidenheid spesialisareas. Kundiges of “verskaffers”, soos Google hulle noem, kan klein, medium of groot maatskappye wees, maar ook individue.
Selfs jy kan jou origami-klas op Helpouts aanbied. Onthou net dat kundiges deur Google goedgekeur moet word en `n volledige beskrywing van hul dienste, pryse en skedules verskaf moet word.
Ongelukkig, anders as MOOCs, is daar `n koste verbonde aan Google se nuwe diens.
Kliënte betaal per minuut of sessie vir lewendige, intydse videogesprekke met die deskundige, wat op sy beurt aan Google 20% van sy fooi betaal. Sommige maatskappye sal wel gratis sessies aanbied om bemarking `n hupstoot te gee.
Betaling geskied deur middel van Google Wallet, wat jou kredietkaartdetails bevat, en jy betaal per sessie of per minuut. As jy ontevrede is met die diens, waarborg Helpout `n volledige terugbetaling – mits jy dit binne 72 uur versoek.
Skielik lus om te leer kitaar speel? Matt Gibson wag vir jou by Google Helpouts …
[BRON: www.iol.co.za en www.wikpedia.org]
