Google+Labs

[|Google Labs] Google Labs is still with Teach Web 2.0 however it is not still with Google. They have phased it out. It was phased out this past July. The reason being Google wants to focus on a social network project. They have attempted once more to create a social site; calling it Google+. Google+ is supposed to offer a feeling of ease and comfort as you mingle and surf at the same time. Some of labs creations will be put into different markets such as the Android market, while others like Gmail and Calendar will be kept and renovated. Why does Google feel this is the direction to go? The answer comes from their blog, “[we] believe that greater focus is crucial if we’re to make the most of the extraordinary opportunities ahead.” Most apps from Google Labs came from what Google affords to its computer engineers known as “20 percent time”. It allows them to freely work on projects they are passionate about such as Google Suggests, Orkut and the once Google Labs. It is projected Google+ will be the Facebook killer. We’ll see…perhaps next time I will be commenting on the Facebook phase out.

Strengths:
 * Detailed, 3-D images of skeletal, muscle, and internal human body
 * Accurate images increase background knowledge
 * Students able to be exposed to actual human anatomy in a 3-D vehicle that is not dissection
 * Can link to FaceBook, Twitter, and other Social Networking Sites

Weaknesses:
 * Not supported by some browsers (safari)

Opportunities:


 * Students are able to see human anatomy

Threats:

Classroom Uses:
 * Virtual field trips
 * Use of images in projects