There is a popular notion that it takes 21 days to create a new habit and I thought it might be fun to break up my introduction to Google+ into 21 bite-sized chunks. Hence, the Google+ 21 day challenge! Hopefully, this approach will make trying out the new tools easier, more manageable, and maybe even a little fun.
Day One: Create your Profile
Your Google+ Profile lets others find you easier and allows people to learn more about you (if you choose). In order to start using Google+, you will need to create and add some basic information to your Profile. Later on in the challenge, you will learn more about how to customize and control the privacy of your Google+ Profile.
Log in to your Google account
Click on the “+You” link at the top of the page
Fill out your name, gender and birthday. Click “Upgrade”
In order to build your Professional Learning Community within Google+, you will find and add people that you know to follow. For now, we will skip this step and click “Continue.” We’ll re-visit finding and adding people later on in the 21-day challenge.
Another great way to expand your Professional Learning Community is to follow public experts and resources on Google+. Again, skip this step for now and click “Continue.” We’ll re-visit this step later on in the 21-day challenge.
Google will warn you that you haven’t added any people to follow. It’s OK because we will go back and do this at a later time. Click “Continue anyway.”
Expand your Profile by adding a picture (crucial in helping people find and identify you), add the school where you work, and add your job/role. Click “Finish.”
That’s it! You’ve successfully created your Google+ Profile which will allow others to find you and follow you on Google+. You can always view your own Profile and make changes by clicking on the “Profile” icon on the left side of the Google+ page.
Paul Barrette is the Director of Technology of Burrillville School Department and past president of the Rhode Island Society of Technology Educators.
