By: Jitter Garcia

The field of education has adapted new and creative ways to incorporate technology into the classroom. Classes that used to require only textbooks, paper and pencils, now allow gadgets and devices in their place.   Being a child of the 90s, I recall the slow but sure revolution of cellular mobile devices. A device that at the age of 8, was only for my parents’ work use, amusing only after stealing it and pretending to be on the phone with my “business associates.” Once I reached high school, they were the “big thing” to own and to bring to school, despite the strict rules against having cell phones outside of your locker. The cell phone’s allure was a combination of the independent feeling of having your own phone line, as well as the rebellious sensation for keeping your phone in your pocket instead of in your locker.

Google announces a new social media platform that launches from users’ current Google accounts.

Google just recently introduced Google Buzz, a social networking software which works collaboratively with users’ Google accounts.  Google Buzz automatically allows users to connect with friends they e-mail or chat with the most in Gmail.  The software allows users to share updates, photos, videos, and more.  Buzz’s privacy settings allow users to share their thoughts publicly or privately.  Posts are delivered via e-mail to followers who can continue the conversation by simply replying to the e-mail.

One of the best features of Google Buzz is the ability to connect with sites that users currently use such as Twitter, Picasa, Flickr, and Google Reader.  This turns Google Buzz into a one stop portal for users to check e-mail, visit friends, and announce their thoughts to the world!  Buzz can also be accessed from phones.  The best part about Buzz is that users do not need to set it up, it’s already part of their Gmail accounts.